We all know the story of the Three Little Pigs - a classic fairy tale teaching children about hard work and preparation. While it offers helpful life lessons, we know it's not historically true. (If pigs could actually build houses out of stone, it might change how we think about bacon!)
But what about Christianity? Is it just another helpful story teaching good moral lessons? Or is it something more?
The gospel is not just an inspiring tale – it's a world-changing historical reality. The eternal God took on flesh, lived a perfect life, died on a cross, rose from the dead, and now reigns in heaven. This isn't just a story; it's the pivotal event of human history.
If this is true – really true – it changes everything about how we live. Here are three ways authentic faith should transform our daily lives:
United in Mission: Living as Citizens of Heaven
When you curl up in bed at night in Miami Lakes, Hialeah, or Miramar, that's not really your home. You may have been born in Nicaragua, Cuba, or Jamaica, but that's not your true citizenship. If you belong to Christ, you are first and foremost a citizen of heaven.
This heavenly citizenship brings diverse people together with a common purpose. What unites Palm Vista isn't that we all enjoy the same music or preaching style. We're united because we believe the gospel is real and we've been commissioned by God to advance His kingdom together.
Think of soldiers on the battlefield – petty differences disappear when they face a common mission. As Christians, we're not called to build comfortable lives but to advance God's kingdom together.
Fearless in Opposition: Standing Firm in God's Protection
A passport is a powerful document, representing the protection of an entire nation. But as Christians, we have something far greater – the protection of the God of the universe.
If Jesus has truly risen from the dead and promised to return, what do we have to fear? Whatever opposition we face – whether external persecution or internal spiritual warfare – cannot ultimately harm citizens of heaven. This life will pass in an instant, but we have eternity to enjoy the riches of God's kingdom.
As Paul writes in Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
Blessed in Suffering: Finding Purpose in Life's Challenges
Our culture tells us happiness comes from avoiding all suffering and removing ourselves from every difficult situation. But the gospel offers a radically different perspective: our suffering has purpose.
From the moment sin entered the world, suffering became inevitable. What wasn't inevitable was that God Himself would take on flesh and suffer for us, giving our suffering meaning and an expiration date. Through Christ, our struggles become opportunities to display God's power in our weakness.
This doesn't mean we enjoy hardship, but we can face it with confident joy knowing it serves God's greater purpose. When you face trials – whether health challenges, relationship conflicts, or daily frustrations – remember that God can use even these moments for His glory.
Living Like It's Real
At Palm Vista Community Church, we're committed to teaching the whole counsel of God's Word and helping each other live in light of the gospel's reality. We invite you to join us as we learn together what it means to build our lives on the bedrock of God's truth rather than the shifting sands of fairy tales.
If you're searching for a church home in the Miami Gardens area or simply wanting to explore authentic Christianity, we'd love to welcome you to one of our Sunday services. Come discover with us what it means to live like the gospel is real.
Comments