In what ways can our church better support immigrants and strangers today? The Command: Remember Your Own Pilgrimage “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9) • This command is literal and enduring. • Israel’s past slavery is the motive: memory fuels mercy. • In Christ, we too were “once alienated” (Colossians 1:21) and have been brought near (Ephesians 2:13); our rescue obligates our welcome. God’s Own Heart for the Stranger • Leviticus 19:33-34—“The foreigner living among you must be treated as your native-born. Love him as yourself…” • Deuteronomy 10:18-19—The LORD “loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners.” • Psalm 146:9—“The LORD protects foreigners.” • Matthew 25:35—Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger received. • Hebrews 13:2—Hospitality to strangers may host angels. God’s consistent testimony leaves no room for indifference. Practical Ways Our Church Can Obey Today Relational Welcome • Greet newcomers by name; introduce them to others immediately. • Share meals in homes—nothing communicates family like the dinner table (Acts 2:46). Language & Learning • Offer free ESL classes on-site. • Provide translators or headsets during services; print bilingual bulletins. Compassionate Assistance • Create a benevolence fund for rent, groceries, and medical needs vetted through deacons (Acts 6:1-6). • Offer rides to appointments, school enrollments, and job interviews. • Host job-skills workshops or resume help nights. Legal & Community Navigation • Partner with Christian immigration attorneys for pro-bono legal clinics. • Help families understand school systems, banking, and public services. Discipleship & Integration • Pair each immigrant family with a “Barnabas Partner” family for six months of friendship and guidance (Galatians 6:2). • Invite qualified immigrants into worship teams, small-group leadership, and service projects; the body is healthiest when every part works (1 Corinthians 12). Advocacy & Voice • Speak up when a brother or sister faces discrimination at work or housing (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Encourage local employers to consider qualified newcomers. Facing Obstacles with Scriptural Truth • Fear of scarcity → Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply all your needs.” • Cultural misunderstandings → James 1:5: Ask God for wisdom. • Time limitations → Ephesians 5:15-16: Redeem the time. • Skepticism about motives → 1 Samuel 16:7: God looks at the heart; so should we. The Blessings of Hospitality • A foretaste of heaven’s multi-ethnic worship (Revelation 7:9-10). • Fresh testimonies ignite congregational faith. • Children learn tangible, lived-out love (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • The church gains spiritual gifts and perspectives God has deposited in His global family (1 Peter 4:10). Taking the First Steps This Week • Identify one immigrant household already attending and invite them for dinner. • Announce the launch of an ESL interest list next Sunday. • Assign a deacon or elder to map existing local resources and report within 30 days. • Pray daily for open hearts and divine appointments, trusting that as we obey, the Lord “adds to the church those who are being saved” (Acts 2:47). |
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