Immigration may be the most emotionally charged issue in our country right now. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally helps us understand the Word of God—not a certain party's talking points—and rediscover what it means to welcome the stranger in the way God's wants.

Here is what you need to know about this series:

1) I am not targeting anyone and I never will.

2) Please give me time to formulate points and cover the subject fully. 

3) You have, not only the right, but the responsibility to check up on what I say and verify that it's the truth.

4) If you disagree or get offended, please reach out to me personally.

The Messy Middle

I often talk about having a "balanced, biblical take" on things.

Let's look at the two truths we should hold in tension when it comes to immigration.

1. God has commanded His people to welcome strangers and care for foreigners.

2. God has commissioned governments to establish laws that protect its citizens.

Do you give more weight to one of these or are you holding them in tension with one another, creating balance?

God has commanded His people to welcome strangers and care for foreigners.

Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Notice the two reasons why we show love to foreigners:

1) It's what God does. You don't get to love God and ignore who He loves.

2) That's our story too. Put yourself in another's shoes and remember where you came from.

Leviticus 19:34 

At the end of the day, we are all immigrants in God's kingdom.

God has commissioned governments to establish laws that protect its citizens.

Romans 13:1-2 ESV

Scripture affirms the need for order, justice, and boundaries. It is not "unchristian" to want secure borders or a legal immigration process. It is not sinful to expect laws to be enforced.  We lock our doors at night, not because we hate people—but because access should come with invitation.

According to scripture, the call to personal compassion and governmental order are not at odds—they are different lanes in the same road.

How do we balance both Biblical truths about immigration?

1. Support fair immigration laws.

Book recommendation: Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang

2. Watch your input and output.

Input: Agenda-driven news is not only incorrect, it's hurting you. 

Output: Some of you have shared things about immigration online that, while maybe not intended to harm, have deeply hurt your church family.

3. See the people behind the policy.

The vast majority of Illegal immigration happens because people are desperate, not devious. That doesn't mean that illegal immigrations is OK. Foreigners don't stay strangers when you learn their names.

Immigration should be done legally. Criminals should be brought to justice swiftly. But love doesn't check people's papers before it opens its arms.

When it comes to immigration—and every other issue—are you willing to follow Jesus into the messy middle?