Matters of Faith
By Bascom Ratliff
Pastor, Parker, Beagle, Fontana United Methodist Churches
Scripture: John 11:35 (Jesus, moved by the grief of others, began to weep).
Scripture: Luke 19:41 (Jesus weeps over Jerusalem when they failed to recognize his coming to bring redemption).
After hearing a number of prayers about the state of the world, Jesus decided it was time to take a better look at what was happening with his followers. So he decided to send an emissary to the earth for a few days to get a firsthand look at what was happening. During the emissary’s brief time on the earth, she was able to talk to a few followers and observe events that were leading to both celebration and grief.
“I went to the borders of several countries," the emissary said. "I noticed a large contingency of Christians were praying for relief and protection as they were trying to escape persecution and death in their own countries by entering a more godly nation. I also witnessed a large number of followers praising and thanking God that their country was doubling down on migrants and keeping their borders safe from refugees.
"I must admit to some confusion because our followers were not in sync with one another over the best treatment of our brothers and sisters in Christ. After witnessing the conflict and divisiveness of God’s people, I wish to note a few faith issues."
The emissary continued, "A sample of these issues include:
Three babies froze to death in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, war and death continue.
More than 17 million of the children who live in the US are at substantially increased health and safety risks because they have an undocumented migrant parent. Please note, several churches continue to support and serve refugees and migrants, despite being threatened with loss of funding.
The government and many businesses are rapidly moving away from DEI (diversity, equality, and inclusivity) initiatives. A number of churches and religious groups support the ending of DEI initiatives. Others continue to actively support DEI programming.
People in our federal agencies are losing their jobs and health benefits. Confusion reigns. People are frightened. The church seems conflicted and divided in its response to these events.
God’s church continues to fragment and divide over migrants, abortion, DEI, and sexual orientation/preference.
New age Pharisees are praising and supporting punitive and retaliatory acts against followers of Jesus."
Jesus wept!
As we continue into the Lenten season, I think it is important to understand that our divisiveness, greediness, and pride are serving to fuel the assault against God’s commandment that we love and care for one another.
Eliminating someone’s job or health benefits without just cause is simply wrong. Preventing women and minorities from equal opportunities to share in our country’s wealth and power is simply wrong.
God calls us to a higher level of accountability, justice, and service. Everyone is given access to God’s love and kingdom. Our mission is to actively serve Christ by serving others. We do this best when we are forgiving, merciful, and just.
All are welcome at God’s table. Through Christ, all are equal and honored in God’s presence.
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Are you ready to do God’s will? Are you ready to reap the benefits of being a child of God? If so, I invite you to come and worship with us. We are fueled by God’s wonderful promise of unfailing love. Please accept our invitation to a morning of wonderful music and great fellowship. And, of course, hot drinks and cookies.
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We will worship at the Beagle United Methodist Church during March 2025.
We will worship at the Fontana UMC during April 2025.
We will worship at the Parker UMC during May 2025.
All Sunday services are at 10 a.m.
We serve communion on the first Sunday of the month.
All are welcome in God’s House.
Dr. Bascom Ratliff (913-710-5748)
Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana
United Methodist Churches
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