by Jeff | Nov 29, 2015
On this episode
Jeff Strommen @jstrommen | Dave Wager @wagerdaw | Jason @kempster220 | Terra Kay @terrakfree | Bill, Homeland Security
Could it be that the way to change a generation plagued by narcissism, consumerism and apathy is dependent on our response to refugees coming to America?
In the recent months, there has been growing discussion in news media and on social media around refugees coming to America from nations like Syria, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. After the attack that happened in Paris, there has been growing concern that refugees with violent ulterior motives will be coming to America. Not only that, but there are many refugees who have been resettled in neighborhoods in the US. So, what are Christians to do? Who are these refugees and how are we to respond to them?
As Christians are torn on this issue, Jeff and Dave welcome a a couple of guests with distinguished views on the issue of refugee resettlement to shed some light on the tension we face. One thing is certain – this next generation needs to care about
Podcast: Download
Subscribe & Support the Podcast
Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes, Stitcher and Tune In Radio! Make sure to leave a ★★★★★ review and consider a small gift.
Guests on this episode
Terra Kay, World Relief Fox Valley
Come hear about ways you can volunteer and serve refugees in Northeast Wisconsin at an upcoming Volunteer Information Night!
Terra is the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at World Relief Fox Valley. Their office has resettled over 130 refugees this year and is looking for ways to get Christians and the Church to reach out to some of the most vulnerable people of our society.
Bill, Homeland Security
People are exploiting gaps in the vetting process of refugees that makes it difficult to ensure that everyone coming in as a refugee is safe to resettle in our local communities. There is a lot going on behind the scenes surrounding the types of people coming as refugees that concern our national security.
The Big Idea
The vast majority of refugees coming to America get some support up front, but many times go forgotten because it’s assumed that they’ve adjusted to American way of life. But this is often not the case. And it’s the Church’s job to care for the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society, including refugees. Or simply put:
This is a different kind of topic for us to cover because there is so much media attention around the issue of resettling refugees. It’s complex, yet simple. In its purest form, a refugee is someone who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.
While some would exploit the process to cause harm to Americans, the vast majority of refugees who have come through the process over the last 70 years have come to seek refuge from the storms of life and perils of evil. Some move thousands of miles away from “home” to find safety and security. Imagine for a moment that you were one of them.
Something to consider
Sodom’s Destruction as explained in Ezekiel
Ezekiel 16:48 // As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, Sodom and her daughters were never as wicked as you and your daughters. Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the poor and needy suffered outside her door. She was proud and committed detestable sins, so I wiped her out, as you have seen.
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 6: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel
Sodom’s chief sin had been pride and self-exaltation. This stemmed from her abundant materialism (food), given to her from God (Gen 13:10), which had resulted in false security, apathy, a luxurious life of ease, and the corollary disdain and neglect of the poor and needy (v.49). This material ease fostered sexual perversion (Gen 13:13; 18:20; 19:4–5). This passage stands as both an exhortation and a warning against such wickedness and life styles today. As evil as Sodom was, she did not begin to do evil like Jerusalem. (Jeremiah described how the prophets of Jerusalem committed adultery, lied, and encouraged evildoers so that none turned from their wickedness, just like Sodom [Jer 23:14; cf. 2 Kings 15:37; 16:6; 24:2; 2 Chronicles 28:18–19; Isa 3:9; Ezek 22:15].)
In light of this passage, what is the Christian’s responsibility to refugees? Could the same words said about Jerusalem be synonymous to life in America? Is America not hospitable enough to care for the most vulnerable in our society? Can Christians do more for refugees?
Helpful Links & Infographs
Refugee Mental Health | This is a really eye-opening slideshow outlining the realities faced by refugees.
Christian Response to Refugees (Jesus Creed Blog)
Carson says Syrian refugees don’t want to come to US (FoxNews.com)
More than half the nation’s governors say Syrian refugees not welcome (CNN.com)
Infograph via worldreliefresponds.com
by Jeff | Oct 12, 2014
So you’ve decided to live for Christ? You’re not sure what it means to live as a Christian? Tonight on the show, Jeff, DW & Jason talk about living out your faith. We’re also answering your questions and comments on the TweetBack!
What does it mean to live out your faith? Isn’t it enough to just believe in God? What are some ways you put your faith into action each day?
Podcast: Download
Subscribe & Support the Podcast
Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes, Stitcher and Tune In Radio! If you like the podcast, support it.
Parable of the Good Samaritan // Luke 10:25-37
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
27 The man answered, “‘You must love the lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.
31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.
33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’
36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”
We would really love your feedback! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
by Jeff | Mar 30, 2014
Jeff & Dave tackle some of life’s big questions that require an answer. With many young people asking such deep philosophical and theological questions today about life and God, we felt the need to give some understanding and answers to a few of them. Kristen Jane Anderson is also back in studio talking about some upcoming stuff she’s doing this year including the Be the Light Walk for suicide prevention in De Pere, WI.
Podcast: Download
Some links to check out in light of our discussion tonight:
A Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Moment of Hope – Relationship with God
Elijah Abraham – Stand Up for the Truth’s articles regarding reaching out to Muslims as well as learning of the differences between Christianity & Islam
The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
Subscribe & Support the Podcast
Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes, Stitcher and Tune In Radio! If you like the podcast, support it.
by Jeff | Dec 8, 2013
Two incredible interviews tonight on HopeNet Radio. On the first half of the show, Dr. Tim Durkee joins us to talk about women’s health issues. A practicing gynecologist and professor at the university level, Dr. Tim talks about how living life in a way that honors God benefits your health.
Podcast: Download
Here’s a couple highlights of Dr. Durkee’s resume:
Current
Attending Physician at Swedish American Health Systems
Alderman, First Ward at City of Rockford, Illinois
Chairman and Clerkship Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Illinois College of Medicine – Rockford
Past
Owner at Rock Valley Women’s Health Care
Founding Partner at Rock Valley Women’s Health Care Center
Education
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine
University of Illinois College of Medicine
On the second half, Sean Dunn of Groundwire joins us on the show to talk about reaching young people with the Gospel on the internet. Sean is the President and CEO of Groundwire, our sister ministry based out of Colorado.
From Groundwire.net:
Groundwire was initially launched as an outreach program of Champion Ministries, est. 1995, and has quickly become the face of the ministry. The radio spots, which began airplay in August 2003, were an effort to keep Christ in the culture. From the beginning on 2 secular stations in Denver, CO and Spokane, WA, this creative and effective tool to share the Love, Word, and purpose of Christ has grown and is currently heard on over 1,300 stations (both secular and Christian). The TV commercials were launched in 2009 and continue to be aired nationally as well as in individual markets. Through the radio and TV broadcast messages over 28,000,000 monthly are hearing a message of hope and encouragement. In addition, hundreds of volunteers offer live coaching 24 hours a day at www.groundwire.net, which is averaging over 233,000 visits a month.
If you’d like to become a coach, start here.
Subscribe & Support the Podcast
Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the podcast for free on iTunes, Stitcher and Tune In Radio! If you like the podcast, support it.
