Today as we go about our normal routines, the future of thousands of Syrian refugees hangs in the balance. In the aftermath of the Paris attacks last week, some U.S. governors and politicians have spoken out against the plan to bring in 10,000 Syrian refugees to America, while others are in favor of it. Even among Evangelicals opinions are divided (see the links below). The situation is both complex and urgent.
We may disagree on what policies are best for refugees and for America, but as followers of Christ, we cannot let the culture shape the way we think about the world or our mission. So what do we do in the meantime? What should drive our thoughts and actions when we read news stories and talk about the terrorist attacks and the fate of refugees?
The Gospel Transforms the Way We Look at the World
In a sermon titled, “The Gospel and September 11,” David Platt spoke about how the gospel transforms the way we look at the world:
Thinking About Safety and Comfort
While the government considers the safety of Syrian refugees and the safety of its citizens, we as followers of Christ must not fall into the trap of thinking that safety and comfort are the end goal of our lives:
How Should We Respond?
What, then, should be our response?
As followers of Christ, we must be gospel-driven in all of our actions toward the lost—whether they are our Muslim neighbors down the street or refugees trying to enter our country.
While the current refugee crisis may not have a quick and simple solution, one thing we do know is that we are called to love our neighbor—both in word and deed. This means showing compassion through acts of kindness, but more importantly, it means telling them about Jesus who died to save them from their sins.
In recent years, people from all over the world, including Syria, have come to the United States as immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers. It is likely that you live near people who have never heard of the name of Jesus before.
Maybe God is bringing the nations to our doorstep so that they can hear the gospel.
As issues like the refugee crisis unfold, we encourage you to keep the gospel as your focus. Instead of allowing fear to keep you isolated from the world, engage in relationships with people from other nations—with Muslims and others who are different from you.
If all this sounds overwhelming, and you’re not sure how to engage those of other faiths with the gospel, then the next Secret Church Simulcast on Friday, April 29, could not be more timely. During Secret Church David Platt is going to teach on “A Global Gospel in a World of Religions”. During that time of the study, we’ll discover how the gospel is unique and how the claims of Christ intersect with other belief systems. We’ll look at how we reach out to people of other religions like Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism to share the gospel. You can get more information and register for the next Secret Church by going to SecretChurch.org
Should We Really Close the Border to Syrian Refugees? Washington Post, Trevin Wax Read the full article here.
Considering the Facts: A Christian Response From Alabama to the Syrian Refuge Crises by Allan Cross
In the discussions of refugees, it is also important to remember that they are real people with real hurts and needs.
Read this story about one refugee’s life. Also, check out this article about realities refugees face.
Kevin DeYoung writes about how immigration policy must be based on more than an appeal to compassion. Read this article here.
