A Nation Within A Nation
Survey of What Matters to Christians in America:
• 27% Character
• 20% Supreme Court
• 12% Ability to protect religious freedom
• 12% Position on abortion
• 6% Improve the economy
• 5% Protect National Security
• 2% Position on immigration
• 16% Not sure
1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJ
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
HIS OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE, that you may proclaim the praises of
Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who
once were not a people but are now the PEOPLE OF GOD, who had
not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
John 17:13-18 NLT
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with
them in this world so they would be FILLED WITH MY JOY. I have
given them your word. And the world hates them because THEY DO
NOT BELONG TO THE WORLD, just as I do not belong to the world.
I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them
safe from the evil one. THEY DO NOT BELONG TO THIS WORLD
any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your
word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending
them into the world.”
John 18:33-36 NLT
Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to
be brought to him. “Are you the KING OF THE JEWS?” he asked
him. Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you
about me?” “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their
leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you
done?” Jesus answered, “MY KINGDOM IS NOT AN EARTHLY
KINGDOM. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being
handed over to the Jewish leaders. But MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF
THIS WORLD.”
THE BIG QUESTION: Will the Kingdom of God be established
through political efforts by changing today’s government to line up
with God’s Word, or will it be established another way?
Jesus did not come to reform government; He came to REPLACE it!
Principles of a Nation Within a Nation:
- Our hope is in Christ not political leaders.
Psalm 146:3 NIV
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. - We are Christ’s ambassadors for the government of God.
AMBASSADOR: one who represents one government while living in
another
2 Corinthians 5:20 NKJ
Now then, we are AMBASSADORS for Christ, as though God were
pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled
to God.
1 Peter 2:11-17 MSG
Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy
in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an
exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their
prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to
join in the celebration when he arrives. Make the Master proud of you
by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level;
they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by
doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think
you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God,
not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love
your spiritual family. Revere God. RESPECT THE GOVERNMENT. - Live on the platform of righteousness and justice.
Psalm 89:14 NKJ
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne…
Psalm 33:5 NKJ
He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness
of the Lord.
Isaiah 28:16-17 NLT
…”Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and
tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on.
Whoever believes need never be shaken. I will test you with the
measuring line of justice and the plumb line of righteousness…”
RIGHTEOUSNESS: LIVING RIGHT, conforming to a moral code of
conduct prescribed by God’s Word
JUSTICE: DOING RIGHT, to correct the injustices of society,
defending the poor and marginalized
Psalm 9:8 NIV
He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with
equity.