He expounded how it seems like our world and culture are on a collision course with Christ believers. We see around us many artificial barriers being created that are increasing the gap so that the church is being pushed from the conversation. It seems that it is no longer acceptable to “agree to disagree”. Believers are more and more being put in a position that we are being forced to denounce Biblical positions and this may, sooner than we expect, lead to being forced to renounce our faith. As conservative people and positions are being increasingly cancelled, there may soon come a point where we have no access unless we are silent, or worse, concede to the world’s dictated views.
In today’s society, talk of Unity means unity under a particular philosophy; conformity to the opinions of those in control (or those who think they are in control). The Church is called to live in unity with believers – not the world!
Pastor describe a time in his youth when some family members had fascination with Demolition Derby. They enjoyed watching and anticipating crashes even as cars were driven backwards. Our current society has agendas that are driving our western culture backwards.
It is awful to think that the most dangerous place in America today is in a mother’s womb. And now there are those who seek to raise their children as “theybies” rather than identifying the as male or female from birth.
John 15:18-19 repeats that Jesus told his disciples: “18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you…”
Would you rather be hated because you are aligned with a political movement or because you are aligned with Christ’s movement? We may support certain political platforms or politicians, but what we need to be supporting are God’s agenda and platforms.
Daniel 3 tells how King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge statute made and the people were told to bow to it. Three faithful teenaged Jews refused to bow and were thrown into the furnace. A fourth being was seen through the windows! They were protected from the flames; they did not burn and did not even smell like smoke when they came out. They showed the King and all the people that God of Israel is the one to worship.
WHO DO YOU BELONG TO? We should be aware that we are only residents of this world, not truly citizens. Our home is eternal.
Those in Babylon were not there by choice. They claimed their citizenship as Israelites. Paul frames this in a discussion of citizenship in Philippians 3:17-20. “But our citizenship is in heaven.” Verse 20. Paul warns the followers, with tears, to beware of many ‘whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.’ Verses 17-19.
The POINT: We live in this messed up world as citizens of heaven and Messengers of the Gospel!
It isn’t our job to be liked, accepted and to find unity with the world. We need to provide contrast with the actions of the culture. We cannot be living like everyone else. We don’t have to wait for every two and four years to change the culture. We need to do it every day. There currently exists a statute that is “health and safety”. The reaction has been to check the walls to see that they are secure. Wall in the family; double the guard at the gate. But for the past year we have limited our chances to share the gospel. We need to recognize that our God provides our safety. Recognize that we are passing through this world but the world needs to hear the message we are directed to share!
I looked through my song list (26 pages) to find a song that spoke to me for this message. I narrowed to three songs and this is the one I chose: All In.
Verses for Today: Philippians 3:18-20 NLT
18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.
Heavenly Father - help me to remember that this world is not my home. Help me spread your love and your message.
