This morning, as part of our September sermon series exploring biblical images of Christian community, Leigh shared with us what it meant to be a Holy Nation.
He led off with the idea that a Holy Nation is defined as a community of people who are set apart and made whole by God with a common language, culture, identity, history and destiny.
Next, he shared how a Holy Nation – being intertwined with the concept of states and citizenship – is one that dispenses rights but also demands responsibilities. To illustrate this, he talked about our responsibilities to our own countries and how it parallels the responsibilities of being a part of God’s Holy Nation. Even as God made the first move to rescue Israel out of Egypt – He also entered into a covenant with them, which included requirements and responsibilities; most notably, the 10 commandments that immediately followed the invitation in Exodus 19:1-7.
Finally, Leigh talked about how – for us – all of us are called to be that Holy Nation, but it isn’t easy; it’s practically living in two worlds at the same time. The demands and calls for living according to God’s covenant often puts us in conflict with those of the world. Even so, God’s call comes with God’s power to follow His covenant call in the world. And that is what will carry us through to the end.
Leigh has also made his slides available here:
[slideshare id=14410175&doc=blcsermon-aholynation20120923-120923044941-phpapp01]
Note – there is supposed to be a video on slide #19 which can be viewed here:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poCUxsduHM4]
