Syrian Refugee Crisis, Elder-Led Prayer, Thanksgiving Schedule (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/22)

While Christians are in an uproar about Starbucks red holiday cups, there are more important things going on in the world to be concerned about. Concerning the Syrian Refugee Crisis, I see a lot of fear-mongering on social media. How should we, as Christians, think about this issue? We need to think Biblically.

As we've learned in the Truth Project, the government and church have different spheres of responsibility. Let the government do its job to vet the refugees in order to protect its citizens. As the church, we should show compassion and the love of Christ. Why are we so afraid to have refugees come in? God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind (or self-control). We should not fear those who can kill the body but fear the One who can kill the body and the soul.

Christians are called to love our enemies. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. The church should not be like the religious ones (the priest and Levite) who crossed to the other side due to fear and prejudice. Jesus called for us to be like the Samaritan who showed mercy to one who was ethnically different than him. Who is your neighbor? Anyone who God brings into your life (whether American, Syrian, Muslim, etc.). If refugees come into their area, I pray that Christians would see the situation as the mission field coming to them and show compassion and share the hope of the Gospel. Since many of the refugees are women and children, we should remember what James wrote: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27)

We are nearing the end of reading through the Bible as a church family this year. We're following the 52-week reading plan. We are on week 47.

The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Tuesday, November 24th, from 6pm to 7pm. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can submit them online.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Wednesday's Prayer & Testimony Service and Bible Study and Thursday morning's Bible Study are canceled. Enjoy time with your family and give thanks to God for all of His wonderful gifts.

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