It’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. God created us as beings who think and feel, who don’t just understand theological truths but are called to live in a relationship with Him and others. Our emotional lives are a powerful place to meet God, and it is often beneath the surface where He desires to do His greatest transforming work. Join us in this new series as we pursue spiritual maturity through emotional maturity.

What does it mean to be a “citizen of heaven” but still be a citizen of the United States? Can we be patriotic and proud of our country yet remember that our first allegiance is God? How does a Christian deal with the hostility that seems to weave through politics in our country today?

The Bible teaches that all authority, even that of secular leaders, comes from God. These leaders are considered His servants, intended to promote goodness in His creation. Whether or not they acknowledge God's authority, they fulfill their role when they work to restrain evil and create a safe society for everyone. As Christians, we demonstrate our obedience to God by being obedient to our government. When we pay taxes and show respect and honor to our civil leaders, we acknowledge their God-given role in our lives and society. However, are there limits to our obedience to civil authorities? Explore this important topic further with us.

Join us this weekend when we continue our series "One Nation Under God?" This week, we are exploring what it means to be a dual citizen. We are citizens of the United States and have the responsibility to be the best citizens we can be, while at the same time, our citizenship is in heaven!  How can we do our best to be “in the world but not of the world,” as the Bible teaches?

American democracy is more than a set of governmental institutions and practices. It rests on a foundation of deeply ingrained values that both shape and reflect our hearts. Some of these values are noble. Other values—including ones we take most for granted—are in direct conflict with the gospel. Historical perspective can help us to see contemporary American democracy with new eyes, in the process helping us think more Christianly as we think and act politically. Professor Tracy McKenzie is a professor of history at Wheaton College, where he holds the Arthur Holmes Chair of Faith and Learning and is a recipient of the college’s Distinguished Teaching Award. He is the author, among other works, of The First Thanksgiving: What the Real Story Tells Us about Loving God and Learning from History, and We the Fallen People: The Founders and the Future of American Democracy. He is currently working on a book tentatively titled “‘The Almighty Has His Own Purposes’: Abraham Lincoln and American Civil Religion.” Bookmarks 00:00 - Intro 03:48 - Part 1 23:49 - Part 2 46:36 - Q&A

It seems these days that our country is more divided than ever. Partisan politics is the rule in our government. Racial struggles dominate the news. Civil authorities like the police clash with the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect, and those citizens show no respect for those who serve. The rich get richer, and the poor grow poorer. Our once united country appears to be falling apart at the seams. For the Christian in modern America, there are two choices. Do we add our voices to the conflict? Do we choose sides and fight for what we believe is right? Do we use our freedom to cause deeper divides and wider conflict? Or, can we be the gentle voice of hope?

In the final week of our series, we will understand that grace is the final ingredient of enduring friendship. In the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul reminds them both that, through Christ, they are now forgiven. Over and over again, he appeals to this new identity in Jesus as the basis for their reconciliation with one another. Why? Because, in Jesus, they have now been covered by His grace.

If we want our friendships to last, we need to be open to letting the other person influence us by not only hearing the truth but also responding to it in ways that create lasting change. Both Philemon and Onesimus had to be ready to not only hear the truth from Paul about their strained relationship but also allow that truth to transform them. Repentance means being willing to take a new path together, and the result is truly beautiful. We learn that Philemon and Onesimus not only reconciled, but they became friends, brothers, and partners for the Gospel. Listen in as we continue our study of the book of Philemon.

The first essential ingredient for enduring friendships is truth. Because we are all sinners, it is inevitable that friendships will eventually lead us to encounter—and face—sin in ourselves and in others. This is certainly a reality in Philemon and Onesiumus’ case; if their relationship as Christians is ever to grow into an enduring friendship, it requires both to face the truth about themselves, their sin, and what that has done to the other person.

This series dives into the book of Philemon, a surprising source of wisdom on friendship. Over the next four weeks, we’ll explore how the apostle Paul helped reconcile Philemon and Onesimus, showing us the power of truth, repentance, and grace. Learn how even the most broken relationships can be transformed by God’s love into lasting friendships. Don’t miss this inspiring journey!