In this message, Pastor Marc Lapointe unpacks the theme of citizenship through the lens of Philippians 3:12-21 by powerfully connecting the Apostle Paul’s call to heavenly allegiance with the real-world process of becoming an American citizen. He challenges us to see that faith in Christ isn’t just about association, it’s about transformation. We are not simply affiliated with Jesus; we are called to live as fully committed citizens of Heaven. Just as immigrants take an oath to renounce previous loyalties and pledge full allegiance to the United States, so too are followers of Christ called to a radical reorientation of allegiance. Christians must seek first the Kingdom and God above all else.

Our heavenly citizenship is secured through Christ’s sacrifice and comes with eternal privileges: the forgiveness of sins, a new identity as children of God, and the promise of life everlasting. Yet this divine citizenship also demands total allegiance, just as the naturalization oath demands exclusive loyalty to one's new country.