A Nation In A Nation

Introduction

The church within America.

Separation of church and state. Thomas Jefferson’s intent.

He, and other American forefathers, understood the necessity of faith in a free and democratic society.

And so there was born a tension filled relationship between the church and state, for dual citizens.

The modern impact is that there are believers that see their heavenly citizenship within their national citizenship.

After all, we are called to live here. And our churches exist within the national borders.

We understand this tension, as we see our government make decisions that do not compliment the Christian life.

We see leaders living lives which are not glorifying to Jesus.

And so sometimes we wonder how do we continue to live as a nation within a nation.

There Must Be A Division

A time to divide: on the farm - time to take the calves to get shots, get fixed, and get branded.

We would take the whole group and, just by looking, determine which ones needed to be taken to get worked.

Then the work of division would begin.

The life of the believer versus the life of those outside of Christ.

v. 8b - They stumble....but YOU!

There must be an observable difference between the lives of Believers and non-Believers.

Peer reviewed studies - if your life was peer reviewed, would your faith be verified?

If being a Christian was against the law, would there be enough evidence to convict?

Fruit! People know what your root has been in by the way you live your life.

You Are

Certain defining characteristics which allows us to determine what categories certain things belong in???

What does the life of a believer look like?

Chosen Race

Royal Priesthood

Holy Nation

For His Own Possessions

All to proclaim His excellencies!

A people who were called from darkness into light.

Hosea & Gomer - Lo-Ammi and Lo-Ruhama (Not my people and you have not received mercy).

By the end of the experience in the book, their names are changed to My People and Merciful.

Relating this to the church.

We are a people who have been saved to serve others as God’s chosen representatives on the world!

To love Him and to love our families, our communities, our state, our nation, and our world.

The best thing we can do for each of these is to

Live and give the Gospel.

The Highest Citizenship

Sojourners and Exiles!

Hold on to this world loosely, we are just passing through.

“This World Is Not My Home” Lyrics.

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue The angels beckon me from heaven's open door And I can't feel at home in this world anymore Oh lord you know I have no friend like you If heaven's not my home then lord what will I do The angels beckon me from heaven's open door And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

Because of this highest citizenship, we should live different.

Root leads to Fruit.

But, we can’t imagine it is going to be easy. A war of sin against your soul.

And the loss isn’t just for the glory of God and the fame of Jesus - but the impact it has on the lost.

When a believer stands strong, consistent in their life, it influences our observers.

Connection: “See your good deeds” leads to them “glorify God.”

“Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” John Piper

And when the day of judgment comes, or their day of judgment comes, they will be ready to stand before the Judge.

1 Peter 2:24–25 ESV

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Having trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

Conclusion

The original premise was wrong.

It isn’t the nation of the church living within the nation of America.

Our nation, as great as it is, is actually living in the midst of God’s world, His nation.

This government will pass away. God’s Kingdom will never cease.

This teaches us which Kingdom we should prioritize, the eternal Kingdom.

Our highest allegiance goes to King Jesus.