Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship. The only reason God ordains the rights of a Caesar is for the sake of God.”. But our citizenship is in heaven. In the process, they get that country’s citizenship to avail of all the benefits that it provides. Our citizenship is in heaven, even as we “sojourn” on the earth. My loyalty belongs to You, and I want to represent You well in all I do. Presidents, Congress, kings, and emperors of every kind all also answer to God. And in the same way, we don't have to be in heaven to benefit from heavenly jurisdiction. A mind set on heavenly things looks for all that is related to heaven including the glory of our returning Lord and all that brings with it. In this present life we enjoy love, peace, joy, mercy, and so much more. When I do, I will truly be Your ambassador. As current ambassadors of God's Kingdom, we have the responsibility to adhere to God's standard. Tomorrow we are celebrating Independence Day where many citizens of the United States ignite small explosives in their backyards while making jokes about liking their coffee hot and their tea in the harbor, all in remembrance of the American colonies declaring independence from King George III. Just as a citizen of America enjoys the rights of an American, although he may visit France, so we are to enjoy the rights of Heaven, although we live on earth. From a kingdom point of view, I am not trying to make a case either for or against the advantages or benefits of being an American citizen. When we fail to love rightly, we fail to image God correctly. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. We can vote, or not. Some of the most important benefits of citizenship are: Sponsorship of Relatives for Permanent Resident Status Persons holding full U.S. My ultimate loyalty must belong to him. 2015/12/01 Pastor Adam Mask ... you also have all the privileges and benefits of being a citizen of the kingdom of the God most High under the care and control of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials …”. This gives us hope to deal with everything that happens while living on earth. We seek and find … He likened it to a field where wheat and weeds grew together, appearing similar. But we ought not to confuse these things with being good Christians, or not. I never did apply for citizenship; and when I left the country, my resident visa was cancelled. It will never depreciate, and it will never lose its value. Here are three reasons why we must be diligent citizens of heaven above any other citizenship here on earth and the benefits that follow: 1) Because all authority belongs to King Jesus. benefits of citizenship, only some of the more important ones. When we obey God’s will and ways as not only citizens but as his children, we show an unbelieving world the wisdom of God. Therefore, it is important not to confuse Christianity for Civil Religion. The person who previously was an alien and a stranger to the kingdom of God is graciously endowed with all the benefits of heavenly citizenship. However, that is not universally experienced and for other citizens they are trying to figure out what it means to live here when it doesn’t feel like freedom. Help me to never forget my responsibility to bring others to You. 2) Because the world watches and sees God when we live out our citizenship. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new . He conquered the area in the fourth century B.C. Join us online as Melanie and Gerry lead worship and Andrew Chubb brings a message on the benefits of heavenly citizenship on earth. Any authority you ascribe to Caesar you will ascribe to him for the sake of God’s greater authority. Christ is that door that leads you into the Kingdom of Heaven. Wherever we go, we represent the Lord and His kingdom. but other privileges were restricted (such as voting in an election). Shortly after I graduated from college, I packed my bags and moved to a foreign country where I lived for the next three years. "Kingdom" citizenship has it's privileges. This blog began with the belief that women desire to know the truth about the Word of God and learn together in community. We can obey the nation-states we live in for the sake of obeying our ultimate and higher authority, God. There were over 183,000 new migrants under the permanent residency scheme in 2016-17, mostly from India, China and the UK. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, New Living Translation But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Citizens of heaven are the salt and light of the world, and as such we show the character of God to the unbelieving world through our words and actions. We have certain freedoms granted to us that we can enjoy. Ultimately, our hope is in the reign of a higher governing power, from whom we receive as citizens hope against our sin, and the sin of this world. Englishmen now claim protection and immunity from foreign exactions in all parts of the world on account of their nationality. The Holy Spirit begins to transform our sinful, worldly desires into those that glorify God (Romans 12:1–2). The Windrush documentation scandal has continued to dominate the political news this week. It must umpire and decide our course of action. John Piper says, “When you know that all is God’s, then anything you render to Caesar you will render for God’s sake. Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for all the benefits You’ve given me. He or she becomes a fellow citizen of heaven with all other obedient believers. Post author By Felicity Dale; Post date July 9, 2010; 4 Comments on 7 benefits of citizenship in the Kingdom; In the last post I looked at what it means for us to be citizens of a kingdom. We benefit in being a heavenly citizen because all other countries and governments answer to our king. Those privileges are cleverly structured into a constitutional implement called “righteousness”. Our heavenly citizenship gives us a critical distance from our current context, helping us to speak prophetically to it – as Paul himself does in the rest of the letter to the Philippians. Second Corinthians 5:20 describes our responsibilities—for citizenship does carry responsibilities—this way: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. I belong, body and soul, to God. People are attracted to a nation that appears to promise a better life than the one they are presently living in. What is Caesar’s is determined by the fact that everything is God’s first, and only becomes Caesar’s by God’s permission and design. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:4-7). Then we are entitled to all privileges of citizenship, both on earth and eternally. “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”. Heavenly Citizenship Introduction to Heavenly Citizenship: Developing a Biblical Worldview. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary have both faced difficult questions from MPs, as it has been revealed that migrants from the Caribbean who have lived in the UK for decades have been asked to prove… Our primary job as an ambassador is to bring others to salvation so they too can enjoy all the benefits we enjoy as His child. One of the most practical benefits of naturalization is the financial savings. . Recite the pledge, or not. The biblical principle of CITIZENSHIP is of great importance to every believer. Individuals with lawful permanent resident status (green holders) often weigh the value of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Many are satisfied with the ability to live and work in the United States, but many others want more. However along with those privileges and benefits comes a great responsibility. That means for the American Christian, our “yes” to the state must be a “yes” to God, and our “no” to the state must be a “yes” to God. They enjoy heavenly privileges. Philippians 3:20 tells me so: “For our citizenship is in heaven.” At the moment I suppose I could describe myself as an Ambassador at Large for the country of my true citizenship. 11:28). Then we are entitled to all privileges of citizenship, both on earth and eternally. The religious freedoms we’ve enjoyed and the ladder for opportunity and economic growth have inspired and blessed many individuals and families across the country for generations. Having our citizenship in heaven causes us to be the opposite of those Paul warns about in verse 19 whose god is their appetite, whose glory is their shame, and who set their minds on earthly things. Heavenly Citizenship. Heavenly Citizenship (Part One) feast: Heavenly Citizenship (Part One) #FT10-04 Martin G. Collins Given 24-Sep-10; 68 minutes Description: Martin Collins teaches that called-out saints, we are no longer strangers, but are granted the privilege to be citizens of the kingdom of God. It was a foreign exchange transaction. Our Heavenly Citizenship “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” Any obedience you render to Caesar you will render for the sake of the obedience you owe first to God. While living abroad, I enjoyed many of the same protections as a citizen (access to police, etc.) Responsibilities To become a U.S. citizen you must take the Oath of Allegiance. We can obey the nation-states we live in for the sake of obeying our ultimate and higher authority, God. While the path to dual citizenship may differ according to the needs of each applicant, the benefits of dual citizenship are undeniably attractive for everyone. As you can imagine, it was quite an experience—new culture, new language, unfamiliar foods, different climate —different almost everything. Adapted from the teachings of Dr. Victor Torres, Jr. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” Saved includes but is not limited to eternal life. It means belonging to a certain city, state, and nation, but it also means owing allegiance to a government and being entitled to certain benefits from that government. Heavenly Citizenship. But the eternal benefits far outweigh any blessings we receive in this present life. Rendering to Caesar is limited and defined by rendering to God. I am a citizen of San Antonio, of Texas, and of the United States, and I have certain benefits that I am entitled to and certain rights that must be protected because I am a citizen. The Bible reminds us that nothing on this earth is promised to us. It overwrites the sin issue. You are now a citizen of a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb. The first priority of a heavenly citizen is allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. My point here is that citizenship is a powerful draw. We must … We have access to our King and can approach Him at any time. As a foreigner, I needed proof I would not become a financial liability to my host country, and I also needed a visa to live in that country. Kynan Bridges shares how to access all of your heavenly citizenship benefits! “So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household,” (Ephesians 2:19, Christian Standard Bible). Citizenship brings privileges and responsibilities. Our citizenship is constant, and the kingdom government exercises jurisdiction over us wherever we are. We obtain our heavenly citizenship through our new birth experience (John 3:3). Although I carry a passport from the United States, I really am a citizen of another country. As Psalm 20:7 puts it, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” It’s easy to put our security in our country, to put our faith in certain political parties, but those can never save us. In this lab, John Piper explains how to live as exiles and refugees. We hope you will join us on our quest for more love, more joy, more peace, more power...more of God! Citizenship are allowed to sponsor their immediate relatives - parents, spouses and unmarried minor children - for U.S. Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card) status without waiting for a visa. We can participate in the things of our nation-state, but we don’t hold it to the same level of honor as worshiping the things of God. February 23, 2020. We benefit in being a heavenly citizen because all other countries and governments answer to our king. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”. When you enter the Kingdom, you have to go through the doorway. . Deuteronomy 4:5-6 says, “See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Citizenship is a privilege. Not to the USA, and not even to Texas. Being a citizen of heaven means we are always on Jesus’ diplomatic mission to the people of this land, where we share the good news that he is king and has rescued us from our sin. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your new country. Many citizens genuinely love this country and for good reason. But more importantly, I am a citizen of heaven. Showing your patriotism. More to Life is a program of Ladies Ministries UPCI. Though Christians belong to God above, we are called to live here, deployed in our various capacities as ambassadors to everyday people on behalf of King Jesus. We will share eternity with Him in Heaven. COPYRIGHT 2020 THE WELL COMMUNITY CHURCH - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We obtain our heavenly citizenship through our new birth experience (John 3:3). Permanent residents enjoy many of the benefits of living in Australia: a prosperous, democratic society, with a clean environment, and a famously good lifestyle. The Greek town of Philippi (formerly called Krenides, meaning “Little Fountains” for the many nearby natural springs, and now called Filippoi), was named after Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II of Macedon. Our loving and caring reveal a loving and caring Father in heaven. This was well understood in St. Paul's day, when some men prided themselves in being born Romans, while others were willing to pay a great price to obtain the rights of Roman citizenship . It is good news for anyone trying to figure out how “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” applies when facing racism. We are there to serve the King and do his bidding. All that such people set their hearts upon are temporal. Family Reunification. 2) Because the world watches and sees God when we live out our citizenship. I am reminded of Ephesians 2:4-7, “ But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. As citizens and children, our inheritance is guarded and protected. However, the child of God who is a citizen of heaven should not be ruled by fear but by the peace of Christ. Only God decides what is a rightful, limited rendering to Caesar. The Gospels record Jesus speaking of the kingdom of heaven repeatedly. Christians live in and are citizens of some nation on earth, under some government, but their final authority is in heaven. Jesus said the two would be identified and separated at harvest (Matthew 13:24–30). Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. We're glad you're here! Suddenly, I was the foreigner, with so much to learn as I tried to adapt to all the differences. Our primary job as an ambassador is to bring others to salvation so they too can enjoy all the benefits we enjoy as His child. In this present life we enjoy love, peace, joy, mercy, and so much more. But there is more to being a citizen than singing “God Bless America” in between bites of hotdog. 3) Because our only true hope and freedom are in Christ. As citizens of heaven, we are to enjoy all the benefits of that citizenship even as we dwell upon the earth. The beauty of this citizenship is that it is available to all nations, regardless of race, political affiliations, academic prowess, or economic status. God alone is our hope and our salvation. Oftentimes fear can lead us to make irrational decisions. Remember in the Constitution how Jesus prayed: Constitutional Scriptures: John 17:15-16 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Recent moves to facilitate family reunification have made dual citizenship easier to obtain for one’s whole family. We must live in this tension of our home being with God, but that right now we live here. In a day in which many argue the benefits of citizenship in our country are not always distributed equally, we can confidently say that our heavenly citizenship benefits all of us without partiality (Gal 3:26-29). Even though we await the full culmination of this kingdom according to God’s perfect timing, we enjoy the benefits of heavenly citizenship now. When God grants us citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven, we become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). And it is good news for any of those worrying about the election in November. My heavenly citizenship supersedes my earthly citizenship because God is the highest authority. It’s why Jesus became our righteousness. If you are serving the Lord, you hold the same position. Here on earth, people move from one country to another, looking for better life. We have access to our King … Title: �AX|8���Y^02 � Ü H`�"��?j����e���/�� � Author We discuss just three of the practical benefits of U.S. citizenship. The Bible tells us that our entry into this heavenly citizenship is like being born again (John 3:3; Matthew 3:2; 7:21; Romans 14:17). Citizenship is complicated. They were never meant to. Any claim Caesar makes on you, you test by the infinitely higher claim God has on you. God devised a devolution scheme to transfer his rights and privileges to us. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate. Had I chosen to remain permanently, citizenship would provide more benefits than I enjoyed as a non-citizen. The Benefits of Roman Citizenship. So Christians have the high privileges of Divine liberty, safety, and honor … Hidden Benefits. Ready to join our community? Now, there are benefits of heavenly citizenship and there are privileges. Stand and sing the national anthem, or not. It is very easy to allow worry to rule, either through the fear of man or fear of the future. But we serve a loving and merciful King! Heavenly Citizenship. He sends His Holy Spirit to indwell our spirits, and our bodies become His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19–20). This is good news for all of those trying to figure out what freedom means while being restricted from leaving your home. Here’s what you can look forward to as a holder of dual citizenship. 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