Citizenship

          The definition of Citizen is a legally recognized subject or national of a state, either native or naturalized. My kids say they are American citizens and for some reason I cringe when they say that. We have an earthly citizenship for sure but our focus as Children of God is more about our heavenly citizenship. We must teach our children, “For our citizenship is in heaven from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21).” If you haven’t notice America’s citizenship and culture are complete opposite of Jesus’s citizenship/culture. I didn’t really understand who and what we were called to be until reading and learning more about 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He mad Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

          I realized how Lucifer has tricked/manipulated us with this very concept. “In God We Trust,” placed on money which is the root of all evil. “Make America Great,” which shows pride over all others, “Black Lives, Blue Lives, All Lives Matter slogans that have only caused more anger, hostility, violence and sin. He has used politics, media and slogans/concepts that causes all to focus away from God as his strategy. I was never into politics because it never was interesting to me and I always believed all politicians are liars/corrupt. Lucifer is laughing at us right now because he has entangled us into this trap. Democrat vs Republican, White vs Black, CNN vs FOX, Liberal vs Conservative, Tik Tok, Facebook, Systemic Racism, COVID killing minorities, Topic of Abortion causing more lawlessness and taking focus away from God.

          Matthew 24, you will hear of wars and rumors of war, for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes….all these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake…and then many will be offended, will betray one another and will hate one another. False prophets will rise and deceive man, and BECAUSE LAWLESSNESS will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. It is a genus strategy for Lucifer to use simple Slogans and Politics to cause division among God’s children. I am sure many of us reading this have gotten into arguments about politics with family or even at work. He is blinding us to get involved in matters that God does not want us to be involved with. Whenever there is doubt about something we must always turn to the WORD of God.      

          Romans 13, let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves. If we are ambassadors, it means we must follow the rules/laws of the land. The reason why there is so much lawlessness is because our focus is not on God. This world has turned its back on God and we see that everywhere. These things have to unfold just like the Bible tells us it will. If we are truly children of God, then we are obedient to God and his law. We are not protesting violently, stealing, murdering, arguing about politics, being greedy for money, breaking the law, not involved in child/pornography, prostitution, adultery etc. We are focusing on Jesus Christ and his second coming. Lucifer wants us to be involved with earthly issues because it weakens our relationship with God. We must respect and obey the law of the land as God commands, but we must not get involved with them.       

          Jesus preached in John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.” Jesus did not let Satan tempt him when he offered all the kingdoms of the earth if he fell down and worshipped him. Then why as believers should we be concerned with the issues of this world. Christians are here to have a relationship with God, spread his testimony/our faith, gave us the Holy Spirit to heal the sick/cast out demons and prepare for his return. Never in the Bible did it mention being a Republican/Conservative or Democrat/Liberal. Do not fall into Satan’s trap! He is more desperate then ever as he knows his time is running out! He is not the greatest Deceiver for no reason, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).” It is the Blood of Jesus that has given us Salvation/Mercy/Forgiveness and Grace. 

          Titus 3 is an amazing chapter to read daily to remind us how to be act/behave during these days. Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that have been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. We are trying to get eternal life in heaven, not worry about the concerns of this mortal world! 

          Verse 9-11 is very important in terms to avoid Lucifer’s trap. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Whether you are a CNN or FOX person, shut that garbage off. THERE is not ONE PERSON OR GOVERNMENT that is capable of STOPPING the WORD OF GOD unfolding right in front of our eyes. All of this and everything that has happened and will happen is written in the Word of God. Instead of wasting time with the news, social media, FOCUS on the Word of God and continue to learn and preach the word in the way God has given you the talent. Being Red or Blue has no bearing to your citizenship in heaven, but it can cause you to lose paradise. We are foreigners to this world, when we decide to accept Jesus Christ and become Baptized and Filled with the Holy Spirit. This world will pass away and “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (Revelations 21:1).” This is our home, our citizenship that we as believers are all waiting for when Jesus returns in all his glory. The only concern/goal as True Believers is to face the judgement of God, have our name written in the Book of Life and to be able to spend Eternity with God! The alternative is our souls will be in the Lake of Fire for eternity, being tortured and tormented with no end. The world’s issues don’t seem so important when it comes to God, our Faith, Soul and Eternity. 

         I was listening to K-love this morning and a woman came on speaking about her mother who was placed in Hospice. She passed and the daughter mentioned that our “Citizenship” is in Heaven. I wrote this message a few days ago. If we humble ourselves we can hear God speaking to us and where God wants to direct our lives. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be  added unto you (Matthew 6:33).” This is all happening for a reason and God is showing us what is coming!