The Christian and His Country

With Canada Day upon us, our thoughts turn to our nation. In just a couple of days - there will be Canada Day celebrations across the country.

There are some great things about Canada. There are some less-than great things about Canada. Depending who you ask, you would get different answers about what’s good and what’s bad.

As Christians, we have a unique perspective.

What we understand from the Bible is that there are several institutions on earth that God has designed, and that are needful in order for this world to function.

I would list 4 of them that are very significant.

THE HOME: For the function of the home, God created family in the beginning with Adam and Eve, and told them to have children.

THE NATION: In the civil realm, for the function of society, God has ordained that there should be government - was instituted after the fall because of the need to have laws and the enforcement of laws. Every nation in history has had some form of human government.

THE CHURCH: In the religious realm, the church was instituted in the ministry of Jesus Christ, and today, the church is the organization that God has established for religious activity - worship, praise, preaching, prayer, evangelizing, etc.

to this list, I would add: ISRAEL: The Nation of Israel - the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were called out by God as a peculiar people. They functioned as a NATION. They had national laws, national borders, national government, and a national religious system.

God has given each of these institutions power and authority and structure.

Each of these institutions have a vital part in world history, as well as our day to day lives.

In every one of these areas, we have a responsibility as Christians, which is shaped by the Word of God.

How does the Christian relate to his country?

We have to understand God’s program.

A. Regarding our citizenship.

B. Regarding our Christianity.

Understand that God’s agenda today is NOT a national agenda

God’s work today is not building nations - it is in building His Church.

God’s work today is not a physical agenda - but a spiritual one.

A. We are citizens of earthly countries - but our most important citizenship lies in Heaven.

Philippians 3:17–21 (KJV 1900)

17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 

18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 

19Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 

20For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 

21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Conversation there is a Greek Word - politeuma - It refers to a community of citizens under a single government - the place where one’s loyalties lie.

There are several related greek words - and we actually get our word politics from these - where we talk about the affairs of a city or nation.

Politics literally means “the things concerning the city”

Polis - a city or state.

Polites - a citizen

Politeuomai - poleeteuvoma - to live - lead one’s life (as a citizen)

Paul - arrested and brought before the Jerusalem council.

Philippians 1:27 (KJV 1900)

27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Acts 23:1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”

My primary citizenship lies in Heaven.

This is what the Bible teaches us about Abraham.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8–10, KJV 1900)

The place of Abraham’s true allegiance was Heaven.

The Bible does not point out a single earthly nation in the church age that the Christian must pledge allegiance to.

John 18:36 (KJV 1900)

36Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

God’s agenda today is not a national one.

The church’s soldiers are given permission to carry a sword if need be - but our real weapons are spiritual weapons. Our real battles are spiritual battles.

Our primary citizenship lies in Heaven.

B. Regarding Christianity.

How do we live out the position that we have as citizens of Heaven while also holding citizenship on earth?

Christians became known by that name as they followed the Lord and became identified with Christ.

Christianity is discipleship.

They were called CHristians first in Antioch because they were known to be following Jesus.

There is some confusion today surrounding the roles of Christians in society, and the idea of a Christian Nation.

Christianity is not “nation building”

Some may be shocked to hear: There is no such thing as a “CHRISTIAN NATION” on the earth. And there never has been.

Psalm 33:12 (KJV 1900)

12Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; And the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

This verse in it’s context means that Israel is blessed because they were chosen by God as a nation.

Deuteronomy 14:2 (KJV 1900)

2For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.

There are many nations that have had Christian influence. There are some nations that have had GREAT Christian influence.

The USA was founded on Christian principles, but that does NOT mean that it was ever a Christian nation.

Thomas Jefferson was heavily influenced in a political sense by Baptists when he worked on the Declaration of Independance. They key issue was religious liberty and the separation of Church and State.

James Madison was heavily influenced by Baptists as he saw several Baptist preachers jailed for PREACHING in Virginia. The Anglican church was the state church, and dissenters were jailed, fined, and harrassed - which Madison disagreed with.

Madison was the cheif architect of the 1st ammendment of the US Constitution, part of which reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...”

The key issues were freedom of religion and separation of church and state.

When Canada was named in 1867, it was called the Dominion of Canada because of Psalm 72:8 “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley read that verse in his devotions, and proposed the name.

Canada has been blessed by adopting some good Biblical principles including freedom of religion.

But Canada has never been a “Christian Nation”

In fact, the Bible does not even mention the IDEA of a Christian nation.

There is no hint in the scripture that there will ever be such a thing until Jesus returns and governs over the nation of ISRAEL - which is in a future time.

There are several problems for those who don’t understand the Bible.

i. The idol of nationalism.

Understand the difference between nationalism and patriotism.

Patriotism is a love for one’s country. There is an appreciation for the history, values, and people of one’s country.

I think something’s wrong when there is no patriotism.

I think it can be a blessing - especially when fighting for that which is right.

Nationalism is a blind loyalty to country. A strong sense of supremacy and superiority.

Some people have felt that their nation is so good, that it’s perceived as a “superior race” .

Hitler is an example of an extreme NATIONALIST. “Cultural superiority under the banner of national pride”

ii. . The error of “Kingdom Building”

There’s a false idea that a lot of Christians have fallen for - and that is this: We are building a Kingdom on Earth, and when we’ve ushering in this kingdom, the Lord will come back to rule over it.

Some believe that the Christians must take dominion over every part of society. This is popular among the NAR - and may charismatic and evangelical circles now.

The bible tells us that before Jesus comes - evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.

There will come an antichrist — dont be decieved - before Christ’s kingdom is established on earth, the antichrist will deceive billions.

There will be great apoststy.

Christ’s return will be like the days of noah — unexpected and sudden.

Some are teaching that we’ll have a great revivial and then the whole world will be waiting for Jesus with open arms!

Whereas the Scriputre shows that Jesus is going to return with a sword - taking vengeance on his enemies - THEN HE WILL ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM.

The idea of “kidgdom building” is often used to justify worldliness, unholiness, and compromise.

Other’s believe the church should wield two swords - one spiritual, and one physical.

That’s been the Catholic position for a long time - and that’s why they actually would have armies of soldiers who would go and enforce their religion.

Luke 17:20–21 “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Iii. The error of indifference.

Understand that you and I still have civil duties to fulfill.

Matthew 5:13–16 (KJV 1900)

13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 

14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Some have spiritualized a complete disregard for their nation.

They do not understand that even though God’s agenda is NOT nation building - yet they fail to see that much good can be done through the right influences upon a nation.

Some people take their civil involvement to an exterme.

Other’s ignore it to a fault.

So what should we do?

Seek to be blessing where you are

Jeremiah 29:7 (KJV 1900)

7And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

1 Timothy 2:1–3 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;”

Romans 12:17–13:8 (KJV 1900)

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 

19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 

21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 

2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 

4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 

5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 

6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 

7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

2. Understand that there is no other foundation for morality in the world.

When you see things that are morally corrupt - just realize that they have no standard for morality.

We have the standard.

We shouldn’t expect others to live what they do not know. We should live what we do know!

Philippians 2:12-16 (KJV 1900)

12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

14Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 

15That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 

16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

3. While there are many things in our country we cannot control, there are other things we can control.

You cannot control who the next premier will be, or what laws they may decide to pass, but you can control:

YOUR PERSONAL LIFE

Live a life that is oriented to another world.

2 Peter 3:11–14 (KJV 1900)

11Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 

12Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 

13Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 

14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

The greatest impact that the Word of GOd can have, is through people.

Your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.

FAMILY LIFE

You cant make the Prime Minister read his bible, but you can make sure that your family does!

You cant make other people stay true to their marriage, but you can stay true to yours!

CIVIL LIFE

You can’t decide single-handedly who will win - but you can vote.

You can’t make them do things - but you can pray!

You can’t make people believe what you do - but you can live out your convictions so that even if they dont believe it - at least they know that YOU DO!

CHURCH

Others may mock it.

They may avoid it.

They may no think they need it.

You cant make them go.

You cant make them appreciate it.

But you and I can !