Introduction: As Christians in the United States, we hold multiple citizenships. We are citizens of God's Kingdom, of the USA, of our state, our county and our city. To be a citizen is to be more than a mere inhabitant. Citizens have rights and responsibilities that visitors from foreign countries do not have. We need to talk about Christian citizenship because it is not taught much in our schools anymore. Many schools have stopped reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The State of Tennessee no longer requires the pledge, and has substituted a "moment of silence." What does it mean to be a Christian, and at the same time a citizen of the United States?

I. We must pray for our leaders (I Timothy 2:1-2).
God has the power to change their minds and hearts.
Prayer is more powerful than protests or Political Action Committees.

II. We must keep the laws and pay our taxes (Romans 13:1-7).
Christians should be viewed as model citizens.

III. We must act according to the Laws of God.

1. Matthew 22:34-40. Commandments 5-10 in particular have to do with citizenship. And please note: The commandments are broad guidelines. For every prohibition there is a corresponding positive requirement. For example: "Thou shalt not commit murder." The corresponding positive side is: "Thou shalt not allow others to commit murder." This has to do with loving your neighbor. It is our Christian duty to provide and promote a safe, law-abiding community, to provide a government that will be a terror to criminals.

2. I Timothy 5:8. It is our Christian duty to protect and provide for our families. Not only are we required to create a righteous society out of love for our neighbors, but we must create and preserve a righteous society out of love and duty toward our families. It is the Christian's duty before God to make sure that we have a government that terrorizes criminals, and promotes those who live godly productive lives.

3. We are not allowed to take up arms to build the church by force. But we are allowed to take up arms to defend ourselves and our families, and to put down the wicked, and to establish just governments in the earth. There are very many Biblical examples: Exodus 22:2; Nehemiah 4:11-18; and the roll-call of faith in Hebrews 11 lists many who took up weapons to defend themselves and their neighbors: Abraham, Gideon, Samson David and so on.

IV. Our nation began in this principle of self-defense, and the establishment of justice: see the Declaration of Independence.

Conclusion: Memorial day is behind us. July 4th, Independence day is coming. Let's be good Christian citizens: Pray for our leaders, get involved in our governments, vote for godly men and women. Be ready to stand up to defend our families and neighbors from criminals and tyrants. Thank God for the freedoms He has given us as Americans, and lets use these freedoms to serve God, to be salt and light in society, and to get the Gospel around the world.