There are many residential communities in the state of Florida that have signs on the front gates saying something like "Deed Restricted 55+". Doesn't' that strike you as rather strange in our era of political correctness? I do not think a real estate developer could get away with advertising a community as "White Only", or "Black Only"; or "Christian Only", or "Deed Restricted Straights"; or "Deed Restricted Muslim". People investing in housing sometimes enjoy protection on their investment by putting their money in a deed-restricted area. For example, a deed restriction might prevent residents from altering their house to such an extent that it would take away from the original appearance of the neighborhood. Alternatively, a deed restriction might prevent a resident from turning their home into a retail business. A person is considered a resident of a housing community after they have met certain requirements. If there are deed restrictions, they must agree to abide by these restrictions. They must pay the sales price for the house in cash or by obtaining a loan. They must satisfy the lending agency by keeping the property insured. Residents must pay taxes when due or risk losing their investment. There are no exclusions for those desiring to become citizens in the Kingdom of God. This is the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood. Jesus, as the head of his body – the church, invites everyone to become a citizen. Even though the price has already been paid by Jesus Christ on the Cross, each person who desires to live with Christ in his church, must agree to certain stipulations when entering the church community and staying in the church. The first and foremost requirement is to believe in Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. "Jesus said to her (Martha) 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:26 NIV) Now pay attention to the response from Martha. "Yes, Lord,' she told him 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.'" (11:27 NIV) This belief in Christ must be sincere with the real hope and expectation to receive all the promises of God for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. One who has this saving faith in Christ must audibly confess their belief. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32 NIV) A person is not considered a rightful owner of a property just because they see an empty house and move in. They must first meet the requirements of ownership. Likewise, a person who desires membership in the Kingdom of Heaven must meet the requirements of the owner – Christ Jesus the Lord. The church is made up of people who have been saved by faith in the sacrificial blood of Jesus. Saved people are in the church. Unsaved people are outside the church. "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14 NIV) Another requirement for those who desire entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is repentance. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) Repentance means that we are sincerely sorry for a life of sin, and we are ready to change our life with the help of God's grace. When we become a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ, we don't turn around and live like a heathen again. Baptism in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is an outward physical act that allows us to make a public showing to the world that we are in agreement with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:3,4 NIV) You are invited to attend the services of the Church of Christ at the corner of 3rd and E Streets. Write me with any questions or comments David Binkley, Sr., P.O. Box 186, Cedar Key, FL 32625 or E-mail at dgbinkley@aol.com. You may also request to receive the daily WORD OF THE DAY by e-mail. Check out our web site at www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com. | 