Category Archives: Citizens

Eye For Eye?

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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:38-39

With all the violence and hatred in the world today, how do we react? The normal human reaction is for us want an “Eye for Eye” but with this approach when does it end? Jesus taught us to “Turn the other cheek”, instead of answering violence with violence we should try to resist .

Obviously this is not easy and not very popular. Its natural for us to want to avenge our enemies, but the questions is when will it stop? So how as Christians can we apply these teachings Jesus wants us to follow?

Remember Jesus said we must first deny ourselves (Matthew 16:24) before we become a disciple, isn’t violence mostly about human ego and greed? If we truly are a Christian, we must not only Deny Ourselves but also Love our Enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

One of the most powerful scriptures in the entire Bible is this one, Satan can threaten you with violence or even death, however we should not fear them. See God gives life and can take it away, he is the only one. Even if your physical body is dead, your soul will live as long as God says it will.

This is why Fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, because our Heavenly Father, creator of the Heavens and Earth is truly in control. So resist violence, turn the other cheek in Jesus Name Amen

Citizens of Heaven

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But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20

 Do you ever feel out of place in this world? Well that’s because you are, your true home is in heaven.    The afterlife is a subject most of us don’t want to talk or think about; but it’s reality. The good news is that death is not the end for us thru Jesus Christ.

As Jesus promised in this scripture he has already prepared a place for us in (John 14:1-3 “”Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2“In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

 What will this place be like? I think Revelations 21:4 sums it up best “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”   Think about all disease and sin are gone, we can once again live in perfection again as God intended.  As we remember Jesus conquered death on the cross so we can have eternal life.

One story in the Bible always intrigued me, referred to as the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9). During this story Jesus takes his disciples up the mountain. During this time Jesus becomes radiant and they meet Moses and Elijah. The reason I love this story is because it proves there is an afterlife with Moses and Elijah reappearing. During this time God also confirms Jesus is the “Son of God”

I also love the scripture from  2 Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord  While we are on this Earth we are away from our true home because we are “Citizens of Heaven”

 Remember what Jesus said to the sinner next to him on the cross. (Luke 23:43) Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Jesus not only promises him eternal life but describes heaven as paradise.

So remember heaven is awaiting you, don’t be discouraged or fearful of this world. As Jesus promised one day you will be a “Citizen of Heaven” in Jesus Name Amen