A Foundation of Sand - The SBC's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission's Support for Paige Patterson and EIT

Yesterday, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention posted an article describing an event sponsored by, in part, the Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT) entitled "Paige Patterson calls for immigration reform, care for the immigrants among us".  To say it was disturbing is an understatement. What I found was weak support for what is a critical issue.

In the article, Dr. Patterson, President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, says, “What guarantees justice for one person often tends to take it away from another.”  That, by definition, is not "justice" but rather "advantage".  This is a very dangerous and  un-biblical view of justice; it is not a zero-sum game. Follow this line of reasoning and one would come to the blasphemous conclusion that our Just God is such "often at the expense of others". 

 Another speaker at the event, Tim C. Moore, pastor and EIT mobilizer, also uses a weak argument for the  immigration policies supported by EIT saying of the Holy Family's move to Egypt,  “I don’t find where Joseph and Mary stopped to get a visa.”  He probably got some chuckles and some ignorant nods of agreement, but this is an irresponsible comparison to make.  The move that Joseph and Mary made was under Roman jurisdiction and more accurately described as a move between states, not countries.  

Dr. Patterson states,  “In all the history of the church, when the church has become militant and taken up weapons, they have left a sad mark on the church of the living God."   I wonder if those who were under persecution and oppression yet freed by Christians taking up arms would agree with her.  War should always be the last resort, as all human life is sacred.  But one need not look far to see that God calls his people to lift up arms in defense of those who are being brutalized and cannot defend themselves.  The same compassion that leads us to care for the immigrant should lead us to lay down our lives in defense of our friends and brothers. I don't consider this a "sad mark".  I'm proud of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and have done so with the love of Christ.

It appears to me that, once again, those in leadership positions have backed an emotional response with a cursory use of Scripture. I can understand that from lay people who are busy with work and family lives outside of professional ministry. I cannot understand it from those who hold positions responsible for the proper exegesis of Scripture and the dissemination of it to members of denominations.  

To know what God says about the role of borders, governments, immigration, individuals, development of a military and its proper use, one must do more than have a passion and a word-search. We cannot afford to be lazy here nor will we be relieved of the responsibility to know God's will.  Hebrews 5:14 reminds me that it is up to us to train ourselves to distinguish good from evil. We will make a mistake if we blindly follow those in positions higher than ourselves. 

Christian, it is up to you to seek God's will and then follow it.

If there are any of my Southern Baptist friends reading this, please consider comparing  Evangelicals For Biblical Immigration to the EIT.  (As a side note:  Eric Metaxas initially signed on with the EIT. However, after further review of the facts, withdrew his name and has been a supporter of EBI ever since.) 

  

Compassion and emotions are dangerous things and need to be checked and harnessed by a solid understanding of God's word and intent.  I think it's time for each of us and the SBC to take a step back and reevaluate.  

Before it's too late.

Previous blog on immigration: W.W.N.D. Nehemiah and Immigration Reform

Testimony of a modern legal immigrant: My Brother's Story of Becoming an American

 

“What guarantees justice for one person often tends to take it away from another.” The key will not be “social legislation,” but rather the “intervention of God.” - See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

“What guarantees justice for one person often tends to take it away from another.” The key will not be “social legislation,” but rather the “intervention of God.” - See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

“What guarantees justice for one person often tends to take it away from another.” The key will not be “social legislation,” but rather the “intervention of God.” - See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

“What guarantees justice for one person often tends to take it away from another.” The key will not be “social legislation,” but rather the “intervention of God.” - See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

Moore enumerated some of the evangelical organizations, including Southern Baptists, World Vision and Bread of Life—groups representing 68 million Christians—whose leadership is aligned with EIT principles. - See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

While Patterson’s sermon capped the evening, the service began with remarks from Galvan and Tim C. Moore, Texas mobilizer for EIT and pastor of Walk Worthy Baptist Church in Austin.
Recounting the movement of Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus from Bethlehem to Egypt, Moore noted, “I don’t find where Joseph and Mary stopped to get a visa.”
- See more at: http://erlc.com/article/stop-playing-for-political-favor-on-immigration#sthash.ICNACr4D.dpuf

Naaman, Obedience & the Insanity of the American Church

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." Jesus - (Matthew 5:13 NIV)

"If the meat is rotten, it's the salt's fault." - Glenn Sunshine

Let the smell of our rancid culture fill your nostrils as you meditate on those words for a moment.  

The modern American church is not operating with the same influence she has in the past.  Why not?  At least two reasons pound in my head, but I'll focus on just one for now.

We aren't obedient to God.

Is God still the same he was yesterday, today and will be tomorrow? If so, then he still requires obedience.  God's expectation of obedience and warnings against the contrary saturate Scripture.  From "you will surely die" in the garden, to Deuteronomy's "observe the commands" and "keep his ways", to the reminder in Hebrews of those who "did not go in [to the Promised land] because of disobedience" with a plea to "make every effort...so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience" in Hebrews, Scripture cries out to us that obedience is critical.    

Just in case you think I'm calling us to legalism, I'm not.  Here's how I understand it:  Salvation is free in the sense that we could never afford it or earn it.  However, if we receive it (humbly and gratefully) it will be demonstrated by our desire to be obedient even though we will, being fallen creatures, fail at times.  Daily we are to pick up our cross, share His yoke, carry a (comparably) light burden,  and make every effort to enter his rest, dying daily to the flesh.  All of this done through the power of the Spirit living in us, not in our own power.  Easier said than done-yes!  Worth striving for-absolutely!  

When God's people remember his ways and walk humbly in them, they and the cultures they live in have been transformed and blessed. It's his promise and it's a fact. I beg you to consider our role and our responsibility.  

Enter the insanity. 

We see the problems, pray about the problems, form committees and write all kinds of books about the problems.  We go to conferences, look at graphs and charts about the problems.  We pray for the Second Coming (and it can't come fast enough!) and we hide from the problems.  We want to solve the problem every way except the way God instructs.  And we continue to do these same things expecting a different result. 

GOD HELP ME, WHEN IS SOMEONE GOING TO CALL US TO OBEDIENCE? 

Occasionally, and in different forums, I'll hear about this miraculous time in history called "The Great Awakening".  It's spoken about with such nostalgia and romance. So, why aren't preachers lining up to deliver the sermon credited with the final push that birthed that baby? Perhaps "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" doesn't seem loving.  And we are all about loving (as defined by our culture, not Scripture).  Given that the result was a Great Awakening, shouldn't we at least consider a re-run? 

Based on the Word of God and the history that has proven it, I believe the Holy Spirit won't move that way again until / unless we are called to and respond appropriately with obedience.  I've been hearing of small pockets of believers praying the words of Isaiah,“Woe to me!...I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips...” (Isaiah 6:5 NIV) and I share their cries.

Naaman was willing to do some things for a healing, but not the one thing required of him until finally his suffering out-weighed his pride and he obeyed.  How much suffering will it take before we will humble ourselves to the point of obedience?

Healing beyond our imagination awaits us if we are willing.

Biblical references from "YouVersion" Bible App, NIV

My Brother's Story of Becoming an American

You know that rare moment when you first meet someone think, "I'm going to love him forever"?  No, not that kind of love.  The kind of love you have for a brother in Christ who shares your deepest convictions about God and Country and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you for both.

Martin and I met Joseph Del Barrio, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, en route to march against the closing of the World War II Memorial this past October.  We are both so grateful we did.  We shared a lot that day- hopes, fears, prayers, tears and laughs.  Lots of laughs!  The next day we shared stories over breakfast.  I want to share one of them with you.

Joe is a naturalized citizen.  Having served in our military, he has a unique opinion regarding immigration and with his permission, I am sharing it with you here. I know your time is at a premium, but could you please read his story?  It would mean so much to me.

And Joe.

Thanks.

"Dear Rachel,

How is my new Sister?  Well, you asked me to recount and share my experiences in America and how they’ve shaped my view on the issue of illegal immigration.  So I thought I’d take some time to fulfill my promise to do so.  I’ll do my best not to make it too long.  I came to the U.S. when I was 5 years old in 1985.  My Dad came here a few years earlier from the Philippines on a workers visa.  My family in the Philippines including my Dad had experienced Marshal Law under the Marcos Regime. We’ve had family members disappear for speaking against the Marcos Regime.  That is the reason my Dad came here, to make a better life for us.  My Dad saved up a bunch of money, got his worker’s visa, and came here to the U.S. and started finding work in the hotel service field. 

Fast forward to the early 90’s while I was in high school.  My parents led my sister and I to believe we were U.S. citizens.  We in fact were not.  My Mom believed we were only going to live in the U.S. for a little while, earn some money, then move back to the Philippines.  My Dad it seems had other plans.  He would tell me stories of the corruption in the Philippines and how the U.S. was the place of opportunity. He said it was a place where your hard work would be rewarded and that you would only receive the amount you put in.  I grew up seeing my Dad putting 12 plus hours of work a day. Whether he was working as a hotel front desk manager or as a retail store manager, it didn’t matter. My Dad always worked hard and put 100% into every job he did.  For me at that time, I grew up like most kids born into this Country.  You’re happy to be here but you take it for granted. You go to school, play with your friends, but you don’t realize what a truly special place the U.S. is. That realization would only be solidified when I went to Iraq. More on that later.  I didn’t realize what freedom really was. I didn’t realize what our rights were under the Constitution.  I didn’t have a full understanding what the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were.  I didn’t realize what it cost, in the form of blood, for all the things we take for granted.  I went on living my life totally oblivious to these things until my early years in high school when my parents told me we were going to Los Angeles to get our paperwork started for permanent residency.  It was a bit traumatizing for me to realize I wasn’t a U.S. citizen. I began to see all the things I took for granted. It was the beginning of my eyes being opened.

So we went through the long process of applying for permanent residency.  Once we received our permanent residency status we would have to wait four years before we could apply for citizenship.   During that time, I finished high school and got into college.  I got a job to pay for college and saved up to pay for the citizenship application process.  Having to go through the process of applying for citizenship enhanced my love of history. I began to learn on my own through life lessons and personal study, why this Country is so great.  I began to see and appreciate what America has given me and my family. I began to really fall in love with America.  This Country, to me, seemed to be the conduit which God used to bless me.  Here I was.  I had a job, school, a new and beautiful wife, a roof over my head, and a future.  I saw how much God, through this Country, provided for me.  Even though I wasn’t yet a citizen, this Country gave me so much.  I learned that I had many uncles who served in the U.S. Navy and earned citizenship through service.  I learned I had two uncles who died fighting alongside U.S. Servicemen against the Japanese in WWII.  They put their lives on the line in service to this great Country in order to gain something many take for granted. 

In 2003 I became a naturalized citizen.  It was a proud moment for me and although it was a long process, I wouldn’t have changed it because it really helped me to see what America was, what it provided me, and what it all truly means to be American.  So, shortly after I graduated college and earned my citizenship in 2003, I felt the need to give back to my Country.  I enlisted in the Army.  I went to Iraq in February 2005 until February 2006.  While I was there I saw some things that helped me to appreciate America even more.  There were families living in mud huts in the midst of a landfill.  There were kids playing in streets flooding with sewage.  There were people on the streets begging for food.  There were families being shot and killed because they didn’t want to live under the rule of dictator.  Many people to this day ask why we were over there.  For me first and foremost, I was there to give back to my Country.   Second, I was there to protect my teammates.  Third, I was there to help bring a bit of America to a place that didn’t know what it was to be free.  There’s something about wearing the uniform, going over to another country, and having some of the people come to you for help and look you in the eyes with appreciation.  Sometimes it was a simple ball point pen.  Sometimes it was a soccer ball for an Iraqi Policeman’s son.  Sometimes it was bandaging up a toddler’s wounded behind.  All the little things they were appreciative for while some Americans back home were complaining about their cell phones or not having the newest thing or gadget.  It all pales in comparison.  Those were the reasons we were there and I wouldn’t take back the time I spent over there.  When I came back stateside, I became a Special Agent with Army Criminal Investigation Division.  I started off my first two years working investigations until 2009 when I was reassigned to be a member of the Secretary of Defenses security detail.  I was blessed enough to serve two Secretaries of Defense who were both prior CIA Directors.  Only in America could a Filipino immigrant work his way from the bottom and end up in a place where he would routinely be wandering the halls of the Pentagon, frequently visit the White House, travel to different places around the globe to protect important people, be part of the team who protects one of the Nation’s most important men, and be witness to some of the events that would become part of our Nation’s history. I truly still sit back in shock at what this Country has provided. But what did America truly provide me? What it truly provided me was opportunity.  The opportunity to go to school,to work, to serve my Country, to make a better life for my family. It was up to me to decide what to do with that opportunity.  It was my decisions and actions paired with that opportunity that determined the outcome of my life thus far. We aren’t promised the ends, only the means.  We do with it the best we can according to our blessings and abilities and through God’s grace.

As far as illegal immigration is concerned there is one word that sticks out to me.  That word is ILLEGAL.  I truly don’t understand the gall proponents of illegal immigrants have when they say they have a right to be in this country.  How do you have the right to unlawfully come into a country then demand certain rights that many have died for?  How do you cut in front of the millions of LEGAL immigrants doing the right thing, following the law, and becoming a citizen the right way?  Try illegally immigrating to another country and see what happens.  I guarantee you it won’t be pretty. How does a person demand something that is not there’s to begin with?  It’s like waiting in line for food.  You save up some cash to pay for a good burger, wait in line, and place your order. Then when the cashier is grabbing your order from the rack, someone cuts in at the front of the line, grabs your burger from the back, and says they deserve it more because they’re hungry.  Guess what, there are people in line who are hungry too but they’re doing it the right way. They worked hard, put in the time, went through the process to do it according to the law.  A person coming here illegally does not deserve the right to demand citizenship for this Country.    Many people say, “oh, they haven’t done anything wrong, they just want to work”. Yes they have done something wrong, they came here ILLEGALLY!  They stole and are stealing an opportunity from another person or family LEGALLY waiting to get into the country.  My family and many other families did it and are doing it the right way.  The immigration system isn’t broken, it doesn’t need reforming, it’s just not being used.  Take it from a once Legal Immigrant turned U.S. Citizen.  No amnesty for illegal aliens whatsoever. GO TO THE BACK OF THE LINE!  Some people may take that as mean or uncaring. Not my problem. To me, they’re stealing opportunities from families like mine, families who did it the right way and are waiting for their opportunity to work their way from the bottom up. These families want to make something of themselves and in turn give back to this Country. To me that’s the same as stealing something tangible like gold or money from my pocket or food out of my mouth.  Turn the immigration system back on. Enforce the laws that are on the books. Secure the borders.  The rest will take care of its self.  Then again, that’s just the non-politically correct opinion of a proud American and an Iraqi War Vet.  It’s coming from a Citizen who knows what it means to be an American Citizen and knows now what it takes to earn the freedoms many Americans take for granted.  An American Citizen who loves his Country warts and all.  An American Citizen who will never apologize for the things that this Country did to become great. Well it looks as if I went way longer than I intended. Take care. I hope to see you, Martin, and Randy again in the near future.

Love you Sis,

Joe"