Naturalization

Philippians 1:27-30

27But whatever happens to me, you must live in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ, as a citizen of heaven. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing side by side, fighting together for the Good News. 28Don't be intimidated by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.


No matter what, live in a manner worthy of the Good News.

There have been a good number of 'side-effects' of being a church staff member. One such 'side-effect' has been the renewed realization that every public decision I make can and will be taken as a reflection on the church that I serve and, ultimately, the Lord I serve.

Standing side by side, fighting.

Christianity most certainly is not 'Every man for himself' and most certainly is 'All for One and One for All'. By that, I mean that Christ did not die to save the Wesleyans or the Baptists or the Catholics, he died for everybody. Standing side by side means that we spend a little less time worrying about Apollos and Paul and a little more time worrying about Jesus and Satan. Sometimes we just need to realize that our theological diversity is what makes the Church a three-stranded cord.

The privilege to suffer.

I cannot say that I have known anyone who truly enjoyed suffering. However, as Christians, we have been assured that there will be suffering. With that in mind, what is there better to suffer for than standing up for what you believe is right? Even when the consequences are great and you are on, what appears to be, the losing team.

As American Christians, we often have lost sight of true suffering for the Gospel. However, after news was released today about Rehima Beoa of Bangladesh, (Rehima suffered severe burns to 70% of her body after members of the Muslim majority learned that she was planning on being baptized into the Christian Church.) we should certainly look at suffering a little bit differently, baptism a little bit differently, and look a little bit differently at where our true citizenship lies.