Forest Hills Baptist Church

Bringing glory to God by contending for His truth, multiplying servants of Jesus Christ, and caring for one another.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • New Here?
  • Connect
    • Hub Groups
    • Kids
    • Students
    • 1829
    • Wednesday Family Nights
    • Men
    • Women
    • Missions
    • ESL Conversation Class
    • Olivia’s Gift
  • About
    • Leadership
    • Beliefs
    • Service Times
    • Location
  • Resources
    • Live Stream
    • Sermons
    • RightNow Media
    • Documents and Forms
  • Give
  • The Path
  • Contact

Christian Patriotism

July 3, 2016 Leave a Comment

American FlagI have a cousin who was born in Japan to American parents. As a result, he has dual citizenship. Christians share a similar designation. We are citizens of the particular country where we were born or where we now reside. But we are also citizens of God’s kingdom. On this 4th of July weekend filled with excitement and national pride, let’s consider the implications of our dual citizenship.

First, government has been appointed by God to carry out his authority in the world (Rom. 13). Because of this, serving in the military or in politics is a noble calling. We should respect and pray for national leaders. While we might disagree with their policies, demeaning jokes or disrespectful comments are never appropriate. We cannot pit human authority against divine authority. If I choose to rebel against my governmental leaders, I am rebelling against God himself.

Second, our citizenship in God’s kingdom is primary (Acts 4:19). Sometimes we encounter competing commands and we are forced to choose. Will we obey God or man? In these situations, our primary allegiance must be to God.

Third, the church is called upon to exert authority in the spiritual realm (Matt. 16:19; 18:15-20). National government is not given absolute authority in every arena.

Fourth, we ought to function in an orderly way within the guidelines of our national government. On several occasions, the apostle Paul made appropriate appeals in accordance with the provisions of Roman law (Acts 22:25; 25:11). Those of us with American citizenship live in a democracy. We have many ways in which we can exercise our citizenship for the glory of God and the good of others. We can vote, run for office, write letters to the editor about important issues, and correspond with our representatives.

Pastor Jeff

 

Photo credit: https://pixabay.com/en/american-flag-patriotism-372879/

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Pastor Jeff's Weekly Tagged With: Citizenship, Government, Politics, The Kingdom of God

What to expect when you visit FHBC

FHBC Worship Team
We welcome you to join us for either of our services, and to come as you are!
Learn more about the atmosphere and worship service style at FHBC »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Watch / Listen Online

Podcast and Live Video Stream

The Path

The Path – Forest Hills Baptist Church

An online community where church members can connect with other church members, groups, events, and calendars.

Log on to The Path »

About FHBC

  • New Here?
  • Service Times
  • Our Faith
  • Our Leadership
  • Our Mission

Members

  • The Path
  • Online Giving
  • Photo Directory

COVID Guidelines

As of July 18, 2021, we are lifting all COVID guidelines.

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Forest Hills Baptist Church is a church in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on gospel-centered teaching, worship, spiritual growth in the context of community, and reaching the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Forest Hills Baptist Church · 3900 E Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Copyright © 2023 · Log in