CHRIST is RISEN indeed!

Principle #1 - To be peacemakers - Matthew 5.9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

To be peacemakers, believers must have peace with God and bring peace and love to their neighbors. Therefore, in the Church of Christ, believers are called to pray constantly. That is, to fill yourself first of all with the priority of looking at Christ and turn to Him - that is, to pray: 1 Timothy 2 - for all people. + for kings and rulers - in order to lead a quiet life, without rebellions.

FOR THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST - He is the mediator between God and man. 1 Tim 2:1-2: "Therefore, first of all, I ask you to make prayers, petitions, intercessions, thanksgiving for all people, for kings and for all those in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and purity.”

Principle #2 - The church is not a political party, it is a community of believers, reborn by the Holy Spirit, and therefore God-loving people. The Church is from different nationalities, from languages ​​and peoples. The church existed in different eras (social systems) - the task of the church is to bring people to God, who transforms the heart, mind and deeds of a person. Therefore, we must abide in Christ - (John 15 chapter). That's why we preach CHRIST!!! This is our top priority.

Principle #3 - Is the principle of the Russian UECB - separation of church and state. We respect rulers, we pray, we work in society. BUT The task and goals of the Church of Christ are spiritual goals, just like Jesus. His kingdom is not of this world, so give to Caesar what is due to Caesar, but give to God what is due Him. The state deals with public affairs. Yet our society needs what we have - this is the wonderful good news - the GOSPEL. Therefore, the call is for believers to trust in the Lord and be responsible, first of all, for ourselves and our spiritual state.

1. Our society needs the good news of the gospel in times of bad news. Bring the good news about Christ, don't become a bearer of bad news. We live in difficult times, times of toxic news. People are affected by this, and problems with psychological illnesses are revealed. You need to limit yourself from the news. Set yourself a fasting day from the news. If you have watched the news - look through the prism of Scripture. in this Easter time - to fast from Social networks and TV.. If you heard the news, then immediately pray. Be PRAYING.

2. We need to ask the question: what would Christ have done in this situation? - We read in the Gospel of Luke chapter 13 - Jesus was asked questions - related to the conflict with Pilate. But His answer is amazing. Christ does not give any political evaluation. - He calls for REPENTANCE - Spiritual TRANSFORMATION. And when asked, which side are you on? I answer - on the side of Christ.

We all need to repent, which is the main task in solving the issue of relationship with God, and not try to change your situation. Luke 13:3-4.

Everyone expected that the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, would free Israel from the Roman political yoke, but Christ had a different Mission. Therefore, many Jews were disappointed, because they expected something else from Him. They did not understand His true mission. The believer's mission is to bring peace and proclaim Christ and salvation. Be His ambassadors.

3. As believers, we now need to learn some important lessons: Be prayerful and Good Samaritans, and when we help refugees, we need to learn to listen, pray, comfort. Be comforters. In church, no one should be humiliated because of skin color or nationality. No need to fight or judge. Christ prayed for the UNITY OF THE CHURCH, so we should seek to preserve it.

Re-read 1st Peter - he wrote to the church in TROUBLE, in DISPERSION (refugees), and with many problems. But there was not a word of reproach toward the authorities. And this was written by the zealous, hot-tempered Apostle Peter? The Lord had taught him the important lesson of OBEDIENCE - his whole message is saturated with this call. And also, there is no need to condemn those who decided to leave their city and flee …

Conclusion: God bless us to learn to love, to accept all people (and nationalities), and to forgive.

Christ speaks beautiful words. Recorded in Matthew 5:43 You have heard it said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what special thing do you do? Don't the pagans do the same? So be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

God bless you,

President Peter Mitskevich