God and Country

Published: Feb. 18, 2018, 5 p.m.

John 19:1-16 & Revelation 5
Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

We have been told from a very early age that "our nation one nation under God." We have stamped "In God We Trust" on our money and even have patriotic hymns like "God Bless America" that are sung in churches. Our scouts and children learn that our duty to "God and Country" is one of the most important and noblest things we can do to become a meaningful citizens. Our families have fought, for generations for freedom and we think of this as we get emotional at the national anthem and we grow infuriated when people disrespect the flag, dishonor our soldiers. Much of this contempt is done with Christian overtones and language that echoes back to a time when God was really on our side and if we could just get back there, all will be well in our country. But what does all of this really have to do with the cross of Christ? Where does nationalism begin and respect for ones country end? Join us for what will be a very hard message on "God and Country." Join us as we sing to Christ the King, asking him to give us a heart that is willing to count the cost of discipleship.