Written from prison, under the regime of an extremely corrupt and immoral government, Paul wrote the book of Ephesians.
Think about it. Paul wrote the greatest book on the identity of Christ while submitting to a government that would make most Americans cringe. In this book, Paul describes the completeness of Christ salvation, not once mentioning a government. Why? Because the church, the true church, is not dependent upon who is in civil authority. As I read many Christian leaders today, I think we have forgotten this truth.
So let me summarize what Paul wrote:
Because of Christ, we have been given every spiritual gift.
We have been chosen and adopted as Sons and Daughters. In Him we have an inheritance.
We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Christ is seated at the right hand God far above all principalities and every thing is under His feet.
God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ.
He raised us up and seated us in heavenly places.
We are His workmanship created for good work.
Our identity is not tethered to the political ideology of the country in which we live. We are the Church! We have survived for 2000 years. The church has thrived in America for 244 years, despite the Church’s support of slavery, despite a civil war, despite world wars, despite Jim Crow laws, despite lynching of innocent people of color, despite racial riots, despite the Aids epidemic, despite the crack cocaine, Meth, and opioid crisis, despite republicans, despite democrats.
The Church will thrive because Christ and Christ alone is the Head of the Church. The church will thrive regardless if a Republican or a Democrat sits in the White House because Jesus sits on the throne. We need to stop focusing on our perceived threat and begin walking in who we are! Forgiven, saved, loved, strong, seated, accepted, kings and queens, priests, authorized, God’s masterpiece, created to change the world.
Go be the church.
I am encouraged by my friend whose family gave away turkeys to a low income neighbor. Who was in the White House did not deter the Christ in her.
I am encouraged by a family who brought turkeys and groceries for three families in need. They did not need permission from a government to be the church.
I am encouraged by my friend’s small church that gave away over 100 bags of groceries and 50 turkeys.
I am encouraged by the collaboration of an African American pastor and a Caucasian pastor that feeds over 600 families every month. Who is in the White House doesn’t change their ability to be His hands and feet.
We are the indestructible, eternal, built upon a rock, Jesus is our cornerstone, powerful, Church! Don’t believe the lie that will change on January 20. We are the Church!
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10 CSB