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Think.Believe.Act.

Reflections on making the world more like Heaven & making people feel as though they have been in the presence of Jesus.
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Who Would Jesus Vet

2/3/2017

2 Comments

 
Extreme angst exists at both ends of the current debate over President Trump’s recent executive order on the processing of refugees. Groups on the right and left are mischaracterizing each other in ways that cloud the debate.

On the left, protesters assume those who support the President’s emphasis on vetting have no compassion for refugees. On the right, those in favor of a careful vetting process assume that people who oppose the President’s actions have no concern for national security. A first step in resolving this tensions is to understand that this is a false choice. These concerns are not mutually exclusive and we need not chose one over the other.

Careful vetting is consistent with Christ’s command that we love our neighbors. It would be unloving to allow those bent on harming us to move in next door. Vetting is consistent with love for our neighbors, but it is not a complete expression of love for our neighbors. Jesus taught that true love for our neighbors is not limited to those like us. In fact Jesus said, even pagans love their own brothers and are kind to people who are like them. Christ’s parable of the good Samaritan clearly teaches that in his Kingdom our neighbor is anyone with a need. Syrian refugees are our neighbors whether they are Christian or Muslim and Jesus commands that we love them as we love ourselves, and as we love our own families.

The Good Samaritan’s love for his neighbor extended beyond warm feelings. It cost him something, both in terms of personal expense (he paid for the victims medical care), but also in terms of risk. When he stopped to help a man assaulted by thieves he put himself in harm’s way. His personal safety was secondary to helping a person whose life was in danger.
​

America is greatest when we balance caution with courage, when we stand beside people who are oppressed. I call on the President to complete his review of the vetting process as quickly as possible and to give persecuted Muslims who have been carefully vetted the same considerations afforded to my fellow Christians.


This Sunday (Feb 5) I will be speaking on this topic at Central Christian 10:30
2 Comments
~ Amy link
2/3/2017 12:42:41 pm

Thank you for this helpful call to caution and courage. Love is a costly endeavor. Wish Tim and I could be at your church on Sunday to hear your sermon. Will it be available online?

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Carl Ruby link
2/3/2017 12:51:03 pm

Yes, the message will be posted in our sermon archive after Sunday.

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    Pastor Carl

    "This blog is my way of connecting with people at Central and beyond to encourage them to make their space in the world more like Heaven."

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    Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this blog reflect my thoughts and opinions as an individual, not the formal positions of our church.  Central includes people with a wide range of opinions on important issues like those addressed in my posts.  It is also a place where we can discuss these issues with civility and grace.

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Central is vibrant nondenominational church focused on making our community more like heaven.  We strive to keep Jesus at the center, looking to scripture for direction, and asking God's Spirit to lead and empower us. We care about justice, We love our neighbors, and we proclaim the gospel. Sundays are a little different with Covid-19, until we are able to gather inside the worship center our services will be online. Please visit Central Reopening for details.

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1504 VIlla Rd, Springfield, Ohio 45503
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  • Home
  • Central Reopening
    • Reopening Strategy
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    • Reopening Mask Restrictions
    • Reopening Seating
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    • Reopening Refreshments
    • Reopening Offerings
    • Reopening Communion
    • Reopening Kids Ministry
  • Get To Know Us
    • About >
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Meet Our Team
    • What We Believe
    • Meet our Pastor
    • Meet our Ministry Partners
    • Men's Ministry
    • Celebration Station Preschool
    • Children's Programs >
      • Keeping Your Child Safe & Well
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