Sermons and teachings from Rev. Mark Reynolds, a Pastor in the United Methodist Church (Florida Conference). These transformative messages will speak directly into your life!
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/pastormarkreynolds
The Obligations of Courageous Love: A Christian Response to the Refugee Crisis
How should Christians respond to the Syrian refugee crisis? America has pledged to receive 10,000 of the most vulnerable victims of ISIS and Bashar al-Assad over the next year, but after the recent terrorist attacks in Paris many Americans are recoiling in fear. Some politicians, in their quest to win elections, are making things worse by exploiting this fear and spreading misinformation. But one of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity is that God does not want us to make moral decisions based on fear. Rather, we listen for God's will by searching the scriptures and then follow where Jesus leads, even if that means going into dangerous territory. So what does the Lord require in this situation? Looking at several passages of scripture, Pastor Mark shows how Jesus calls every one of us to live a courageous faith in radical obedience to God. This means imitating the risky, dangerous, self-sacrificial love of Christ, which includes the enemy and exhibits a special concern for the most vulnerable and unwanted people in society. Instead of bowing down to fear and worshiping security, we are challenged to see God in the face of the needy and respond with compassion. Wherever you stand on this issue, this powerful message will challenge every Christian to be who they say they are! The world is watching. What will we do?