The life God envisions for his people is not one of isolation or extraction. The work of Jesus is not intended to pull his followers out of society, to have no part in civic life. Instead, he calls those who belong to him to embody his presence in the world, before the world, as we pass through the world as witnesses, salt, and light.
But how is the Christian to balance the needs, expectations, and requirements of life lived in two kingdoms? How do we reconcile competing authorities? How can we exercise the type of participation in the affairs of the world as Christ commands, without confusing or conflating them with the affairs of heaven? There are no simple answers to these questions, but there are biblical answers.
The Christian Citizen is a sermon series that examines biblical principles for how Christians can live obedient lives of witness and influence as “temporary residents” (I Peter 1:17) passing through this world. Grounded in a confidence in the providential goodness and power of God, believers are exhorted to be in the world, but not of the world, living out the realities of the kingdom of God amidst the nations.
Series Playlist
-
Trusting the God of Providence
Oct 13, 2024 • 47:27
The reaction of the church in Acts to the growing tension and hostility it faced in the public sphere was to pray. Their prayer centered on the sovereign God of providence, superintending his world. It acknowledged not only who he is but that they too had a part to play.…
-
Embodying Kingdom Values
Oct 20, 2024 • 46:18
The church is the physical embodiment of Jesus Christ in the world by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Peter refers to its individual members as “temporary residents and foreigners” who are in the world, but not of the world. As such, they are called to not only live…
-
Blessing That Leads to Blessing
Oct 27, 2024 • 43:19
God is not just concerned with what Christians will do at the ballot box, but who Christians will be. Not one human heart has ever been transformed by the outcome of an election. Heart transformation only comes about by the grace of God at work through the Spirit filled and…
-
The Priority of Unity
Nov 3, 2024 • 47:49
Speaker: Richard Meservey Series: The Christian Citizen Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16
-
Is Government a Good Thing?
Nov 10, 2024 • 40:50
Speaker: Richard Meservey Series: The Christian Citizen Scripture: Romans 13
In this sermon series, we will explore the profound impact of personal relationships in bringing others to Jesus. Each week, we’ll dive into scriptures that reveal the importance of being a neighbor in the biblical sense—reaching out to others with intentionality and love, and guiding them toward a life-changing encounter with Christ.
During his earthly ministry, Jesus famously taught the lessons of his kingdom through the use of parables. In fact, Mark 4:34 states that “in his public ministry he never taught without using parables” (NLT). The Synoptic Gospels record at least 35 of them, which have been cherished by the church and used for millennia to help her understand the things of God.
One the common things you might hear someone say in Christian circles is, “I want to know what the will of God is.” This is a fine thing to want. Indeed, God himself does will certain things for his creation, and he wants us to know what those things are. He is not a distant, aloof deity unconcerned with the affairs of the world. He is near, and he is committed to seeing his purposes and designs for his creation fulfilled.
“He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:17, NLT
252.264.2254
820 Old Okisko Rd
Email us
facebook.com/ecityemc