Strange People

This message confronts us with a sobering reality: we are called to be 'strange people' in this world—aliens and strangers who belong to a kingdom not visible to the naked eye. Drawing from Ephesians 2:18-19, we're reminded that while we were once strangers to God's covenant, through Christ we've been grafted into the family of God alongside Messianic Jews. But this transformation comes with a cost: we now become strangers to the world system. The central question pierces through religious pretense: have we truly professed allegiance to Jesus Christ, or have we merely made a verbal confession? The message unpacks 1 John 4:2-3, revealing that 'confessing' Christ isn't about words alone—it's about professing allegiance, choosing sides in the cosmic battle between God's will and our own. We're challenged to examine whether we're friends of the world or enemies of it, because there is no middle ground. The practical applications hit close to home: from how we spend our money, to whether we justify our actions, to how we respond when the world hates us for our faith. The lesson from the farm about goats illustrates a profound truth about discipleship—less can be more when it comes to genuine connection and spiritual growth. We cannot disciple masses without intimate, one-on-one engagement where we truly see each other's pain and celebrate each other's victories. As we stand on the precipice of prophetic fulfillment, this message calls us to mature quickly, to test the spirits around us, and to live lives that are unmistakably centered on Christ—not hidden, not compromised, but boldly professing our allegiance to the King of Kings.