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Pearls of the Kingdom 6/21/23
I was reading with amazement an article about “buying” a citizenship in a foreign country. Disappointment in the “political atmosphere” was the main reason for people seeking citizenship in a different country. The article went on to discuss the 12 easiest countries to seek citizenship from. These countries allowed you to “purchase”, to “buy” yourself citizenship in that country. Perhaps something reserved for only the rich and famous.
Some countries are more complicated than others. It seems for most it will cost you a “significant contribution” to the countries “Sustainable Growth Fund” or “Development Fund.” This contribution can range from $150,000.00 to over $3,000,000.00 dollars. Some countries may also require the applicant to purchase property and others will require residing in that country for 5 to 7 years. Some countries may require you to renounce your current citizenship. In some countries this cost only covers citizenship for a single individual while the cost in other countries will cover a family of four. Other countries are luring “workers” to live and work for a specified amount of time with the promise of citizenship. With a citizenship you may also apply for a passport. Having dual passports is considered a plus. The bottom line, if you are willing to work or have the finances, you can “purchase” a citizenship in a foreign country.
So you are probably wondering, where is this going? My focus for today is on the thought around “citizenship.” Consider these verses of scripture:
Eph 2:19- 20 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”
Php 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
When you say yes to Jesus as your savior by faith, you become part of his family. No longer strangers or foreigners you are now part of the Fathers household. You become part of the church, Gods family.
Eph 3:6 “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus”
Eph 3:15 “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”
For the believer, Christ follower, their citizenship is in heaven. Two very important parts to this citizenship in heaven, one can not “purchase” or “work” to obtain citizenship in the Fathers House. Our citizenship has been purchased and secured by the precious blood of Jesus.
Going forward now, I must ask myself, “When the world looks at my life do they recognize, do they see that I am part of Gods family, His household, my citizenship is in heaven?
Eph 5:1-2 “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
Eph 5:15-18 “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Pastor Jeff