Cultivating the Culture of Heaven: The Garden of Paradise

Welcome to a journey into the profound concept of the “Garden of Paradise,” a metaphor that evokes rich emotions, hopes, and aspirations. The idea of paradise resonates deeply within us, prompting thoughts of joy, peace, and fulfillment. In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of home and belonging, the original design of God’s creation, and the transformative power of the gospel in our lives.

The Garden of Paradise: A Symbol of Hope

The term “Garden of Paradise” conjures images of beauty, serenity, and profound joy. Imagine being offered entrance into such a place—it’s hard to fathom anyone choosing a barren desert over such a vibrant oasis. This garden, as described in scripture, was not merely a physical location but a representation of God’s intention for humanity: a place of perfect harmony where heaven and earth intersected.

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In the beginning, God created the Garden of Eden, placing humanity within it to experience life in its fullest expression. There was no pain, no sorrow, and no suffering—only delight and communion with the Creator. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that the Garden was just a small geographical area; God’s vision was to expand this paradise across the entire earth.

Home: A Place of Belonging

What does “home” mean to you? Is it merely the house you live in, or is it the relationships you cultivate? The concept of home is deeply embedded in the human experience, representing a sense of belonging and identity. In a world where many feel like wanderers, disconnected from their true selves, the message of belonging is vital.

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As we reflect on the stories of figures like Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit,” we see that the pursuit of home is often at the heart of our journeys. While adventures may promise riches and fame, the true treasure lies in the love and relationships we nurture. The longing for home is a universal theme, echoing the quest for identity, purpose, and connection.

The Fall: A Separation from Paradise

The fall of humanity marked a profound shift from the beauty of paradise to a world marred by sin and brokenness. When Adam and Eve chose autonomy over communion with God, they severed their connection to the source of life and love. This act resulted in shame, fear, and a sense of dislocation from their true home.

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In this fallen state, many individuals experience a sense of alienation, grappling with feelings of worthlessness and despair. The gospel, however, offers a pathway back to belonging. Jesus came to restore the broken relationship between humanity and God, inviting us to find our true home in Him.

The Transformative Power of the Gospel

The gospel is not merely a promise of eternal life; it is a transformative force that reshapes our present reality. Romans 8:2-6 tells us that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death. This freedom allows us to live according to the Spirit, experiencing life and peace.

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Through the gospel, we are invited to participate in God’s restoration plan for the world. It challenges us to confront the sin that leads to brokenness and offers a way out through repentance and faith. The power of the gospel is not limited to personal salvation; it extends to the healing of communities and nations.

Worship: The Key to Cultivating Paradise on Earth

At the core of cultivating the culture of heaven is the act of worship. Worship is not merely an event; it is a lifestyle that reflects our relationship with God. When we worship, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our gratitude for His blessings. This attitude of gratitude transforms our perspective, helping us to see God’s goodness even in challenging circumstances.

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As we turn our hearts toward God and forsake idols, we create an environment where the blessings of God can flourish. The blessings are not a curse; they are meant to draw us closer to Him and empower us to love and serve one another. In a world filled with chaos and division, the church stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the beauty of a community rooted in love and grace.

The Role of Community in Healing

Creating a culture of heaven involves nurturing a community that reflects God’s love. This means extending grace to one another, forgiving offenses, and cultivating an atmosphere of acceptance. As we embrace our brokenness and support one another, we reflect the nature of Christ, who came to heal the sick and bind up the brokenhearted.

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In practical terms, this involves being intentional about fostering relationships that promote healing and growth. It’s about being present for one another, offering encouragement, and reminding each other of the hope we have in Christ. When we live out the gospel in our interactions, we participate in God’s mission to beautify the earth.

The Great Commission: Restoring the Original Mandate

The Great Commission is a call to action, urging us to go and make disciples of all nations. This aligns with God’s original mandate to Adam and Eve: to fill the earth and subdue it. Our mission is to extend the boundaries of the garden of paradise, bringing the love and light of Christ to a world in need.

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As we fulfill this commission, we must remember that the transformation begins within us. We cannot extend God’s kingdom through coercion or manipulation; it must come as a freewill offering of love and service. The world is watching, and our actions speak volumes about the God we serve.

Conclusion: Finding Our Home in Christ

In conclusion, the Garden of Paradise is more than a distant memory; it is a present reality that we can experience through our relationship with Christ. As we cultivate the culture of heaven, we discover our true home, rooted in love, acceptance, and purpose. The journey toward paradise is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the transformation that occurs within us as we walk in the Spirit.

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Let us embrace the call to cultivate a culture of heaven, inviting others to experience the joy of belonging and the hope of restoration. Together, we can reflect God’s love to a world yearning for home, healing, and hope.

Cultivating the Culture of Heaven

(Preaching Outline)

1. The idea of the garden of God, the garden of paradise
   1. The garden was only a small geographical area on earth in the beginning.
   1. It was the place where heaven and earth are one.
   1. It was Man’s true home.
      1. The idea of home in Tolkien
      1. Belonging and satisfaction
      1. God blessed it and called it good. Satisfaction and Thanksgiving in response to God’s good blessings.
2. The original plan of God to beautify and bless the earth!
   1. Genesis 1:26–28, 31 (NKJV) — 26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” …31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
3. The desert of sin
   1. The fall
   1. The promise
   1. The broken world and broken lives
   1. Romans 7:14–23 (NKJV) — 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
4. The promise is fulfilled!  The kingdom is restored, believe and enter in!
   1. Romans 8:18–21 (NKJV) — 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
   1. Romans 8:2–6 (NKJV) — 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
   1. Matthew 28:18–20 (NKJV) — 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
5. Cultivating the culture of heaven
   1. Seeds in the earth
   1. Blessings & Thanksgiving – Luke 12:32 (NKJV) — 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
   1. Always moving toward the consummation.
   1. Transform the church, transform the world.
   1. Transform lives, transform the church.
   1. THE CULTURE AT LSCC
   1. John 14:22–23 (NKJV) — 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
   1. HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
   1. THE HEART IS WHERE RIVERS OF LIVING WATER FLOW!