
Now allow me to share this with you. Many times, here in the United States, we suffer tests and trials that have nothing to do with Christ. Here is the problem: We try to balance our rights in the world and its constitution, while trying to live by Kingdom standards. It won't work! Attending a religious institution won't blend with the Kingdom government message either. Religion always adds their customs, traditions and laws to the Kingdom message. The ambassador Paul had this same problem among the believers in Jerusalem. And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”
In other countries, there are many who are persecuted. They wear the badge of Christianity. They believe in the Lord God's Constitution. In our country, the US, many wear the badge Christian as well, but it is very difficult to distinguish them from the world. The world wouldn't persecute "their own". Far too many Christians look, act, speak and even smell like the world, with not a bit of the Kingdom in them. Ambassador Paul put it this way, while speaking to those in Rome. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. There are many who misrepresent the Lord God's standards and yet wear the badge of Christian. Keep in mind that name was given by the people in Antioch. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The Lord Jesus had nothing to do with that title. A mature citizen of the Kingdom will reflect Kingdom culture.
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. When others come in contact with you, that is the impact you should have! Maybe not immediately, but the process will begin. That name Christian doesn't fit who we are.
Remember, if people can name you, they will define you. You aren't a Christian. You are a Kingdom citizen--a citizen of the Kingdom of God--under the King's protection. That is how the world should see and judge you!
Matthew 7:1 Luke 6:43-45 Matthew 10:16 Acts 15:1-5
Romans 6:18-19 Acts 11:26 Matthew 5:13-16
~~W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
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