Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas
  • Welcome
  • Announcements
    • Prayer & Fasting
  • Resources
    • Life Management Center
    • Life Management Resources >
      • Eliminating Excuses
      • Contentment
      • Listening
      • Vision
      • Children and Technology
      • Conflict
      • Parenting Teenagers
      • Caregivers
      • Communication
    • Volunteer Request Form
  • Ministries
    • MACC Members Page
    • Education Department
  • About Us
    • Serving The Real God
    • Real People
    • Staff
  • Leadership
    • Minister Lamont Ross
    • Minister B. Chris Simpson
    • Shepherds
  • Contact

Build Bridges, Not Barriers

2/2/2017

0 Comments

 
[Part 1]  Immigration is a hot button topic in America.  President Trump’s recent executive order that temporarily restricts entrance into the United States for travelers from certain countries has further added to the feelings and fury.  The executive order calls for a 90 day halt entry into the U.S. from those living in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.  It also calls for a 120 day suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.  The stated purpose of the temporary ban is to allow time “to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.”

​This purpose of this Reflections is not to argue for or against the executive order.  The goal is to begin to explore the question, “What guidance, if any, does the Bible give on the issue of immigration?”  Any view that Christians hold should be informed and shaped by the Word of God. 

In the Old Testament God gave Israel both religious and civil law.  Those outside of Israel (referred to in scripture as strangers and aliens) were not to be mistreated or oppressed.  They were to be welcomed and loved as though they were part of the people of God (Leviticus 19:33-34).  God’s people were even told to assist them with their daily needs (Leviticus 19:10). 

Outsiders were allowed to participate in the religious ceremonies of Israel, as long as they adhered to God’s law.  God’s people were not to change God’s law to accommodate outsiders (Exodus 12:48, Numbers 15:14-16).  Additionally, there were religious laws placed on God’s people that were not imposed on strangers (Deuteronomy 14:21). 

In Numbers 35, God gives His people instructions for establishing cities of refuge for natives and for strangers.  These cities were to be safe places for aliens. 

God’s expectations regarding the treatment of outsiders did not change after Christ died.  The principles in the Law are reinforced in the New Testament.  Christians are commanded to be hospitable.  The Greek word translated as hospitality means to be friendly to strangers.  We are also instructed to love others as we love ourselves and to do good to all people (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 6:10). 

​The verses above suggest that Christians should seek to build bridges, not barriers.  We must remember that we are Christians first, and then Americans.  Whether we identify ourselves as Democrats or Republicans, our politics and patriotism must be shaped by the Prince of Peace.  
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Minister Ross' creativity, wisdom, and insight have inspired community, church and corporate audiences throughout the United States. 

    His engaging style has touched people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and walks of life.

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Location

Address:
2431 S. Marsalis Avenue

Dallas, TX 75216

Join Us For Worship

MACC In-Person Sunday Worship
(Face Masks and Social Distancing Required)
8:00 am: Sunday Worship
9:30 am: Bible Classes (All Ages)
10:30 am: Sunday Worship

Wednesday Virtual Bible Study
7:00 pm (MACC YouTube Channel)

General Information

Phone: (214) 941-2531

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Members Directory
Picture
Picture

Visitors Weekly: 1708  |  Unique Visitors Weekly: 108
Facebook: 2.2K Followers  |  YouTube: 1.18K Subscribers
Updated: August 8, 2022

© Copyright Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ. All rights reserved.

  • Welcome
  • Announcements
    • Prayer & Fasting
  • Resources
    • Life Management Center
    • Life Management Resources >
      • Eliminating Excuses
      • Contentment
      • Listening
      • Vision
      • Children and Technology
      • Conflict
      • Parenting Teenagers
      • Caregivers
      • Communication
    • Volunteer Request Form
  • Ministries
    • MACC Members Page
    • Education Department
  • About Us
    • Serving The Real God
    • Real People
    • Staff
  • Leadership
    • Minister Lamont Ross
    • Minister B. Chris Simpson
    • Shepherds
  • Contact