Jesus responds to a question meant to trap him by saying “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” These familiar words are more than just a call to pay taxes or submit to the authority in the empire, beyond that, they point us to the One whose image we bear. The coins marked with Caesar's face belong to him, likewise, as we are made in the image of God, we belong to the Father. While living in this world means we do submit to the authorities placed here, we are to live like citizens of Heaven… a Jesus-shaped church on mission.
Message by Devin Burton, "Bearing the Image of God" as part of the Working Model of New Creation series. Message from October 18, 2026. Centralia Community Church, Centralia, WA. cccog.com
What does it look like when formation begins to take shape in how we live together? Jesus calls His church into a different kind of community; one marked by reconciliation, forgiveness, humility, and wholehearted obedience. As we receive His grace, steward what He’s given, and respond to His invitation, we learn to live not by appearance or obligation, but as people who truly belong to Him. This is the life of the Kingdom on display - a community bearing His image, extending His mercy, and living as a working model of new creation.
Centralia Community Church. cccog.com
