*BUILDERS DEVOTIONAL*
*DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2022*
*TOPIC: KINGDOM CITIZENS*
*TEXT: John 3:3*
_Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God._
*LESSONS*
The word kingdom, comes from the Greek “Basileia”. It refers to a territory over which a king has authority. On the other hand, a citizen is a person who is legally recognized as a member of a state, with associated rights and obligations.
Many countries have different ways by which citizenship is conferred on individuals. Some could be by marriage to a citizen, some by birth, some by a complicated process called naturalisation. But in the kingdom of heaven which is known as a heavenly country situate here on earth, there is only one way to gain entrance into it and to become it’s citizen. That way is by birth.
Some people think by performing religious rites, you can enter in but not this kingdom. Citizenship and entrance is strictly by birth. Not even marriage to a citizen can grant an individual citizenship. That is why Jesus emphasised to Nicodemus “… you must be born again…” .
When you get born again you receive the right of citizenship (John 1:12 NIV). God becomes your father, your earthly linear descent becomes secondary. You become dead to your former country in the realm of the spirit. You are now known as a citizen of a heavenly country and you can now say like Jesus did “… I am from above …” (John 8:23).
The word “again” in the term “born again” comes from the Greek word “anothen”. Anothen means from a higher place, from above. Meaning when you receive Jesus, you are plucked out of darkness and translated into another kingdom which is from a higher place (John 18:36). That is why when you are born again, the struggles of this world become past. Sin no longer has dominion or control over you because you are no longer subject to the laws of this world. Sickness can’t reach you there because it’s far above sickness. These are some of the rights of kingdom citizens. If you are struggling with sin, a habit or addiction, reckon yourself dead to it, and declare, I will not be controlled by this habit, sin or addiction (Rom 6:11). Declare this, “I have the dominion, power and authority of the kingdom and I am free from sin, sickness, poverty and failure in Jesus name”. Hallelujah…
*PRAYER ALERT*
1. If you are not sure you are born again,believe in the truth above and say it from your heart(Roman 10:10)
2.Ask for salvation of souls in deception of the devil in this nation that the light of the gospel will shine on them(1 Cor 4:4)
*Dr Akinlade Isaiah*
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