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The Bible is relevant for the day we are living in. Please consider these words: “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” (Philippians 3:18-21.

The cross of Christ is the great and wonderful demonstration of the love God has for every person. On the cross, Jesus, God’s Son, took the sins of mankind. The justice payment for our sins fell upon Him. Christ died for us! There is no greater love than His laying His life down on our behalf. But even today there are those who despise the cross of Christ.

Living for their own appetites and motives, their bitterness for the cross is spilling out in various parts of our country. People with hateful, rebellious hearts are more and more glorying in things they should be ashamed of, much as the Bible describes. Instead of being accountable to the Lord who loves them, their mind is set only on earthly interests as they demand more and more.

But as the measure of conflict grows, likewise God supplies grace and strength to His children. Believers in Christ are citizens of heaven. We eagerly wait for Jesus to return as He promised. Those who trust Him and repent of their sins will have a joyful experience at the return of Jesus. We are forgiven. We know His love. All will be held accountable to Him. He is both Savior and Lord! As His followers we have the security of knowing that whatever happens in this world, we have a better one waiting for us that is not subject to decay or ruin.

It is this confidence that allows us to be the best of Americans. We are given God’s blessing to offer our prayers, service, and care to the world and country we live in. Jesus taught that we are “the light of the world” and the “salt of the earth”. We sacrifice for our country. We pray for our leaders. We live exemplary lives that glorify the Lord as we seek the best for others and contribute our loyalty to this nation. Of all people, the citizens of heaven should be the best citizens of our country.

May we draw closer to the Lord with each passing day. May our heavenly citizenship be known in our earthly citizenship. And may all of this be to the praise and glory of the Lord.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton