We enjoyed all the celebrations of the weekend. I have been to over 40 countries and some, many times. I saw how other people and countries live. Very few, if any, have all the advantages and privileges we have here. If you have not been out of our country, you might not understand or realize.
As a teenager I lived three and a half years in a foreign country and enjoyed it, but we were so glad to be back home, Good Ol USA!
Thinking of citizenship and blessings reminds me of something in the Bible.
When Jesus was on earth, He said the kingdom of God was at hand.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
He also said it was very important and of great value or benefit to be a citizen of that kingdom; we were to seek it first, over all other things.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
He also said not everyone will enter it or be there.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
There will be people from all over the world and from many walks of life there.
Matthew 8:11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,...
Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from
it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,...
To be allowed to enter or have a part in the Kingdom of God we must humble ourselves, repent of our sins, ask Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior.
Matthew 18:3 ... and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,...
John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
These things result in our being born again or from above, (See John 3:3-8).
Titus 3:5 ... he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,...
See you in Church next Sunday.