THE GOD WHO MADE THE WORLD AND EVERYTHING IN IT IS THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH AND DOES NOT LIVE IN TEMPLES BUILT BY HANDS (ACTS 17:24).
TODAY’S DEVOTION
Culture rests on the foundation of law. God’s laws are not to restrict us, but to protect us and to ensure that His culture fills the Earth. This is what Adam and Eve forgot when they chose to rebel against the King in Eden. When they ate of the one tree in the Garden that God had placed off limits, they did more than commit personal sins for the sake of pleasure and enlightenment; theirs was an act of treason against the government of their Creator. Their disobedience was in fact a declaration of independence from God and His righteous, loving, and benevolent rule. Adam and Eve turned their backs on God’s Kingdom in favor of setting up a regime of their own making. Unfortunately, satan the pretender illegally seized the throne, began pulling the strings, and imposed his own culture of hatred, murder, and deceit.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Three)
CONSIDERATIONS
1. God issued laws for us to obey in His Kingdom which produce a community lifestyle that creates a totally unique society. How does accepting His laws enhance your life?
2. Why is it that some cultures can coexist and others can only clash?
3. It was never God’s desire or intent that there be a British culture, or an American culture, or a Bahamian culture. He wanted a Kingdom culture, one culture throughout the entire created realm. Do you believe this will happen in your lifetime? Why or why not?
4. When Adam and Eve declared their independence from God’s law, what was the ultimate result and who benefited?
5. List three things that the evil pretender steals from those who are under his rule.
MEDITATION
The Kingdom of Heaven is not about escaping Earth; it is about occupying the planet. As Kingdom citizens, we are destined to change this world. In the name of Jesus the King, nations and peoples will be set free from the cruel bondage and deadly culture of satan the pretender. The time of the Kingdom of God is upon us. Let His Kingdom come. Let His will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Let us live according to His laws and principles. Let His culture reign supreme. Let the Earth be filled with His glory.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Three)
Are you prepared to declare independence from the corrupted world and accept your role as a Kingdom citizen?