HEAVEN ON EARTH

Title: HEAVEN ON EARTH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Matthew 6:10 – "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Supporting Texts:
Revelation 21:1-4
Isaiah 65:17
John 14:2-3
Romans 14:17

INTRODUCTION:
The concept of "Heaven on Earth" speaks to the desire for God's presence, peace, and glory to manifest in our lives and surroundings. As believers, we are called to bring the realities of heaven into our daily existence. This sermon explores how we can experience and establish heaven on earth through our faith, actions, and relationship with God.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
To establish heaven on earth, we must first grasp what the kingdom of heaven entails.

a) God's Sovereignty: Heaven represents the domain where God's authority reigns supreme (Psalm 103:19).

b) Peace and Joy: The kingdom of heaven is characterised by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

c) Eternal Life: The promise of eternal life is a cornerstone of the heavenly experience (John 3:16).

d) Access through Faith: We enter the kingdom by placing our faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Biblical Example:
Jesus’ parables, such as the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), illustrate how the kingdom of heaven starts small but grows to encompass all.

2. BRINGING HEAVEN TO EARTH
As believers, we have a role in manifesting heaven on earth.

a) Living According to God’s Will: Aligning our lives with God’s purpose helps bring His kingdom into our reality (Matthew 6:33).

b) Practicing Love and Compassion: Demonstrating Christ-like love to others reflects the heart of heaven (John 13:34).

c) Engaging in Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool to invoke God’s presence and will on earth (James 5:16).

d) Being Salt and Light: We are called to influence the world positively, preserving its goodness and illuminating darkness (Matthew 5:13-16).

Biblical Example:
The early Church exemplified this by sharing their resources and caring for the needy, establishing a heavenly community (Acts 2:44-47).

3. EXPERIENCING HEAVEN IN OUR LIVES
We can personally experience heaven on earth through our relationship with God.

a) Intimacy with God: A deep relationship with God through prayer and worship brings heaven's peace into our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).

b) Studying His Word: The Scriptures reveal God's promises and truths, guiding us to live in His kingdom (Psalm 119:105).

c) Living in Obedience: Obeying God's commands positions us to receive His blessings and favour (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).

d) Faith in Action: Trusting God in our circumstances allows His power to manifest (Hebrews 11:6).

Biblical Example:
Moses experienced God's presence on Mount Sinai, a glimpse of heaven, as he encountered the Lord (Exodus 34:29-30).

4. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO HEAVEN ON EARTH
Various challenges can hinder our ability to experience heaven on earth.

a) Doubt and Fear: These can cloud our faith and hinder our perception of God’s kingdom (2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Sin and Disobedience: Sin separates us from God and distorts our experience of His kingdom (Isaiah 59:2).

c) Worldly Distractions: The cares of life can divert our focus from heavenly matters (Matthew 13:22).

d) Spiritual Warfare: The enemy seeks to undermine our faith and steal our joy (1 Peter 5:8).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites struggled with doubt and fear when they faced the giants in the Promised Land, hindering their entrance into God's promised rest (Numbers 13:30-33).

5. LIVING IN THE HOPE OF HEAVEN
Our hope for heaven motivates us to establish it on earth.

a) Anticipation of Eternal Life: Knowing we have eternal life encourages us to live righteously (Titus 1:2).

b) Witnessing God’s Glory: As we pursue heaven on earth, we catch glimpses of God’s glory in our lives (Psalm 27:13).

c) Encouraging Others: Our testimony can inspire others to seek God’s kingdom (Matthew 28:19-20).

d) Holding Fast to Promises: Clinging to God’s promises empowers us to endure trials (Hebrews 10:23).

Biblical Example:
Stephen, while being stoned, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, exemplifying the hope we have in Christ (Acts 7:55-56).

CONCLUSION:
Heaven on earth is not just a distant hope but a present reality we can experience as believers. By understanding the kingdom of heaven, bringing its principles into our lives, experiencing God’s presence, overcoming obstacles, and living in hope, we can manifest heaven on earth. Let us pursue this divine reality daily, allowing God’s will to be done in our lives as it is in heaven.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, I thank You for the promise of Your kingdom on earth.

2. Father, help me to align my will with Yours.

3. Lord, grant me the grace to love others as You love me.

4. Father, I pray for a deeper intimacy with You.

5. Lord, remove any doubt or fear that hinders my faith.

6. Father, I ask for strength to overcome worldly distractions.

7. Lord, help me to share the hope of Your kingdom with others.

8. Father, may Your glory be evident in my life.

9. Lord, I pray for a spirit of obedience to Your word.

10. Father, help me to live in anticipation of eternal life with You.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that heaven's peace will manifest in your life today.

2. You will experience God's glory and presence in your daily activities.

3. I decree that you will walk in the fullness of God's kingdom on earth.

4. Your doubts and fears are cast out by the perfect love of God.

5. I declare that distractions will not deter you from pursuing God's will.

6. You will become a vessel of hope and encouragement to those around you.

7. I decree that your life will reflect the righteousness of God's kingdom.

8. You will witness God's miracles and blessings as you live for Him.

9. I declare that you will inspire others to seek heaven on earth.

10. You will experience the joy of living under God's divine authority and favour.