Christians: Living Billboards for Heaven on Earth
Whether it’s a local business, restuarant, medical group, smiling real estate agent, or even a marriage proposal, billboards dot our highways and roadsides.
Teresa, my friend since high school, enjoyed a successful sales career with a major advertising firm that displayed customer ads on billboards.
Perhaps, we’ve seen some fun and memorable ones that captured our attention. Maybe we purchased the services or product or changed our perspective on something.
Because we liked or needed what we saw.
Likewise, God’s children become walking billboards for heaven on earth. Breathing and living beings who represent a picture of the Creator and our future, eternal home.
We desire for others to see God in us and realize they need Him too. We are living billboards, “The same God who lives and reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.”
We are living billboards, 'The same God who lives and reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.' #heaven #Billboard Click To TweetBillboards Displaying Jesus’ Blood
But we aren’t marketing heaven or advertising Christianity like some commodity or service purchased with money.
Still, we were bought with a price. The blood of Jesus. And it spilled out on a cross for everyone we meet, come in contact with, know personally, and in our sphere of influence. And the friends and family we love.
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all…that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV).
So we are living billboards to the world, “The same Jesus who loved and died for me, loved and died for you—for all mankind.”
We are living billboards to the world, 'The same Jesus who loved and died for me, loved and died for you—for all mankind.' #heaven #Billboard Click To Tweet
Billboards of Heaven Touching Earth
Throughout history, there are moments of heaven touching earth. Such as God walking with Adam in the Garden and the many times God sent fire from heaven.
Or when angels of the Lord appeared to people in the Bible and when Jesus came the first Christmas night.
And heaven still touches earth today.
So we remain steadfast in prayer. Who knows what is waiting behind the veil of heaven ready to rain down unless we ask—miracles and wonders and awe on display in our lives.
Also, we abide in God’s presence. Worship and God’s Word both instill in us the riches of heaven, and others take notice. Because we carry a piece of heaven’s real estate, sealed by the Holy Spirit, as a promise of new life and a place prepared for us.
A sure-fire way to see glimpses of heaven? Be Jesus with skin. Model Christ to our family and friends; to the downcast, wayward—anyone without hope.
A sure-fire way to see glimpses of heaven? Be Jesus with skin. Model Christ to our family and friends; to the downcast, wayward—anyone without hope. #Jesus #heaven Click To TweetShowcasing Pieces of Heaven
Do we want to bring the hope of heaven, Jesus Christ, to this world? Grab ahold of true hope, the anchor for our souls. Living in such a manner that others ask where to find it. And then lead them to the cross and an empty tomb and a risen Savior.
Do we want to see the mercy of heaven displayed in living color? Access God’s mercies, new every morning, and then dispense mercy to others without limitation or hesitation.
Do we desire to encounter the goodness of heaven as we dwell on this earth? Allow the Spirit to lead us, crucifying our flesh. The Spirit grows the fruit of goodness in us, pointing others to a good Father in heaven (See Galatians 5:16-24).
Do we desire heaven’s love-factor brought down to our daily lives? Walk in God’s ways and His love. Refresh our minds with the unconditional love of 1 Corinthians 13. Since we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
So, you see, we’re already citizens of heaven. We carry a piece of heaven’s real estate inside us.
And we are living billboards, “The same God who lives and reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.”
For more about heaven, Heaven is Real and Hell is Real.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
Legacy Linkup/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Recharge Wednesday/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected and Faith On Fire.
© 2020 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Thanks for sharing – such a great reminder that we have every opportunity to showcase the greatness of Jesus in our lives!
Melissa, I just love the word “showcase.” It paints the imagery of scriptural truths of how our lives should portray God!
Amen, Karen! We are living, breathing advertisements for God and the love He has given us in Christ Jesus each and every day. May we be the very billboards He has created us to be.
Blessings!
That’s a great thought, Martha. “May we be the very billboards He has created us to be.” We were made to point others to Jesus Christ. But sometimes we learn a different kind of advertising in our culture…to point others to ourselves. What we do for God, not who He is! The great I am. Help us, Lord!
And sometimes we are the only sign they will read about Christian values even we are not at church. It is so important to understand how the world is watching.
That’s true, Yvonne. God’s children are walking billboards for heaven on earth. Breathing and living beings who represent a picture of the Creator and our future, eternal home.
We send messages to more people than we realize. Those messages need to be the right ones. Thanks and God bless, Karen.
I concur, Nancy. Our lives are on display and sending messages whether we realize it or not. May they shout God’s glory and praise!
Very thought-provoking with excellent imagery that heightens my understanding of how vital we can be in showcasing pieces of heaven. Bringing hope to a hurting world, having Christ work through us to others.
Thank you, Valerie! A sure-fire way to see glimpses of heaven is when we are Jesus with skin. And we help bring pieces of heaven to earth like hope, mercy, goodness, and God’s love. God bless! Appreciate you commenting.
I am thankful to be a living billboard for God. I pray my thoughts, words and actions will show His love to everyone. 🙂
Amen, Melissa! Great prayer! We were bought with a price. The blood of Jesus. And it spilled out on a cross for everyone we meet, come in contact with, know personally, and in our sphere of influence. And the friends and family we love.
Amen! The idea of being a billboard for Christ goes well with being an ambassador for Christ. (See 2 Cor. 5:20). We represent Christ! It’s a big responsibility; but a rewarding one. When we are loving towards others, they perceive Christ as loving. Same thing, though, when we’ve let our carnal nature shine through. Please pray for me that I might model Christ!
Jerralea, an ambassador is a great example. Let’s all pray for each other that we stay crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20), and live the crucified life with Christ living in us and for us and through us!
Amen Ms. Karen! I’ve often said “Sometimes we might be the only Bible some people will see.” If folks can’t see Christ in us, the way we interact with this world every day, then the gospel message is lost. Our testimony is ineffective. Of all the years I’ve wasted in my life, I am grateful for Christ’s forgiveness and payment for all my sins; for I am certain there’s been more people I’ve “turned off” to Christ than “turned on.” Working on balancing that out, but praise God, He doesn’t keep score. What a wonderful message Ms. Karen. God’s blessings for sharing your heart ma’am.
J.D., that’s always been such a sobering and powerful thought for me…the only Bible some people see and read. I never want the gospel message lost because of me or my testimony ineffective for Christ. But as you said, we have grace when we don’t get it right! So thankful we carry a piece of heaven’s real estate, sealed by the Holy Spirit, as a promise of new life and a place prepared for us.
And at such a time as this, our lives can broadcast the love and forgiveness of Christ to a desperate and fearful world, Karen! We dare not forget this calling, nor take Christ’s grace for granted! Thanks for reminding me to be that billboard of hope to the world each day! Pinning and tweeting, my friend! I hope you are doing well!
Oh, how I want my life to really broadcast the goodness, hope, love, and mercy of God, Beth. To tell the world, “The same God who lives and reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.” God bless!
Karen, I love this visual of being a living billboard for Christ.
I think often we underestimate what others see. But billboards stand out tall and high, like a “city on a hill.”
Thanks for another wonderful post. I will definitely remember this one!
Love this line Beckie: But billboards stand out tall and high, like a “city on a hill.” Yes!
You are a breathing, living billboard for heaven on earth!
Great reminders of Christ with us, heaven come down to touch the earth! And great reminders to live our lives for the Lord in ways that represent Jesus, model integrity, and demonstrate the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. If Christ is in us, these should be our norms, our daily habits. Your words cause us to pause and to consider if this is so. Are we living for Jesus in ways that are clearly seen by others? I love the examples you share and the motivation you give to take what we know and to live it out, representing Christ wherever we go. A great post, as usual, Karen!
Appreciate your encouragement and words, Melinda. I so desire that Jesus is “clearly seen by others” in my living. May we stay steadfast in prayer and abide in God’s presence, both worship and His Word. Blessings!
Amen. I pray God’s light can shine through me in whatever way it can!
Yes, Jessica! We’re already citizens of heaven. And we carry a piece of heaven’s real estate inside us.
I try to be a living billboard to my grandkids, and to my daughter who doesn’t attend church. Like a successful ad I need to be engaging and not preachy.
Well said, Maribeth, “engaging and not preachy.” Praying for your daughter. God bless!
Such a good post, Karen.
Every one of us can live in a way as to be a walking billboard!
Thanks, Ava. Agree, I desire to be a living billboard to the world, “The same Jesus who loved and died for me, loved and died for you—for all mankind.”
Amen-Amein Hallelujah and Maranatha Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua!!
Our ONE True GOD’S LOVE 💕💜 is ETERNAL THROUGH HIS SON Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua for Today and Everyday Forevermore!!
I Love you all Everyone through Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua, because HE LOVED 💜💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!
Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
God bless, Kristi Ann.
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all…that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV).
What beautiful and important thoughts. I especially liked your “showcasing” suggestions!
Thank you, Donna. I pray to really showcase how Christ lives in me and through me to those around me. Thanks for commenting.
What a profound lesson from an everyday object, a billboard! Well written, Karen! It is actually a bit humbling and daunting to me, to think that I advertise Christ so readily as a billboard. But it’s true. Oh Jesus, may I be found worthy of your great Name! I also loved your references of heaven touching earth. May we be a touch of heaven to those around us who need Jesus. May we display His truth, grace and love for all to see! Great message, sister!
Melissa, thanks so much. It is also sobering for me to think about how much I reflect God in my daily life on display for the world to see. Of course, we won’t always get everything right or perfect…that’s only for Jesus. But to really focus on helping heaven touch earth through our prayers, worship, God’s Word, and being Jesus with skin can be intentional. And showcasing pieces of heaven on earth through love, mercy, goodness and hope. In agreement with your prayer!
This statement should be on a billboard: “Be Jesus with skin.”
Amen? Great post!
That would be an awesome billboard, Lisa. Thanks!
Great reminder that if we want to showcase the things of God like mercy, hope, goodness, and love we need to apply them and experience them in our own lives!
So true, Amy, “we need to apply them and experience them in our lives.” It really is the only way to showcase the attributes of God in our lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
“And we are living billboards, “The same God who lives and reigns in heaven, lives and reigns in me.” I love this concept, Karen, that we are living billboards. Let us be so winsome, Lord!
Pam, thank you. You are a living, breathing billboard for heaven on earth. Hallelujah!
[…] Last week we discussed Christians as living billboards. […]