Change of Residence, Change of Culture

Growing up in America we not only have the opportunity to chase the American Dream, but we also get to enjoy how great America has become as it has been blessed by God.  America has a great past, has developed into a great society which has produced a great culture.  It is indeed an awesome blessing of Yahweh to have been born an American.  We must not take America for granted but must acknowledge the blessings from God almighty.

So as an American we enjoy a rich culture and storied past.  As honored as we are to be Americans, this all changes for a person who by faith gives his life and allegiance to Jesus.  By placing one’s faith in Jesus the Christ a person begins a life path which is immersed in the awesome promises Yahweh made to Abraham.  Abraham was promised an inheritance from God for which he longed while on this earth.  Believers also long for and seek the city of God, heaven, their eternal abiding place.

“….For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10

Access to this city not made with hands is through faith in the finished work of Jesus the Christ.  Faith in Jesus, the Son of God, and allegiance to Him opens the door to enter into the city of God.

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father….” Ephesians 2:18-22

The life change of a believer in Jesus the Christ is also a change of citizenship.  The born-again believer gives up his citizenship here on earth as he becomes a citizen of heaven.  There is a transfer to the Kingdom of Jesus of all that the believer is or has.  There is nothing which holds a believer to this world.

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,….” 

Philippians 3:20-21

Believers are changed and chosen to become a new people, the people of Yahweh.  They are holy unto the Lord of heaven and all their desires are focused and rooted in His kingdom of light.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light….” 

1 Peter 2:9-12

Believers, like Abraham, longingly look forward to taking up their residence in heaven; they are not there yet.  While they wait they are representatives of the Lord on earth, living here as light and salt, exemplifying the compassionate character of Jesus and brightly illuminating this kingdom of darkness with the glory of Yahweh almighty.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Let us forget our earthly heritage and culture as we strive mightily for Jesus and our home to come.

For Jesus’ Kingdom,

Brother Hugh Folds

Romans 14:17