What should exiles and sojourners do in this world?

Scott Aniol explores the dual identity of Christians as both exiles and citizens in this world. Drawing from a passage in Jeremiah, he explains how the New Testament portrays believers as exiles and sojourners, with their ultimate citizenship in a heavenly city. This mirrors Israel's experience in Babylon, emphasizing that our true identity is in the Kingdom of God. However, this recognition should not lead to withdrawal from the world but rather to faithful engagement within it.

Despite our heavenly citizenship, our actions in this world hold significance. God has called us to build and raise godly families and be faithful in our vocations. Christian faithfulness is crucial, as our endeavors are not only for God's glory but also for the benefit of others, including those who do not yet believe. By being faithful stewards of our roles and responsibilities, we can reflect the hope we have in Christ and potentially lead others to join the heavenly kingdom.

1 Peter 2:11 (NKJV): "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul."

What does it mean to be planted in the house of the Lord?

In Psalm 92, the imagery of being planted is vividly presented. Robert Bosley explains that the believer is likened to a palm tree or cedar, deeply rooted and flourishing in good soil. This signifies the Christian's position in God's house, where they find spiritual nourishment essential for growth. The church, with its practices and community, is where believers receive what they need to thrive and bear fruit, symbolizing their spiritual vitality and stability.

The psalm underscores the importance of the Sabbath, emphasizing the gathering of believers on the Lord's day. Bosley highlights the significance of participating in worship, listening to the preaching of God's Word, and engaging in the ordinances. These are the means through which Christians are nourished and strengthened in their faith. Despite challenges outside the church, what happens within its walls is crucial for their spiritual well-being, fostering growth and faithfulness.

Psalm 92:13 (NKJV): "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

How should we, as Christians, respond to anxiety and evil in our lives?

Pooyan Mehrshahi reminds us that our stance as Christians, especially in the face of anxiety and evil, must be one of trust. We are urged not to fret, but to place our trust in a sovereign God who possesses all things. This earth, being His footstool, assures us of His ultimate control. As Psalm 37 instructs, we are called not to worry because of evildoers but to trust in the Lord and commit ourselves to doing good, particularly to those in the household of faith. In doing so, we maintain our faith and integrity even amidst adversity.

Instead of allowing anxiety and frustration to consume us, we are to anchor ourselves in God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and promises. Jesus Christ reassures us with His promise that He is with us always, even to the end of the world. This promise, sealed with His amen, assures us that He will ultimately bring justice and vindicate us. Our role is to pursue righteousness and reflect Christ’s character through kindness and compassion, even amid darkness. By entrusting ourselves to God and steadfastly doing good, we not only preach the gospel and advance His kingdom but also experience His peace that transcends all understanding.

Philippians 4:7 (NKJV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

How can we make church an exciting and integral part of our family life?

Paul Carrington emphasizes that church should not be a mere checklist item for families, but a vibrant and integral part of life. It's important to view church as a place where we get to go, not where we have to go. This mindset shift can be beautifully captured in the idea that it is better to be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. The excitement and love for church can often be passed down to children through the enthusiasm parents express. Engaging in activities such as family worship, where the Word of God is studied and enjoyed, helps cultivate this positive outlook.

When church is approached with this enthusiasm, it becomes a place to connect with God's people and hear His Word, rather than a duty to fulfill. Carrington urges families to anticipate the Lord's Day, seeing it as a time to receive spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Making church attendance a non-negotiable priority, barring exceptional circumstances like major illness, helps establish a strong foundation for children. This approach ensures that the love for church and God's teachings is deeply rooted, potentially impacting future generations.

Psalm 84:10 (NKJV): "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

How can believers live as exiles before the face of God in a world that is not their home?

Dr. Joel Beeke draws a parallel between believers today and the exiles in Jeremiah's time, emphasizing that Christians are sojourners and pilgrims in this world. Just as the exiles were instructed to build, dwell, and plant in Babylon, believers today must seek to live purposefully in every aspect of their lives, whether in family, personal, church, or work settings. The challenge is to live with intention, asking daily how to build, dwell, and plant as pilgrims looking forward to their eternal inheritance.

Living as a pilgrim means giving allegiance solely to God, following the example of Jesus who prioritized His Father's will above all else. Dr. Beeke encourages Christians to wake up each day with the goal of living for the glory of God, acknowledging His presence in every moment. This mindset, often referred to as living 'Coram Deo,' requires Christians to remain grounded in God's Word and focused on His glory, rather than being swayed by worldly distractions.

Hebrews 13:14 (NKJV): "For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come."

How do we navigate earthly authority while remaining faithful to God's commands?

Jeffrey D. Johnson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the authority God has given us by creating us in His image. As believers, we are called to protect and care for our families, ensuring their physical and spiritual well-being. This responsibility means we must carefully discern any actions or commands that could potentially harm our loved ones. Johnson points out that no one, not even governing authorities, has the right to compel us to act against our conscience when it comes to the health and safety of our families.

Our duty to love and protect our families aligns with the broader command to love God and our neighbor. This love sometimes requires resisting directives that contradict our understanding of God's will, especially when such directives could harm our children or ourselves. Johnson reminds us that true love does not submit to harm but rather seeks the good of others, even if it means standing against powerful earthly authorities. Our ultimate allegiance is to God's commands, which guide us in making decisions rooted in love and care.

Acts 5:29 (NKJV): "But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'"

What are the implications of a declining birth rate within evangelical churches?

Kevin Swanson highlights a concerning trend in the evangelical community: a demographic implosion marked by a low birth rate and a decreasing number of young families. Swanson attributes this trend to a broader societal rejection of children, fueled by factors such as abortion and the use of contraceptives. He warns that this decline in birth rate is not only a threat to the future of the church but also to the family and civilization as a whole. The church, he argues, should view children as blessings from God and convey this message to its congregants.

Swanson calls the evangelical church to repentance, urging it to preach against practices like abortion and the use of abortifacients. He believes that the church is under God's judgment due to its acceptance of a childless vision promoted by secular ideologies. In calling for a higher birth rate among Christian families, Swanson emphasizes the need for a renewed focus on God’s vision for family and the church. He argues that a birth rate of approximately four to five children per family should be the norm, as it has been historically for thousands of years.

Psalm 127:3 (NKJV): "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

What role do mothers play as gatekeepers in the family?

Conrad Mbewe emphasizes the unique and vital role that mothers play in the family. He explains that God has created a distinct difference between male and female, entrusting women with the nurturing characteristics essential for family care. Mothers have the unique ability to nurture both physically and spiritually, supporting the family while their husbands work to fulfill their roles. By ensuring that the spiritual and physical needs of the family are met, mothers serve as the gatekeepers of the home, a role that is crucial for the well-being of the family unit.

Furthermore, Mbewe points out the importance of mothers in discipling young women within the family. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's instructions to Titus, he highlights the responsibility mothers have in guiding and teaching their daughters, ensuring that they grow in their faith and understanding of their roles. This discipleship is an essential part of the mother's role, contributing to the spiritual health and growth of the entire family under the leadership of the husband.

Proverbs 31:26 (NKJV): "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness."

How do we navigate a world increasingly hostile to Christian values?

In a recent devotional, Alexander Strauch sheds light on the challenging cultural landscape Christians face today. He describes a new kind of secularism that has emerged, one that is markedly different from the passive secularism of past decades. This new secularism is aggressive and confrontational, much like the hostile environment the Israelites faced in Babylon. It actively seeks to undermine Christian values and makes living a faithful Christian life more difficult.

Strauch emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of this cultural shift to better equip ourselves to live out our faith. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when the surrounding culture is antagonistic. This requires a deep commitment to our faith and an awareness of the spiritual battle we are engaged in. By recognizing the challenges posed by this new secularism, we can better navigate the complexities of living as Christians in a secular world.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV): "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world."

Why should Christians emulate the diligence of ants even in a world like Babylon?

Brian Borgman emphasizes the importance of diligence as highlighted in the book of Proverbs. He draws a parallel between the industrious nature of ants and the diligence God calls us to exhibit in our lives. The value of hard work is not just an immediate reward but a long-term commitment that God blesses. Laziness, in contrast, is short-sighted and ultimately leads to unfavorable outcomes. Through our actions and teachings, particularly as parents, we should model this diligent work ethic to our children.

Borgman further illustrates his point with a personal anecdote involving his daughter, who was reluctant to start her school day. By reading Proverbs on the pitfalls of being a sluggard, he was able to convey the consequences of laziness in a relatable way. This teaching moment highlights the need to instill a strong work ethic in the next generation, combating the societal tendencies towards laziness perpetuated by modern conveniences and distractions. Such diligence is essential for our children to become influential in their own time.

Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV): "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest."