Object: A large suitcase - packed with clothes and other articles that indicate a long stay away from home.

Good morning, boys and girls. Today I want to talk about a word that the Bible uses to describe what we are doing here on earth when we all hope to spend the rest of our lives in heaven. The word the Bible uses is a good one. The word is exile. The Bible says that we are living in exile. Does anyone know what that means? (Let them answer.) It is a hard word and not one that we use very much, but it is the perfect word to describe the feelings of Christians on earth. Let me show you what I mean.

(Bring out the large suitcase and any other items that you might use to describe your long stay.) I have with me a suitcase, a rather large suitcase. Wh…