How can we live as those "enrolled in heaven" in our communities today? Our Names Already Registered Above “to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect” (Hebrews 12:23) The verse pictures a heavenly registry—real, present, unerasable. Because our names are written there, our conduct here must reflect where we belong. Living as Citizens of a Higher Kingdom Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “our citizenship is in heaven.” On earth that means: • Carry heaven’s culture into every room—truth-telling, purity, humility, steadfast joy. • Reject customs that clash with the King’s character (Ephesians 5:3-11). • Treat earthly status as temporary; invest in eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-20). Daily Choices That Match the Registry 1. Pursue holiness • “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Guard eyes, tongue, media, finances; holiness is practical. 2. Practice sacrificial love • “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). • Look for needs in the neighborhood—meals, rides, listening ears—and meet them without fanfare. 3. Uphold justice and mercy • “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). • Defend the vulnerable, speak for the unborn, foster racial reconciliation—actions anchored in Scripture. Gathering as the Assembly of the Firstborn Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to stir one another to love and good works, “not neglecting to meet together.” Practical outworking: • Joyful, regular worship—Sunday isn’t optional; it’s family reunion. • Mutual accountability; gentle correction when a brother drifts (Galatians 6:1-2). • Shared communion and testimonies that keep heavenly realities vivid. Ambassadors on Mission “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Speak the gospel plainly—sin, cross, resurrection, repentance, faith. • Live it convincingly—employees who don’t steal time, students who won’t cheat, neighbors who shovel both driveways. • Prepare for opposition; citizenship elsewhere makes us “strangers and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11). Fuel for the Journey • Scripture intake—daily bread that reorients us to heaven’s values (Psalm 119:11). • Persistent prayer—“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). • Spirit-led obedience—He seals us for that heavenly roll call (Ephesians 1:13-14). Eyes Fixed on the Finish Line Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to “run with endurance” by fixing our gaze on Jesus. The registry guarantees the finish; we run in confidence, inviting our communities to join the roll through the gospel we live and proclaim. |
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