We — the church — are exiles living in a post-Christian empire.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia…
1 Peter 1:1
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
1 Peter 1:17
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
1 Peter 2:11
"The church has been in exile before. She thrived there. She didn’t lose her identity; she discovered it. She didn’t fall asleep; she came awake."
— John Mark Comer
Bottom Line:
The church is to be a contrast community living on mission as exiles in empire.
Four priorities for us to live on mission in exile:
1. Spirit Dependency
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 8:1
2. Jesus Centricity
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching
Acts 2:42
3. Radical Inclusivity
4. Tenacious Resiliency
But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:19-20
Action Steps:
- What’s hard for you when it comes living as an exile and foreigner in our culture?
- Where are you being tempted to wring your hands or take matters into your own hands?
- Which of the four priorities do you sense the Spirit of God inviting you to focus on?
