The Refugee Conundrum (Pt. 2)

The Refugee Conundrum (Pt.2)

Refugee: a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Conundrum: a confusing and difficult problem or question

This blog may seem to be a bit disconnected unless you first read the one posted yesterday (November 19, 20150). Moving on from there, I notice that many of my Christian friends have suggested that we should welcome refugees of any and every ilk based on...
     "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same."  (Romans 13:1-3)

So let me ask a number if questions, all pertaining to life here in the USA. Who are the governing authorities? Whimsical, egotistical men or duly enacted laws? Are these men or laws operating within the guidelines of God's authority? Are these men/laws a terror to good works or to evil? Put another way, are these men/laws promoting good or evil? If our good works receive praise from these men/law, does that not assume that these men/laws are good?

While you're mulling over those questions, please allow me to introduce you to a Federal Law that, until a few hours ago, I had no idea existed. The following is a reprint of a blog from a respected friend, Bill Wilson (The Daily Jot, November 20, 2015). I have gone to the website and the pdf document. This is accurate as far as I can tell.

     "Islam, by law, is prohibited from US immigration

      The Immigration and Nationality Act passed June 27, 1952 revised the laws relating to immigration, naturalization, and nationality for the United States. That act, which became Public Law 414, established both the law and the intent of Congress regarding the immigration of Aliens to the US and remains in effect today. Among the many issues it covers, one in particular, found in Chapter 2 Section 212, is the prohibition of entry to the US if the Alien belongs to an organization seeking to overthrow the government of the United States by "force, violence, or other unconstitutional means." This, by its very definition, rules out Islamic immigration to the United States, but this law is being ignored by the White House. 

      The laws prohibits entry of "Aliens who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe seek to enter the United States solely, principally, or incidentally to engage in activities which would be prejudicial to the public interest, or endanger the welfare, safety, or security of the United States." It also prohibits the entry of Aliens who are members of or affiliated with any organization that advocates or teaches, the overthrow by force, violence, or other unconstitutional means of the US or of all forms of law, and Aliens who publish, circulate and distribute materials teaching or advocating the overthrow by force, violence or other unconstitutional means of the US Government or of all forms of law. 

      Islamic immigration to the US would be prohibited under this law because the Koran, Sharia Law and the Hadith all require complete submission to Islam, which is antithetical to the US government, the Constitution, and to the Republic. All Muslims who attest that the Koran is their life's guiding principal subscribe to submission to Islam and its form of government. Now the political correct crowd would say that Islamists cannot be prohibited from entering the US because Islam is a religion. Whether it is a religion is immaterial because the law states that Aliens who are affiliated with any "organization" that advocates the overthrow of our government are prohibited. It also prohibits those who distribute literature that advocates the overthrow of our country, which would include the Koran. 

      In fact, there are many verses in the Koran that command Islamists to kill those who do not submit to allah and the prophet. If Congress so desired to hold the White House accountable to the current immigration of refugees (which also must comply with the law), it has the Immigration and Nationality Act to cite. The Administration is breaking that law. The question is "does Congress have the political will to do something about it?" Or shall we be a nation like that in Isaiah 59:14 where, " justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter." I think you know the answer, at least for now. But there are a handful of Congressmen who are studying this. Pray."

      To read the law, go to this link and scroll down to Chapter 2, Section 212: 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-66/pdf/STATUTE-66-Pg163.pdf

In the vetting process, all middle-eastern people should be asked these questions:

     1. What is your religion?

     2. If the answer is Islam, the next question should be, "Do you uphold the teachings of Mohammed, the Qur'an, and the Hadith?

     3. If 1 and/or 2 are answered "yes" then admittance to the USA should be denied.

     4. If 1 and/or 2 are answered "no" then further vetting should be conducted unless reasonable proof of another religious following is provided. It is virtuous, according to the Qur'an to lie for the purposes of furthering the objectives of Islam. 

 

In the realm of common sense, just look at various sections of Europe and the USA where Muslims have gained a plurality. Suddenly "No-Go" zones are established and Sharia Law is imposed on the residents. Democracy and the First Amendment are embraced wholeheartedly by Muslims until they have the numerical strength to do otherwise.

Next I want to share with you a biblical principle which is at odds with the growing principle driving the federal government - that is that all direction and provision needs to trickle from the top down. This can be summarized in the short quip: "Big brother knows best." The Bible, however, espouses a bottom-up principle.
     "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." ( 1 Timothy 5:8 )
     The ESV Study Bible commentary says, "Provision for one's own family is a spiritual issue of utmost importance. Failure to live out the gospel in this way is tantamount to a denial of the faith.
     "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." ( Galatians 6:10 )
     While this is not to the exclusion of unsaved friends, co-workers, and people in another land, our allegiance to God and His Kingdom finds its primary focus in family and the church.

If you would like to help Christian refugees from the middle east (which the present administration has relegated to the back of the line), go to the following websites to find out how...
http://www.religiousfreedomcoalition.org/    Check out the site, go to donate and do as you're led. I know William Murray - he is a man of integrity, not afraid to tell the truth. Another one is...
http://www.mercuryone.org/ although some of you might have a problem with the fact that Glen Beck is involved with this project.

With respect to helping a veteran, I would suggest finding some place local to do that good work.

As always, cover every endeavor with prayer...
     "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." ( 1 Timothy 2:1-4 )








 

World News Through the Third Lens: What About the Next Generation?

"Narnia cruises to No. 1 debut with modest $24.5M" declared the banner headline in today's Johnson City Press. While it was number one at the box office this weekend, the figures are less than glowing; in fact they pale in comparison to "Narnia 1's" opening take of $65.6 million and "Narnia 2's" opening which did $55 million. Without delving into the mysteries of Hollywood and the movie industry, I was immediately brought back to some headlines I had read just a few weeks ago. After looking up the details on-line, I can tell you that....

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 set all-time opening for the franchise with over $125 million," reported Box Office Mojo. Further checking revealed that this Harry Potter release has grossed over $777 million world-wide in its first 3-1/2 weeks. Why would I care about that? I can guarantee you that I not looking to become Roger Ebert's new partner in the movie ratings business. No, there really is a Scriptural connection to these two recent Hollywood blockbusters.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture: In this morning's reading from Our Daily Bread The lesson was drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 and from the Zebras and Wildebeests of the Serengeti Plain. From the animals we learn that the Zebras and the Wildebeests travel and migrate together because the Zebras have keen eyesight and a poor sense of smell, while the Wildebeests are just the opposite. By traveling together, they are both less vulnerable to predators. From the Scriptures we learn. "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12). "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!'" (1 Corinthians 12;21). So while I may come across as a strong exhorter, I understand that God has placed such people in the body of Christ for a reason. While my strong suit may not be mercy, God has placed others in the body who excel in dispensing mercy (see Romans 12:8).

That leads to today's exhortation, which connects back to the opening remarks about two movies and their respective draws at the box office. Both of these movies are filled with fantasy, greatly enlarged by the silver screen. Both depict competing forces which might be labeled as "good and evil" or "light and dark." However, the Harry Potter movie, in fact the entire Harry Potter series, is much more dark than light; much more evil than good. The good displayed in these movies is more of the human variety, and the Scriptures declare, concerning this subject: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6a). On the other hand, the Narnia movies reveal a different kind of good; a good that is redemptive and that comes from outside of humanity. In these movies, the Lion Aslan is seen as a type of Christ.

So what do we have here? We have a movie which is heavy into magic, both black and white, with little redeeming value grossing 5-6 times as much as a similar movie which, although fantasy, portrays biblical truth in an entertaining format. I would venture to say that 5-6 more children have seen Harry Potter as have seen Narnia 3. And the Scriptures declare: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6). I would challenge those parents who think that there is no difference between the two movies to think again. Some of the most dangerous thoughts we can entertain are, "It doesn't mean anything. It's only for fun. It's just an act. It's just entertainment." This applies to music, TV, movies, concerts, etc. Remember, a little bite of a piece of fruit got us all in one big jam.

Yesterday our pastor brought a message entitled, ""Bring the Children" (Developing a Faithful Generation). It was probably the best exposition of Matthew 19:13-15 I have ever heard. That passage reads: "Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there."

I could never hope to do justice to Pastor Hilton's message, but allow me to recap the three main points to his message: 1) Bring the children to Jesus. I dare say that there is a lot more Jesus in the Narnia movie than in the Harry Potter movie. Children must be brought to Jesus, so that in a spiritual sense they might feel His touch. 2) Do not keep children from Jesus. It's one thing to bring them to Jesus, it's another thing to not keep them from Him. Often we adults get in the way by failing to prioritize children, or by being ignorant of their value (this begins at conception). We train by example as well as by instruction. 3) God works generationally. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Someone once said that Christianity is only one generation away from extinction. It is up to us to raise up the next generation in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

So, let's be good role models to the children. Let's bring them to Jesus, which includes church at the top of the list, but also includes pointing out Jesus in every area of life. It means always being on the lookout for the answer to W.W.J.D.? (What would Jesus do?) As we develop a faithful generation, God has promised great blessing on them. "Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 112:1-3).

Be encouraged in Christ!

World News Through the Third Lens: Free Speech and the First Amendment

Free speech is a right that must be used with wisdom said the headline in an editorial by Kent Bush, of GateHouse News Service, May 4, 2010. Don't let the date bother you - the applications are timeless. Mr. Bush states: "There is a fine line between a tool and a weapon. A hammer is a very useful tool. Few structures would be built without one. But in a fit of rage, a hammer can be used in a gruesome attack." He goes on to state that the First Amendment gives all Americans the right to free speech, and that like a hammer, most applications are beneficial.

While espousing the value of the First Amendment, Mr. Bush wishes that more people would use this basic right with more restraint and wisdom. He says, "The difference is one of can and should. He points out the work of Matt Stone and Trey Parker in their crudely drawn and written cartoon, "South Park" as something that constantly pushes the bounds of decency, with mockery, blasphemy and obscenity in almost every episode. Recently they took a swipe at Islam by making a not so flattering depiction of the prophet Muhammad, just to show that they could.

A website called revolutionmuslim.com posted a poorly veiled threat saying that Parker and Stone might end up like Dutch Filmmaker, Theo Van Gogh - dead. So the South Park episode went in the tank. In response, Molly Norris, and artist from Seattle declared May 20 to be celebrated as "Everyone Draw Muhammad Day." She has since stated she is not involved with this any more. We may have freedom to speak, but words - like actions - often have consequences. Bush concludes his editorial with these words: "You have to choose wisely if you should say everything you can say. (My note: Today's issue of the Norwich Bulletin ran a blurb that Comedy Central was developing a cartoon series that would be titled "J.C." depicting Christ as a "regular guy" who moves to New York to "escape his father's enormous shadow." I think a typical Christian response to insult is seen by most people as being a polar opposite to an Islamic response to insult.)

Through the third lens of Scripture: The Bible has a lot to say about our manner of speech. I good place to start would probably be the Golden Rule. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12) The Bible tells us that "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check....The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:2,6)

As Christians find themselves aligned with Conservatives and Tea Partiers on many issues, we must be careful not to pick up on hurtful and defaming rhetoric. If there are things wrong in government, society, culture or even the church, we should "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose (reprove) them." (Ephesians 5:11) If we, as followers of Christ, feel we must engage in such activities, "Let your speech be always seasoned with salt, that you may know how you should answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) We should remember and apply the words of wisdom from David and Solomon: "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies." (Psalms 34:13) "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3) Although much more could be written on this topic, we'll close with words from James, the brother of Jesus. "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." (James 1:26). The First Amendment grants us freedom, not license.