“But [we are different, because] our citizenship is in heaven. And from there we eagerly await [the coming of] the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” Philippians 3:20 AMP

The Scripture tells us that once we accept Christ we are transferred from the kingdom of this world to the Kingdom of God. That means that our allegiance has shifted to the King of heaven and not the king of this world. The Apostle Peter put it this way in describing our time on this earth.

“Once you were NOT A PEOPLE [at all], but now you are GOD’S PEOPLE; once you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

11Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers [in this world] to abstain from the sensual urges [those dishonorable desires] that wage war against the soul. “1 Peter 2:10-11 AMP

Because of the finished work of Christ, we are free from the demands of the enemy on our lives. We no longer need live by our fleshly desires but can have victory over sin and death. The words Peter uses here to describe our new condition are “aliens and strangers.” The words “aliens and strangers” are the Greek words meaning “those not of this country but temporarily residing here. In my time living in Saudi Arabia I needed a visa to have the governments permission to live and work there. I was permitted to live there but I was not entitled to any of that country’s benefits. It also meant that my residency would end at some point, and I would need to return home. I was still entitled to all the benefits of this country even though I was living in a foreign land! Because we are of His Kingdom, we are entitled to all the protections and benefits of His Kingdom even though we are not living there yet! 

What a beautiful picture of our new position. We are no longer required to adhere to this world’s twisted and perverted way ending in death and destruction, but we can look forward to enjoying His provision and protection until the day we return to new home! In a foreign county there is an Embassy with an ambassador representing the culture, beliefs, and practice of their homeland. The Embassy is also there to serve its country’s citizens. If a problem arises you can go there and seek assistance. While the Embassy of the United States is a building in Saudi Arabia, the church is the embassy of the citizens of our heavenly homeland while we sojourn this life! The Scripture reenforces this reality that we are not of this world as it describes our new job as citizens of God’s Kingdom.

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20 AMP

WOW! We are now the Ambassadors of the King of Heaven! Remember now, an ambassador must represent his or her leader and not their own vision of what their country is like! So to we must lose ourselves and reflect the King whom we represent! The Apostle Paul gave us a command regarding our new role as ambassador.

“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” Roman 12:2 AMP

Each of us has an assignment now as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom. We serve at the Embassy not for our own benefit but the one whom we represent. Let me ask you today, whose kingdom are you representing? We must live our lives in. ways that point people to Him and be the reflection of His glory and grace. Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken