Is America the GOAT?

 Is the United States the greatest nation that has ever been? No. That distinction belongs to a different kind of nation: the church. God tells Christians, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light“ (I Pet. 2:9). 

What makes the church so great and keeps it that way?

First, we have a superior Leader. He owns the land on which we live because He made it all (John 1:3). He has all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18). Kings, presidents and prime ministers only have power because God allows them to have it for a short while (Rom. 13:1). But Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Second, we have the greatest military in the world. We stand in awe of modern technology in warfare, but none of it compares to the power of the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). As to national defense, nations rise and fall. Eventually, all of them are defeated. But the church has survived for two thousand years.  The great Roman Empire tried to extinguish it but couldn’t. No human army will destroy the church. The gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). It will be here when Jesus comes to take it home (I Cor. 15:24).

Third, this kingdom has the greatest citizenship. It is composed of people from nations all over the world (Acts 10:34-35; Matt. 28:19). It is the only nation whose people can say that their citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). 

Fourth, the church is the wealthiest nation on earth. Money cannot compare to the joy, peace, fulfillment, love, fellowship, and all the other blessings we have in Christ Jesus. And there is no nation that can promise its people the reward we have waiting for us in heaven (Matt. 5:12; 6:19-21). 

The way into this nation is simple. Jesus said one must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter the kingdom (John 3:5). Peter said to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). In a time of great political turmoil, let us be strong and focus on what is truly great.

Kerry Duke

West End church of Christ, July 14, 2024