Where Our Home Is

Where Our Home Is

Written By:Clint Creamer

Copywrite (c) 2014

Contents
A City Which Hath Foundations...................................................................................................................4
God Given Rights.........................................................................................................................................5
Death Unto Life............................................................................................................................................6
Physical Death..........................................................................................................................................7
Spiritual Death.........................................................................................................................................7
Where Is Our Home?...................................................................................................................................8
Dual Citizenship?......................................................................................................................................8
Sabbatical..............................................................................................................................................10
Things Unseen.......................................................................................................................................11
What is the Purpose For Our Labor During Our Sabbatical?..................................................................12
What Should We Do In The Meantime?.....................................................................................................14
Personal.................................................................................................................................................14
Dont Be Attached To This World.......................................................................................................14
Be Satisfied With What We Have.......................................................................................................15
What Should Our Focus Should Be On...............................................................................................16
Political Stance......................................................................................................................................17
Should We Be Involved In Earthly Politics Or Government?...............................................................17
Romans 12 and 13.............................................................................................................................18
Verse by Verse Outline...........................................................................................................................19
Romans 12:10-21...............................................................................................................................19
Romans 13:1-3...................................................................................................................................22
Un-Christian America.................................................................................................................................24

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not
ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

A City Which Hath Foundations

Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is
God.
Since the fall of man and the exile from the Garden of Eden, mankind has sought to find his
home in life. A kingdom has been lost, and it is in Gods will to set up His Kingdom again. God
has directed mankind on where he should go (Gen 12:1). When men were left to his own
choosing, sin and evil increased (Jer 10:23). God then chose Noah to start a new life on a clean
slate in the world. After such time God chose a family for His Kingdom, Abraham.
Men have sought to govern themselves on the whole. The Jews were under the leadership of the
Law of Moses and had God as their ruler and King. When the Jews obeyed God, God gave them
grace and prosperity. It was when the Jews turned from God unto idols of the other nations..
Eventually the Israelites wanted to be like other nations and have a King over them than God.
They were soon under the ruler of an earthly King. God allowed it. And from that time on the
Jews were ruled by some good Kings and many bad kings. From a nation that started out whose
God is King, ended in apostasy. This was warned in the Bible about a nation that rejects God,
God will reject them.
It has been questioned in the wake of the growing apostasy in America whether Christians should
fight to take this country back to the roots as a Christianized Nation. Many Christian groups,
councils, and organizations have increasingly involved themselves in politics. These
organizations are also calling for local churches to spread the word to influence the votes on the
political candidates that best suit the interests in a moral, godly and biblical pursuit.
I have often wondered, since there was a separation of church and state, how is it that Christians
can influence the elected political party? Is it even the right for a Christian to do so? Do we as
Church Age saints need to involve ourselves in advancing the political powers to forcefully
convert its morals and ethics to a more Biblical system of morals and ethics?
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It is a fact that throughout the Bible from start to finish, that a main theme is a King and its
Kingdom. Gods Kingdom. Within the theme we see several different Kingdoms mentioned. i.e.
kingdoms of the world = Luke 4:5; kingdoms of the heathen = Haggai 2:22; kingdoms of the
earth = Jer 29:18; Kingdoms of the north = Jer 1:15. A theocracy was intended from the
beginning. God didnt need people to carry out His government, nor did he create people to do
His work. He created people for His pleasure (Ps 147:10-11). It is the People who, in sin, made it
displeasing to God. Mankind has cast off God in order to govern themselves, to please
themselves, and to gain all that man can gain for themselves. It is interesting to note that while
Men have governed themselves, they also profess to govern their people morally and righteously.
God Given Rights
The passions of men are commonly more potent than their reason. ~ THOMAS
HOBBES, Leviathan
Before we get into our God-given rights, I think its best we know the definition. We all should
know what it is, but we assume to know its definition.
Rights = Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or
nature based on moral principle.
As the definition is found, it seems logical to produce natural and traditional rights based on
moral principle, but by whose moral principle? Any thing that is due to a person must first be
earned or warranted. Anything freely given is still not a right even if a person accepts it.
Salvation is not a right, even though I have accepted Christ, I have no right to receive it. Which
is why its called Grave, not a right.
I have heard it stated from many Christians about our God given rights in regards to the
freedom guaranteed by the constitution. While the rights of the Constitution are given to the men
of the United States, it is sadly being stripped in the guise of protection from tyranny and
national security. Just remember what the Bible says of this: 1Thess 5:3 For when they shall say,
Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with
child; and they shall not escape.
I have tried to find in the Bible exactly what rights are given to the people. I have even tried to
find anything hinting or suggesting our right of freedom of speech. As I have found, whenever
anyone tried to exorcise their right to speak freely, they were cast out, rejected, ridiculed, even
stoned to death. Or is this also a view of people exorcising their right to not have to listen? God
has given a command to spread His word, and to go unto the ends of the earth with it. Never
once did He tell us this was our right. He didnt give us the freedom to speak without
persecution.
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According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, "rights structure the form of

governments, the content of laws, and the shape of morality as it is currently perceived." If God
allowed rights of the people to structure laws that we should follow, I would imagine the Bible to
be written very differently; Considering rights are the structure or foundation of laws and
Government, Heb 11:10 tells us that God IS the foundation of Governance. The law was written
according to how God wanted people to worship Him. God does all things for His pleasure. Not
necessarily our pleasure. God is not an unjust God where he doesnt give us things that we would
want. He would love nothing more than to give us all that we would want and need. But most of
these are conditional, not a right. (See . 1 John 5:14; 1John 3:22; Matt 7:7-11; John 14:13;
John 15:7; Jer 29:12; Matt 7:8; Matt 21:22; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9; John 16:24; Jas 1:5;
James 1:5-8; 1 Peter 3:7; Mark 11:25-26; Matt 6:5-8; Prov 21:13; Isaiah 59:1-2)
I believe these rights stemmed from the philosophy that all men are created equally. Again,
Scripture does not support this view. It is clear that Scripture does favor some over another.
(Deut 14:2; Psalms 33:12; 1 Peter 2:9) It is even clear that among the 12 disciples Christ had
closer ties with a few, John being the beloved, or in an unpolitical correct term, the favorite of
the 12. So where did this term all men are equal come from? One would think its importance
on our history of this country be made manifest, since most Christians believe this is a Godfearing country; or at least it used to be.
The "manifesto" Leviathan or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth
Ecclesiasticall and Civil. By Thomas Hobbs (1651) Was a book that introduced the term All
men are created equal. Though the author Thomas Hobbs only believed the only right a person
has is to live life. The right to liberty and pursuit of happiness is something to be earned. It has
been an influence on much of the writings of our early government in American history, though
little is spoken of its origin. If this book were the main influence on our founding fathers, then
this country is headed for a fall like no other in history. Democracy is not found in the Bible, and
no democratic nation ever survived more than 300 years. When the Roman Empire introduced it,
it greatly contributed to its fall.
It is also clear that God wants division. Even among the Israelites there are separate tribes. Levi
being the Priestly tribe and the only tribe of all Israel to enter into the Holy of Holies. Sounds
discriminatory and most people today would call this very unfair. We need to keep in mind that
God is equitable, and not always about equality. What we view as unfair, God views as just. No,
God is not always fair. Nowhere in Scripture does it even say God is fair. Ps 98:9 Before the
LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the
people with equity. Not equality.
It was once said the ...only right a man has is his right to die According to Scripture, that is
something we all have earned. Since we are ...dead in trespasses and sin Eph 2:1.

Death Unto Life

There are two kinds of death, one physical and one spiritual. Each death separates you from
something you are currently bonded to. We will explore each death, and show that death annuls
any bond or attachment you currently have. In this life you are naturally attached to certain
things. For example, when you are born you belong to the god of this world You do not have
the knowledge of the saving grace of Christ yet. When you are born again you are released
from the god of this world and are now in Christ. Death frees you of one bond to attach to
another.

Physical Death
Romans 7:1-2 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the
law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For the woman which hath an husband is
bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed
from the law of her husband.
We see that death dissolves a marriage. And it is the only thing that breaks that bond. Mark 10:9
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The two become one flesh
in the bond of marriage. Filing for divorce is not the same thing, you are still one alive and are
one flesh even if you are separated. Divorce separates the flesh physically, but not spiritually.
The law cannot continue to have dominion after death. Besides which, when God said the two
become one flesh, is that a physical joining? No, that is impossible; the only possible conclusion
is spiritual. In death, that spiritual bond is loosed, as were we loosed from the law. (Gal 2:19;
Rom 7:6). NOTE: The annulment of a marriage is a physical death, being dead in Christ Jesus is
a spiritual death at salvation, and this does not annul your current marriage to your wife or
husband. So you can stop looking so happy.
Spiritual Death
While being dead in trespasses and sin Eph 2:1, God brought us from death to life in His son
Jesus Christ our LORD (Acts 26:18).
This spiritual death clearly shows that at our salvation we died (Rom 7:4; Col 3:3; Rom 6:11),
were buried (Col 2:12) and quickened (Rom 6:11; Col 2:12) with Christ Jesus.
Before Jesus Christ, we were of our father the devil John 8:44. We were part of the world and
belonged to the god of this world 2 Cor 4:4. We were called the children of disobedience
and the children of wrath but through Jesus Christ we are quickened (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:1-5

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the
power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
We, as Christians, do not have a hard time accepting the truth of the fact that we are dead to the
law (Gal 2:19; Rom 7:4) and are not to be brought back under the yoke of bondage (of the law)
(Gal 5:1). We understand that the Holy Spirit of Promise is given to us; grace is given to us in
place of the law (Gal 5:22-23). The law isnt dead, and still exists for those that are trying to
follow it. We have Jesus Christs imputed righteousness (Romans 4:11), since we have His
righteousness we are not under the law because the law isnt for the righteous (1 Timothy 1:9).
One of the questions we ask ourselves in passing from the old to the new is What will take the
place of the old? It is hard to give up things without something to take the place of what you are
giving up. God is not ignorant of this. Whatsoever has passed, God will make new.
Rom 6:8-11 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion
over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Where Is Our Home?

Death ends a thing. Whatever that thing is, death ends it. Life brings forth a new thing. A life in
Christ brings forth an abundance of new things you did not have before you were saved.
Let us take a look at a few of the new things that our life in Christ brings forth.
Eph 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
From Ephesians 3:15, we know there is a family in heaven. At the moment of our salvation the
bible shows us the exchange from the family of the Devil to the family of God.
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we
shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see
him as he is.
Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;
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Eph 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of
his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Read also vss. 2728)
By our new birth, we are received into the family of God. This adoption is also made possible by
a death. Since death ends a thing: What ended when we received the adoption into the family?
Dual Citizenship?
I listened to a radio preacher discussing citizenship. He mentions our citizenship in heaven while
acknowledging the fact we are still on this earth in our flesh. And since we cannot see the
heavenly kingdom, yet we see the nations of the earth at work, he likens this spiritual citizenship
to a dual-citizenship. Then I got to thinking about dual-citizenship. Only 38 countries in this
world allow for dual-citizenship, and 50 that do not. I wondered why some (Like the USA)
would allow it and not others (like Japan)? Then it hit me Luke 16:13 tells us no man can
serve two masters. You will hate the one and love the other.
This can also be equated when we either walk in the Flesh or in the Spirit. Walking in the flesh is
to walk in the ways of the world as in our old nature before our new birth. God would rather we
walk in the Spirit after we are to reckon ourselves to be dead.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity
with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the
pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that
soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
God gets a bit upset when you choose an earthly kingdom over a heavenly kingdom. Now, I do
not mean the Kingdom of God verses the Kingdom of heaven. The Kingdom of heaven is an
earthly physical kingdom whose King is God. This is why God was upset when Israel wanted a
king of their own choosing in 1 Sam chapter 8, when they wanted to be like other nations. He
was a bit upset yet again when Israel said we have no king but Caesar John 19:15.
Americans are no different. The kingdom of God is in us (Luke 17:21; Matt 12:28) yet we
choose the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to govern our way of life more than Gods word. I
have seen the most deplorable statements from professing Christians that are proud to be an
American and pledge their allegiance to the Flag. Yet do not adhere to God's word. While we
are commanded to obey the earthly powers that be (Rom 13:1), we do all as unto the LORD (1
Cor 10:31; Col 3:17).
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There is no dual-citizenship in the Kingdom of God. We are no longer citizens of this world. As
Christians we have often stated this world is not our home. We even laud at that statement.
We say it in light of our standing with Christ, but do we believe it? Can we stand tall and say this
is not our home, yet we pledge our allegiance and are willing to fight for a country which will
not be our eternal home? Let us narrow that down even further. We could also say that we are no
longer citizens of the U.S. if we are a born again children of the household of God.
Yes, I am fully aware of the arguments that may be presented against that last statement and so is
God. God is not ignorant of the fact that we live in this present world. The Apostle Pauls (2 Cor
5:1-11) discourse on his willingness to be home with the Lord, understood that his life on earth,
while in this flesh, is to be lived unto Christ. 2 Cor 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether
present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
God has left us with clear instructions concerning our conduct here on earth while we await the
return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And
all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the
ministry of reconciliation;
While Paul recognized his new citizenship it did not stop him from using his natural citizenship
to go about the Lords work. He did not establish a method of dual citizenship, but used his
liberty for the occasion for Christ, and not the flesh. He stood before King Agrippa and rather
than persuade the ruler to change laws for freedom to practice Christianity without persecution,
to force a coexistence, equal rights, freedom of speech, less taxes, higher wages and so on, he
gave the gospel.
Sabbatical
So, what do we call this period of time we are spending in this fleshly body here on Earth? We
are certainly not at home and this is definitely no vacation. We, as born again children of God,
are on sabbatical.
Sabbatical any extended period of leave from one's customary work, especially for rest, to
acquire new skills or training, etc.
If we take the word of God to be true then our 70 some year stay on this earth is a sabbatical.
Rev 1:6 tells us we are made Kings and Priests yet very few of us know anything about how to
be a king or priest or what that job entails. Kings and Priests are positions of great authority and
require knowledge and skill to fulfill those positions. Gal 2:1-2 Now I say, That the heir, as
long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under
tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Someone without the proper skill
or training cannot go into an office building and apply for a CEO position. You must go to school
or be trained and prove yourself worthy of that job to show that you can properly do the job.
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One of the first things you learn is that if you want to be a good leader, you must first learn to
follow. Our life on earth is training. We are to spend our time studying God, His word, and what
He expects from us. We will be judged based upon how well we have applied what we were to
learn. There is no better way to learn and practice these things than to live among humans. We
are commanded to be reaching, preaching, and teaching the gospel as it was given to Paul and to
be warning people of the coming judgment. That is our commission, which is the assignment
given to us during our stay here on Earth.
Customarily, while on sabbatical, you receive only partial pay which may not be sufficient to
cover your expenses. You will often have to take a job to eat, pay bills, rent, and even pay taxes
in the area you are staying.
A history professor, while on sabbatical in Greece, watched as protestors marched in the streets
outside his apartment. He empathized with them. He knew and understood their plight. And he
wished he could have joined them in protest. Yet, he clearly understood that this was not his
fight. This was not his country. He was not a citizen of Greece. While he stayed in Greece he was
subject to the laws of that country yet he could not assist in the change of those laws for he was
not a citizen and it was, after all, only a temporary stay.
God has told us where our attention should be focused on:
Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.
2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are
not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen
are eternal.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
The apostle Paul desired to be home with the Lord.
2 Cor 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at
home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We
are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with
the Lord.

Things Unseen
We spend too much of our time on this earth focusing on what we have or dont have. Much of
our focus is in the present: the here and now. With all the worldly distractions of everyday life, it
is very easy for our focus to drift from things above (Col 3:2) to this present evil world. (Gal
1:4)
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John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
For most Christians this passage is not much more than a comforting thought. It isnt as real to us
as it should be. We havent seen it and we cant show our friends photos of our home. We often
think of things that we cannot see as invisible.
By definition, the word invisible means: 1. Impossible to see; not visible: Air is invisible. 2.
Not accessible to view; hidden: mountain peaks invisible in the fog
Many invisible things are physical and visible, tangible things; the things in heaven are just too
far away for us to be able to see with the naked eye. Those who have gone on home before us are
looking at these things at this very moment. Hebrews 11:1 says Now faith is the substance of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The evidence is a physical proof of something,
in this case things not seen.
The passage in John 14 refers to an actual place for if it were not so, I would have told you.
If we look at the book of Hebrews in chapter 11 (the chapter of great faith) verse 10 we will see
that Abraham sought after something he could not see. For he looked for a city which hath
foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Again, in Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Paul
understood this to be so in 2 Cor 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle
were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.
Do you seek this City? Or are you content with your earthly house? I am not referring to the
verses in 2 Cor 5 which discuss your physical body as the temple of the Lord. I am talking
about your earthly house, and all your possessions.
Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them
afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were
strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Psa 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
1 Chron 29:15 For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers:
our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
Job 19:25-26 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter
day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God:
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Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with
the saints, and of the household of God;

What is the Purpose For Our Labor During Our Sabbatical?

Our life on earth is not without purpose. The work God has given us to do for his glory is not in
vain or without reward.
(1 Cor 15:58)
1 Peter 1:4-5 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready
to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of
Jesus Christ:
Matt 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Tim 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that
they may lay hold on eternal life.
Colo 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of
the truth of the gospel;
1 Cor 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his
own reward according to his own labour
1 Cor 9:17-18 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a
dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I
preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in
the gospel. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I
might gain the more.
We know from Scripture that all that we do, we do for God (Rom 11:36). I was in a discussion
with a friend where we discussed doing all things for God. He questioned if we were really doing
things for God if our earthly boss asks us to do a task for him? Lets say you worked in a
restaurant, and your boss asks you to do the dishes. You should do those dishes as if God asked
you to do them. Do the work as if you are working for God.
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My friend then stated that it is your boss who benefits from the task completed and pays you for
the work. This is true, however according to Paul who says in Eph 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient
to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of
your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to
men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the
Lord, whether he be bond or free.
When we do a work for our boss, though he may benefit from it, we do it for God not for man.
We may receive a paycheck, but we also know that the same shall he receive of the Lord Its as
if we get two paychecks, one on earth, and the other in heaven waiting for us, much like a
matching fund retirement plan which will last for all eternity, never to corrupt or erode, or be
spent. Each day when we go to work we need to decide whether we will be earning one
paycheck or two.
What Should We Do In The Meantime?
The Bible is our final authority on all matters of faith, family and life on earth. 2 Tim 3:16 tells
us Gods word is also our instruction in righteousness. We do not have the time to go into all
that is instructed for us, so we will look at just a few passages about what to do while we bide
our time on this earth.
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one
another;
Prov 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of
affliction.
Rom 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts
thereof.
Colo 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one
body; and be ye thankful.

Personal
Dont Be Attached To This World
It is most difficult to give up the things you love, especially if they are things you worked hard
for; have collected over the years; or have sentimental value attached to things. It is human
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nature to get attached to the things of this world. Even more so when we see that God has blessed
us in the earthly possessions we have acquired. We view them as gifts from God and small
rewards for our service to God. So it is understandable that when tragedies such as a natural
disasters or fire occur, the loss of our things causes us some level of distress. In such cases as
being robbed at gunpoint we may even feel the need to protect our possessions to the point of
committing violent acts.
2 Cor 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not
seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
It is interesting how people cling to the things of this earth. This is not to say that we are to give
up our things or to get rid of things. We are to be thankful for the things we have, but not fight to
the death to keep them. All things in this world are temporary.
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love
the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is
enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 John 2:16-17 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away,
and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

God our Father searches the heart for its intent, hidden thoughts and desires, and even the things
we lie about to ourselves. If we are honest with ourselves we should be able to identify which are
the things in our lives that we cling to. Which are the things we value so greatly that we would
do whatever it takes to defend them. Keep in mind that this is not how God wants us to behave.
We are to be content and thankful with whatever we have or dont have (Phil 4:11). Eccl 9:9
tells us that a mans true earthly prized possession is his wife. Live joyfully with the wife whom
thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the
days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under
the sun. So, if you were to fight for anything in this world, your wife would be it.

Be Satisfied With What We Have.

1 Tim6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

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Where is the house on earth mentioned? Food, clothing, and housing were things I thought to be
of necessity. But Paul tells us to be content even if we have only food and clothing. I have
personally known people who were happy with nothing; living on the streets having little or no
food at times. Yet, they were content and happy. On the other hand, there are those who are
enriched with goods but have a burden or even a void in their hearts that cannot be satisfied.
It is interesting to note that an unnamed philosopher said in an anonymous letter the more
things you possess in life the more work it takes to maintain and keep those things. You spend
your time dusting knickknacks, cleaning the house, fixing that which is broken, or even work to
collect. If you had less material stuff to maintain you would have more time to spend in study,
your personal upkeep. You could also spend more time in biblical study and personal time with
Christ. Prov 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble
therewith.
Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content.
Psa 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
I wouldnt dare tell anyone to get rid of the things they have in their possession, but I would ask
to examine yourself and to look at the things in your life which do not glorify God. (1 Peter 4:11)
A pastor once said that anything that takes the place of Christ in your life is adultery. As
Christians it should be God first in ALL things of our walk and life here on this present earth.

What Should Our Focus Should Be On

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.
Colo 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
2 Cor 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is
from heaven:
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we
ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ
Jesus:

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Eph 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the
saints, and of the household of God;
Gal 4:26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Political Stance
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to
the king, as supreme;
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be
ready to every good work,
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God:
the powers that be are ordained of God.
Eph 6:6-9 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that
whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond
or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that
your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Should We Be Involved In Earthly Politics Or Government?

Politics Derived from two words; Poly meaning many, and Tics which are blood sucking
creatures. One should question why would a true Christian involve himself with such an entity?
Not once in the Bible is there even a mention of democracy, it is claimed that the Roman empire
created democracy, and it greatly benefited from their fall. Whenever there is a democracy there
are apposing views. Unlike the very command given to us from the Holy Spirit to be of the same
mind. (Philippians 1:27)
The Jews have been promised an earthly kingdom, the Kingdom of heaven, set up in Israel as
promised to Abraham by God. Their desire to have a King was granted by God, yet they
overrode His choice. ex: Saul over David (see 1 Sam 8).
The Church (believers) will have a Kingdom not made with hands (New Jerusalem Heb 11:10;
Heb 12:22; Rev 21:2; Gal 4:26), under the Rule of Jesus Christ in the Millennium, which can

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only be set up by Jesus Christ himself. Not by any human or government on this earth at any
time by their own will.
With all that we know about Pauls activities during his time spent on earth not once was he
involved in politics. His time was spent serving God. When his service to God conflicted with
the laws of government Paul quietly and peacefully went to prison. There were no riots, marches
or protests for the rights to worship or speak freely in public about Jesus Christ. He just did what
he did with the peace of God ruling in his heart, content in all things.
There is a lot of discussion about what Christians should do in protest of our constitutional rights
being stripped away by our government. Acts 20:28 tells us that we are a purchased possession.
Do you know what to purchase something means? It means you own it. And if we are a
purchased possession, then we are owned. All that we are and all that we have belong to God.
We are dead to the law. That includes the rights and freedoms granted by the constitution of
the United States. The only rights and freedoms we have are those granted to us by God himself.

Romans 12 and 13
I find it interesting that most Christians take a great interest in politics. In Americas
history we have used the guise of Godly principles in order to start a new country in the name of
Liberty. However, we must keep in mind that this was achieved by ungodly means. Still, we have
been blessed to be born in a country where we are free to worship openly and freely without
persecution. American Christians tend to look at Christians who live in other countries where
they do not have the same freedoms as the United States do and wonder why they do not fight to
be like our country where they could worship freely without persecution. The answer to this
question can be found in Romans chapters 12 and 13 (see below).

There is a lesson to be learned here. Since the things of old are written for our learning, let us
trace back a few steps and see how things turned out for our fellow saints of the Old Testament. 1
Sam 8:5 tells us the Jews were no longer satisfied with having Judges to rule over them. They
wanted a King like everyone else. They sought out Samuel to ask him to
give them a King to
judge them. This was distressing to God. The reason the Jews gave Samuel for wanting a king
was to be like the other nations, but God said it was because they have forgotten Him. 1 Sam
8:7 And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say
unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over
them. It would appear that in the Jews attempts to be like the rest of the world they had
forgotten their promises and covenants to God. Lev 26:45 But I will for their sakes remember
the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the
heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD. See also Hos 13:10 I will be thy king:
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where is any other that may save thee in all thy cities? and thy judges of whom thou saidst, Give
me a king and princes?
In what way should a Christian in the church age engage in politics? As Christians, we know that
the Church is made up of all believers in all nations and countries and it is Christ who is the
head. Paul was not interested in politics, nor was he interested in voting for leaders or even
protesting their laws.
The following section is an outline of what God expects from us during our sabbatical. It is our
job description, so to speak.

Verse by Verse Outline

Romans 12:10-21
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another;
Eph 4:2; With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in
love;
Heb 13:1; Let brotherly love continue.
1Pet 1:22; Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto
unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1Pet 2:17; Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Phil 2:3; Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let
each esteem other better than themselves.
1Pet 5:5; Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be
subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and
giveth grace to the humble.
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in
hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Rom 15:13; Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may
abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
1Thess 5:16; Rejoice evermore.

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Heb 10:36; For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye
might receive the promise.
Heb 12:1; Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let
us run with patience the race that is set before us,
James 5:7; Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it,
until he receive the early and latter rain.
Luke 18:1; And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint;
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Col 4:2; Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1Thess 5:17; Pray without ceasing.
Romans 12: 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
1Cor 16:1; Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
Heb 13:2; Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.
1Pet 4:9; Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Matt 5:44; But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
1Cor 4:12; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being
persecuted, we suffer it:
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to
their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
1 Thess 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and
day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the
gospel of God.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
1 Cor 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should
have the same care one for another.

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Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Rom 15:5; Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one
toward another according to Christ Jesus:
1Cor 1:10; Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye
all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one
accord, of one mind.
Phil 3:16; Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule,
let us mind the same thing.
1Pet 3:8; Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Prov 3:7; Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Isa 5:21; Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide
all men.

things honest in the sight of

Prov 20:22; Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait
on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
Matt 5:39; But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on
thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
1Cor 6:7; Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one
with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to
be defrauded?
1Thess 5:15; See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which
is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
2Cor 8:21; Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the
sight of men.
1Pet 2:12; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they
speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold,
glorify God in the day of visitation.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Mark 9:50; Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season
it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

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Heb 12:14; Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord:
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for
it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Matt 5:39; But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on
thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Luke 6:29; And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him
that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
Deut 32:35; To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due
time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them
make haste.
Heb 10:30; For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Isa 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our
God; to comfort all that mourn;
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in
so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Prov 25:21; If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him
water to drink:
Matt 5:44; But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing;
knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Examples of Doing Good to Those Who Did Evil

1 Sam 24:17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast
rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.
Psa 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my
soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

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Romans 13:1-3
Rom 13:1 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of
God: the powers that be are ordained of God.1
Titus 3:1; Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Jer 29:5-9 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of
them; Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and
give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be
increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused
you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof
shall ye have peace. For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your
prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to
your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my
name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.
1Pet 2:13; Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it
be to the king, as supreme;
Prov 8:15; By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
Dan 4:32; And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts
of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over
thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to
whomsoever he will.
1 Tim 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we
may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Jer 29:28 For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build
ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
Romans 13:2-3 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and
they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good
works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and
thou shalt have praise of the same:

Are the leaders of our country a terror to evil? In their own mind the answer is a resounding
YES. So the Bible is not lying. The men and women in power believe they are acting in the best
interest of this country. They envision a utopia of their land; where the people will be governed
by their rules. Regardless of what we, as Christians, view is good or evil.

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So are we to just go on about living life as if everything is fine and normal? According to Jer
29:28 that is exactly what we are supposed to do. We are told to occupy till he comes, we are
given the great commission to go out and witness and be a witness, to preach in season and out
of season, to edify the Saints, rebuke evil, resist the devil, and so much more.
Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. We are
at war with the unseen things, the powers of the air.
So does this mean we are not to take the course of civil disobedience against the government?
The answer is simple. We are to obey the government unless it is in direct conflict with the Bible
and Gods commandments. There are many examples of civil disobedience in the Bible. The
Biblical examples show that this was not done in direct defiance against the government as a
form of protest. It was done purely based on what God commanded them to do in the first place.
They may have been jailed, or tortured, or suffered the consequence of their act of disobedience,
yet the Bible says Better to obey God than man (Acts 5:29). All of these acts of civil
disobedience were about the practice of our beliefs. Not once did they fight those in power to
change the laws of the land for the right to preach and teach, or follow the laws and
commandments of God. They didnt influence the government with the intent to put into power a
leader of their choosing.
We have been taught that this country was founded by godly men who fought for their freedom
to practice their beliefs free from persecution. While that may be true, if you study the
Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, you will find that they are both very humanistic documents.
Not once is Jesus mentioned, God is thrown in for good measure, and the men who wrote the
document boast of themselves.
As for the inalienable rights of American citizens, let us not forget that we are not citizens of this
world. We do not belong to this world. If we are in the body of Christ we are no longer
Americans; we do not belong to this earth. This world is not our home. We are visitors; we are
itinerants on this planet. This is our bus stop to home and while we are waiting for that bus we
will bide our time by doing Gods will on earth. Be in this world, not of it. Love not the world or
the things in it.
Our rights are not stripped away! We are purchased by the Blood of Christ. We have been made
free. All we are and all we have belong to Christ. All we do we do for Christ. We are servants of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and to no one else.

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Un-Christian America
The following is used by permission of the author of an article depicting the truth about the
founding fathers of this country.
"The Government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion."
-John Adams

The truth needs to be known to American Christians--our Country never has been a "Christian
nation", even though it was at one time a God-fearing nation. While it is true that our Country,
when it was first started and became independent, as a whole, once had a reverence for God, it
was not a Christian nation. Our Founding Fathers believed in separation of Church and State and
freedom of religion (much thanks to the Baptists, by the way, for bringing freedom of religion to
Americans). Our Founding Fathers came out of religious tyranny in Europe and knew the
dangers of a Church and State mix and human governments being ruled by religious institutions
and clergy, and they wanted people to be free to worship how they chose and believe and
practice whatever religion of their choice freely.
Many people talk about the faith of our Founding Fathers. While it is true that many of our
Founding Fathers were either Christian or had some sort of Christian belief, at the same time,
many of them were Deists and Occult Freemasons. Consider the following quotes from some of
them (WARNING: some of them, particularly those of Jefferson, Franklin, and Paine, are
blasphemous):

"It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are 20 gods, or no God. It neither picks my
pocket nor breaks my leg."
"History I believe furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil
government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance, of which their political as well as
religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purpose. " Thomas Jefferson to
Baron von Humboldt, 1813
"Rogueries, absurdities and untruths were perpetrated upon the teachings of Jesus by a large
band of dupes and importers led by Paul, the first great corrupter of the teaching of Jesus."
-Thomas Jefferson

"I would not dare to so dishonor my Creator God by attaching His name to that book (the
Bible)." -Thomas Paine
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Among the most detestable villains in history, you could not find one worse than Moses. Here is
an order, attributed to 'God' to butcher the boys, to massacre the mothers and to debauch and rape
the daughters. I would not dare so dishonor my Creator's name by (attaching) it to this filthy
book (the Bible). -Thomas Paine

"It is the duty of every true Deist to vindicate the moral justice of God against the evils of the
Bible." -Thomas Paine

"What influence in fact have Christian ecclesiastical establishments had on civil society? In
many instances they have been upholding the thrones of political tyranny. In no instance have
they been seen as the guardians of the liberties of the people. Rulers who wished to subvert the
public liberty have found in the clergy convenient auxiliaries. A just government, instituted to
secure and perpetuate liberty, does not need the clergy." -James Madison

"Religion and government will both exist in greater purity; the less they are mixed together."
-James Madison

"I have found Christian dogma unintelligible. Early in life, I absenteed myself from Christian
assemblies."
-Benjamin Franklin, American Founding Father, author, and inventor

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