“PATRIOTISM”

New Life Bible Church

July 6, 2008

Allen S. McLauchlin, Pastor

PATRIOTISM:  Love of and devotion to one’s country; Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.

For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Philippians 3:20.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.      2 Corinthians. 5:20

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains. Ephesians. 6:19,20

A wicked messenger falls into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.  Proverbs. 13:17

For he was looking for the country, whose builder and maker is God.        Hebrews. 11:10

But now their desire is for a better country, that is to say, for one in heaven; . Hebrews.. 11:15

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PATRIOTIC CHRISTIAN ?

1.  Support the CORE VALUES Christianity was founded upon. 

...being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner-stone.  Ephesians. 2:20

Jesus says to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father unless by me. John 14:6

He that has the Son has life: he that has not the Son of God has not life.  John 5:12

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,  Philippians  2:10

2. Be  an  INFORMED Christian . 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approve.  2 Timothy. 2:15

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.   Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy . 6:7-9

3. Support those who carry the  GOSPEL.

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 3 John 6

"But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my need. Philippians . 2:25

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wage. 1 Timothy. 5:17

4.  Show COMPASSION  to all.

There is no Jew or Greek, servant or free, male or female: because you are all one in Jesus Christ. Galatians. 3:28

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"  have you not discriminated among yourselves. James 2:2-4

5. One who is willing to SACRIFICE  for what you believes.

 And being found in appearance as a man,  he humbled himself  and became obedient to death--  even death on a cross!  Philippians . 2:8

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your Or reasonable act of worship.  Romans 12:1