Citizenship requires a shift from an earthly to a heavenly perspective, removing us from the power of darkness and making us part of Him and His Son. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We become fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. Privileges include access to our King, His protection, and fellowship, while responsibilities demand loyalty before self, holy conduct, and defense of the Kingdom. We cannot serve two masters.

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Our Heavenly Citizenship

'Ready Answer' by Austin Del Castillo

Our identity as citizens must shift from an earthly perspective to a heavenly one. God's calling and the knowledge of our new loyalties should point us away from identifying with this world's citizens, events, and organizations. We have been removed from the power of darkness by the Father, and we cannot afford to lean back into it. We are part of Him and His Son, with Their Spirit dwelling in us, shaping how we should see ourselves daily while living in this world. Instead of aligning with worldly concerns or taking sides in its conflicts, we are called to be citizens of a heavenly Kingdom, as Philippians 3:20 declares, for our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ commands us to come out of this Babylonian system, urging us to avoid sharing in its sins and plagues. As this age winds down toward the return of Jesus Christ, we must remember who we are—citizen-soldiers of the Kingdom of God—and not become entangled in the affairs of a nation that stands opposed to our true allegiance.

Heavenly Citizenship (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Our spiritual citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. This heavenly citizenship sets us apart, making us distinct from the world, as ancient city walls separated citizens from outsiders. We cannot serve two masters, for our allegiance is to God and His Kingdom, not to the kingdoms of this world. This citizenship brings profound privileges. We glory in our King, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose Kingdom is not of this world but is centered in the heavenly Jerusalem. As citizens, we are bound together by a common allegiance to our King and His way of life, sharing spiritual blessings in abundance. We have the right of access to our King, who listens to our appeals, and we enjoy the protection of His Kingdom, with all its resources behind us. Additionally, we share fellowship with fellow citizens, bearing one another's burdens and finding strength in mutual support. Yet, with these privileges come responsibilities. We must take righteous pride in our Kingdom, extolling its virtues through our conduct and witness, never being ashamed of Christ or His teachings. Our loyalty to the Kingdom must come before self, surrendering to the will of our King, for we are not our own but belong to Him. As citizens of heaven, we are strangers and pilgrims in this world, no longer belonging to it, and we must represent our King by living a holy life, ensuring our actions reflect the honor of His Kingdom. Finally, we are called to defend the Kingdom, guarding the inspired Word of God against attacks, being trained and disciplined to stand firm in our faith. Our citizenship in heaven defines us as a separated people, united under the eternal reign of God and His Christ, looking forward to the day when the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our Lord, and He shall reign forever.

Heavenly Citizenship (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Citizenship in heaven requires a fundamental change from being strangers and foreigners. This change transforms a person into a fellow citizen with the saints and a member of the household of God. The apostle Paul states that citizenship is in heaven for those who are Christians. From heaven they eagerly await the Savior the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform their lowly body to conform to His glorious body according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Christians are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. They have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building grows into a holy temple in the Lord and they are built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. This position grants the privilege of hope at all times and the presence of God in the world. The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is clear and definite. One is either in Christ or outside Christ. The Christian enters by the narrow gate and walks the difficult way that leads to life. There is no intermediate position. A person is either a citizen of heaven or living on a passport as a stranger and foreigner. Tests reveal whether one holds a birth certificate or lives on a passport. A citizen feels at ease among the brethren in the church and understands the language and subjects of God's people. A citizen conforms to the laws and customs of the kingdom and shows concern for the well-being of the family and country. The Spirit of adoption bears witness that one is a child of God and an heir of God and joint heir with Christ. The Spirit Himself seals the believer with the Holy Spirit of promise after hearing the word of truth and believing.

The American Faith

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Most do not consider patriotism to be a kind of faith, but it can easily become one. If it does, it becomes idolatry hindering our relationship with God.

Why We Do Not Vote

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In America, where the political process is hailed as free and democratic, it is considered somehow "un-American" not to vote whenever the polling stations open.

A Heavenly Homeland (Part One)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

When Christ returns, He will establish the Kingdom on earth and all people will be His subjects then. But what does citizenship entail now—before His return?

A Heavenly Homeland (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

During such times of turmoil, we need to remind ourselves that our hope and confidence were never in the capabilities of man in the first place.

Is It Proper to Pledge Allegiance or Salute the Flag?

Bible Questions & Answers

The Bible commands us to be good citizens of the country in which we live. This is with the understanding that our first allegiance belongs to God.

A Heavenly Homeland (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

It would be profoundly contradictory for citizens of heaven to become involved in the politics of governments that our King will overthrow when He returns!

How to Conduct Ourselves as Ambassadors for Christ

Article by David F. Maas

The apostle Paul calls Christians 'ambassadors of Christ.' Our commission parallels what this world's ambassadors do and how they present themselves.

We Give Our Heads and Hearts

Sermon by Mark Schindler

God's people (as ambassadors and pilgrims) must pledge their hearts, minds, and allegiance to the coming Kingdom of God, which will last forever.

America First?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We may be proud to be Americans, but the problem today is that we are often prouder to be something else. It does not matter what the 'something else' is.

Does God Care About History?

Sermonette by Mike Ford

It is necessary for God's called-out ones to learn from history, realizing that two-thirds of the Bible appears in a historical context.

Freedom Isn't Free

Commentary by Ryan McClure

Abraham Lincoln, in his 1838 Lyceum Address, warned that America's destruction could occur only from moral rot within, as exampled by the Roman Empire.

Why We Do Not Vote

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Christians have been called out of this world's politics, voting included. As ambassadors of Christ, we cannot participate in the politics of another country.

National Identity: Man's Invention or God's Creation?

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Domestic and foreign policy formulations derive from what a nation's people think about themselves. But do we invent our self-image, or did God create it?

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

America has never embraced true Christianity as its dominant faith, nor has it ever really followed Christ, but has instead embraced a counterfeit.

Ambassadors for Christ

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are sojourners, pilgrims, aliens, and ambassadors, living among, yet separate from, the peoples of this present world. We must be loyal to our spiritual family.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We are not privy to God's, but we must realize that He has the prerogative to impose both blessings and calamity, the latter in response to disobedience.

Philippians (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul expresses joy and camaraderie more with the congregation at Philippi than any other, appreciating their selflessness, generosity, and sacrifice.

The Commandments (Part Fourteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by

Many biblical examples illustrate that when the leader put his faith in God and submitted himself to God's rule, God supernaturally protected His people.

Be Ready for Every Good Work

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Paul underscores the importance of living as citizens of God's Kingdom by maintaining good works, being obedient, peaceable, and humble in all interactions.

Faith, Government, and the Calendar (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The calculated Hebrew calendar reflects God's faithfulness in providing His children a reliable calendar. Concocting one's own calendar is presumptuous.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

When God gives a responsibility, He gives all the tools to carry it out and the freedom to decide how to do it. He wants to see how we do with what He gives.