Citizens and Strangers

Drawing from her experience immigrating from Ethiopia to the United States as a child, guest speaker Deanbo reflects on learning early that much of life lies beyond our control. Yet the uncertainty of entering a new country also helped her discover something far more dependable: Jesus remains the same across circumstances, countries, and cultures. Through Colossians 3:15, she invites Christians to surrender their attempts to control their lives and instead "let the peace of Christ rule," trusting God with their families, finances, futures, and circumstances.

Turning to Colossians 1:15–20, John 17, and 1 Peter 2, the message centers on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus—the One through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. Christian life is ultimately not about controlling outcomes or even simply doing more good things, but abiding in Christ so that others encounter Jesus through us. That identity also transcends nationality and culture: followers of Jesus are ultimately citizens of heaven, joined to a diverse people from every background. The invitation is simple but demanding: surrender what we cannot control, remain in Jesus, and let his life become visible through our words, choices, relationships, and actions.