Our First Allegiance

But our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20 

As we gather for worship on this Independence Day weekend, we do so during a historic year. In 2026, our nation commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For two and a half centuries, God has graciously blessed the United States with remarkable freedoms, abundant resources, and opportunities to proclaim the gospel. As Christians, it is right to thank God for these blessings and to pray for our nation and its leaders.

The Reformers taught that civil government is a gift from God, established to promote order and restrain evil. Therefore, Christians should be good citizens who honor governing authorities, pray for those in office, and seek the welfare of their communities. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, especially the freedom to gather for worship, preach the Word, and share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Yet Scripture reminds us that no earthly nation, regardless of its achievements, is our ultimate home. The Apostle Paul declared, "Our citizenship is in heaven." The writer of Hebrews described God's people as those who longed for "a better country, that is, a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16). Like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we are pilgrims and sojourners on the earth, looking beyond the kingdoms of this world to the eternal Kingdom of God.

This truth helps us maintain a proper perspective. We can love our country without worshiping it. We can appreciate our freedoms without placing our hope in them. We can celebrate our nation's history while recognizing that our ultimate hope is not found in Washington, Richmond, or any earthly capital, but in the throne room of heaven where Christ reigns as King.

As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, let us do so with grateful hearts and clear minds. Thank God for the blessings of this nation. Pray for its future. Seek its good. But never forget that your first allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ. Flags will fade, governments will change, and nations will one day pass away, but the Kingdom of our Lord will endure forever.

May we be found faithful citizens of our nation while living as devoted citizens of heaven, eagerly awaiting the return of our King.

Your Shepherd,

Pastor Mark