16/03/25 // Citizens Of Heaven // Dave Watmore

Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/354059/episodes/16801279-16-03-25-citizens-of-heaven-dave-watmore

Citizenship of heaven
Philippians 3 v 20 + Philippians 4 v 4-9
Look at the first page of your passport.
Why am I telling you this story? It is not about the power of my prayers but you can think that. No it is about the peace that comes from being a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Philippians 3 v 20.
It made me think.
I’m a UK citizen but now I’m born again, I’m now a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is the King and the Lord of heaven.
So let’s look at that;
I was listening to an interview with Rishi Sunak and Nick Robinson and Sunak tells of his meetings with the king and how he found them helpful. I’m sure he did. It is always good to have a friendly conversation with someone you know is helpful towards you.
I don’t remember the king or queen calling me up when I was made redundant or comforting me when my children were so upset and ringing me a 3 o’clock in the morning. I’ll be honest. I didn’t expect them to. They don’t know me. They have no relationship with me. They are just humans, weak and sinful like me.
I do remember Jesus giving me a dream to prepare me before I was made redundant and a promise that he would always provide for me.
I do remember Jesus comforting and giving me words to help my son and comfort me at a very dark time.
I love being a citizen of the UK. I cheer when England play sport, I love our countryside and our culture and language but I am also a citizen of Heaven.
When I lost my passport, I lost my way back to my home and my family. Part of me lost my peace but I also knew that the King of kings and Lord of lords was with me. He would run towards me to help me in my distress.
Isaiah 26 v 3
I have a new allegiance and much more powerful King who happens to have created the heavens and the Earth and all that is in it.
When I have that in my heart I have to change too.
Philippian 4 v 4-9.
V 8. Fix your thoughts on what is good.
We live in a Kingdom where Jesus is King and Lord. He does not want you to fill your mind or body with things that are bad for you.
When we read or watch or think on the wrong things, it is like putting petrol in a diesel engine. We might do it by accident but it still needs to be cleared out, otherwise we don't fire correctly or we create a lot of black smoke of anger, unforgiveness, etc..
You have been bought with a high price because He loves you. There is no other explanation for why you are saved or why you are here today. He wants a relationship with you. Not like the one you have with king Charles or Keir Starmer or your boss at work, He was and can give you an intimate relationship. Sometimes when we feel far away from Him, anxious, frightened and lost He will say “look at my word, you are now a citizen of Heaven not of the UK”

Questions;
Your Bible has far more promises about your identify, your destination and your well being than your UK passport. 
Tell each other scriptures that have helped you in the past. 
Encourage those who don't have that experience, the scripture that can help them.
How do you remember to magnify who Jesus is when you are feeling small and alone?
If appropriate, tell each other or a on a one to one basis, the struggles you might have with things you know are wrong to watch or read etc..
Encourage repentance but exercise forgiveness especially