Weekly Update – July 4th, 2024
Today is Independence Day. Many of us will celebrate it with cookouts, family get togethers, and fireworks. It was almost 250 years ago that the United States broke off from England, yet that revolutionary spirit still characterizes our country. As with those from other nations, many of us are proud of what our country stands for when it comes to freedom, liberty and the pursuit of whatever it is you want to become. At the same time, we are Christians. This means that we are not only citizens of the United States, but we are citizens of another kingdom, the kingdom of God as well. How then should we think of this dual citizenship today on July 4th?
Let’s first think consider our heavenly citizenship in the kingdom of God. Our citizenship here didn’t come through natural birth. No, it was something that we had to be placed into. We might think of John 3:8 which says that “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Or perhaps Colossians 1:13, with God who “transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” This is the crux of our salvation. We are rescued from the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2) to obtain an inheritance (Eph. 1:11) through hearing the word of truth, believing in Jesus Christ and being sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13). That means that now, Christ is our king (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 1:5-6, 17:14) and first and foremost, our allegiance belongs to him (Matt. 10:37).
At the same time, we are citizens of this world, and more specifically of the United States. Many of us became citizens by birth, but you can also become one through what is called, naturalization. In other words, if you are not born in the U.S., you can apply for citizenship. With being a member of this nation, there are certain laws that you must uphold, you must pay taxes and give allegiance to this country first, over other nations. At the same time, you have the right to vote and you are protected by this nation who promises to uphold your rights and guard your freedoms.
How do we put these two realities together?
Let me briefly share a story with you. On July 4th, 2004, I was serving overseas in Thailand. It was a Sunday, when myself and the other missionaries with us went to church, worshipped with our brothers and sisters from that country, and united together as citizens of the kingdom of God. Now that evening, many of us from the United States did meet up and have dinner together, but overall, the day was spent worshipping our true king, Jesus Christ. That is the joy we can have as heavenly citizens. In any nation, at any time, we can join with and fellow kingdom heirs and rejoice in our king, not as outsiders, but as those who identify with Jesus Christ. This is the beauty of the church. We don’t come together to celebrate any specific nation of this world, but we come to unite based upon our citizenship in the kingdom of heaven, hearing from our God who has called us his own, as we gather around his table, declaring ourselves one body in Jesus Christ. Therefore, as the church, we gather to affirm our allegiance to Christ our king as we celebrate his sacrifice which makes us his kingdom citizens.
What then does this mean for July 4th? Celebrate it like you always do. Set off fireworks, fire up the grill, get together with friends and family members and hang up the American flag. The Lord has truly blessed us to allow us to live in this nation with the freedoms and obligations that we have. Yet, as you celebrate Independence Day, do so remembering where your true allegiance lies. Our hope does not ultimately rest in a nation. For with brothers and sisters from all over the world, we are longing for “a better country, that is, a heavenly one,” (Heb. 11:16) where the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever and ever! (Rev. 11:15).
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
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Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
- Psalm 139:23-24
Announcements:
Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 8th-Friday, July 12th from 5:45-8:00pm. You can register your kids HERE. We also need lots of volunteers. Check out the sign up sheet in the hall.
Men’s Bible Study: This men’s study is based on the book, The Exemplary Husband. The study is held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday night of each month at 8:00pm in the library. If you are interested see Clint Blankenship.
Food Pantry: We are in need of spaghetti-o’s, ravioli, dry pancake mix, and maple syrup.
Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Contact Betty for more information on how you can serve.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” meets in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 2 Peter meets in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament meets in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.
Giving
To Give Online, Go HERE.
You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030
Home Groups
Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.
Prayer
An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE.
Prepare for Sunday
Guide for Worship can be found HERE.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
Facebook live: HERE.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3-pre-k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades K-3rd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 4th-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.
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