The following is Part One of my latest bible lesson:
Twilight Zone, X-Files, Sci Fi channel, Roswell, NM, Star Trek, E.T. … back in the day, Mork and Mindy, and going way back, My Favorite Martian; all ideas dreamed up by those fascinated with aliens. Yet the truth is, we are surrounded in everyday life by aliens.
In fact, I’m an alien and I’m guessing I'm not alone. No, I’m not off my rocker, I’m talking about Christians – Christians are aliens. Don’t believe me?
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light". 1 Peter 2:9
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city." Hebrews 11: 13-16
Peculiar people, strangers and pilgrims on the earth – in other words, they don’t belong here! I’d call that an alien.
Webster defines an alien as “relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government” and “differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility.”
We are citizens of heaven, and our character, as it becomes more and more like Jesus, differs from the world, so much so that we should become incompatible.
And now we come to my main text:
Let’s look at Titus 2:11-15 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
And Titus 3:1-8 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
The title of my message is “This World is Not My Home So What Am I Supposed To Do?” This message has two points: 1) we are aliens – citizens of heaven; 2) we are created to do good works.
Aliens look funny – Hopefully, we don’t look like the world (it’s good to dress modestly but don’t let it make us judgmental.) We should have the joy of Christ on our faces, looking expectant and hopeful – not all down and out, faces looking like they are weaned on a pickle.
We don’t act like the world, The Message version says it’s a godless, indulgent life that the world leads. What are some things that Christians do that the world doesn’t? (putting others first, turning our cheek when struck, not suing, trusting God to avenge … etc)
Aliens talk funny – if we are talking extraterrestrial, we always imagine that aliens talk like robots. If we mean a non-resident alien, such as from another country, we always find that they have an accent, their phrasing is different than ours, and they don’t understand our slang, and vice versa.
Christians should talk differently from the world, too. First of all, we “slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. “ Titus 3:2 We are not to be gossipers, we don’t tell lies on everyone, we are gentle and considerate to people – we don’t cuss them out. Filthy words do not come out of our mouths! Oh, that ought to set us apart from the world right there – have you ever heard the amount of filthy talk that comes out of everyone’s mouths, men, women and children of all ages alike! This should not be so of God's people.
Aliens are thought to have higher intelligence, after all if they come from another planet and have figured out how to come here, they must be smart! – 1 Cor. 2:16 tells us we have the mind of Christ! We don’t think like the world thinks. The world teaches us to exalt self, we believe we are to exalt Christ! The world focuses on getting ahead, making a dollar, amassing the most property before their time on earth is over. The believer focuses on his real home and laying up treasures in heaven..
Have I convinced you yet that we are aliens?
(Next week, Part Two will be posted on Thursday.)
