This week we answer the question “what does it mean to be a Christian who is an American?” What does the Bible say? Not a podcast or talk radio or Facebook or the so-called conservative media or even a “Christian” politician. What does Jesus say, and how did his followers in the 1st century understand the intersection of faith and politics – citizenship on earth and citizenship in heaven?
To begin, we’ll explore what is perhaps the most familiar“ political” story in the Bible. Read Matthew 22:15-22 as you prepare to join your GCC family for worship this weekend.
The story of the paralyzed man lowered through a roof reveals a profound truth about God's desire to forgive. When Jesus first said 'Your sins are forgiven' instead of immediately healing the man's paralysis, He demonstrated that spiritual healing is our deepest need. The religious leaders questioned Jesus' authority to forgive sins, but He proved His divine power by commanding the man to walk. This account shows that God wants to forgive us regardless of how serious we think our sins are. Forgiveness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through good works or religious acts. When we truly surrender our lives to Christ, we receive complete forgiveness and are declared righteous in God's eyes.
