Practice Your Dual Citizenship
It is always good to remember that as Christians, we are dual citizens. First and foremost, we are citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Secondly, we are citizens of the kingdom of this world, and in our case, Americans. Jesus reminded us that we have a duty to both: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).
Being good citizens means we seek the well-being of the place where God has placed us. As the Lord told His exiled people, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). Just as God instructed His people to fulfill their earthly responsibilities during seventy years of foreign rule, we too can faithfully steward our earthly citizenship. In a constitutional republic, one of the ways we do this is by voting for candidates who best represent our biblical convictions and supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of our society.
Here are my recommendations:
Review the initiatives and sign those that promote biblical values and the well-being of our community.
Research the candidates and consider these helpful resources for guidance: Pastor’s Picks and Voting - FPIW ACTION
If you feel reluctant to participate as a believer, perhaps thinking your vote or involvement doesn’t really make much difference, I encourage you to read an excellent article by Pastor Stephen Angliss of Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church 4 Sinful Pitfalls to Avoid on Election Day Beware, this article may expose a few of your tendencies.
Let’s remember that faithful citizenship—both heavenly and earthly—is part of our worship and witness to Christ.
Pastor Jeff
Foundational Faith Statement #7: What is the work of creation?
The work of creation is God making all things out of nothing, by the word of His power and all very good (Gen. 1:1; Heb. 11:3; Gen. 1:31).