The Story of the Rich Young Ruler - Are We Hypocrites?

[Gary]

The poor are poor because the rich are rich...

• (1) Half the world -- nearly three billion people -- live on less than two dollars a day.
  
  (2) The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the poorest 48 nations (i.e. a quarter of the world's countries) is less than the wealth of the world's three richest people combined. (read that again carefully)
  
  (3) Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.
  
  (4) Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn't happen.
  
  (5) 1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5.

All over the world, disparities between rich and poor, even in the wealthiest of nations is rising sharply. Fewer people are becoming increasingly “successful†and wealthy while a disproportionately larger population are also becoming even poorer.

There are many issues involved when looking at global poverty and inequality. It is not simply enough (or correct) to say that the poor are poor due to their own (or their government's) bad governance and management.

If fact, you could quite easily conclude that the poor are poor because the rich are rich and have the power to enforce unequal trade agreements that favor their interests more than the poorer nations.

What are Christians doing about this, especially those Christians in the richer nations who exploit the poorer nations?

Source: http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Poverty.asp

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[Gary]

5. It is almost certain that the magnitude of need for basics of life (say expressed in dollars) exceeds the total dollar value of all the luxuries held by all people in the world.

True!

Global Priority of spending in 1998 in $U.S. Billions

Basic education for everyone in the world = 6 $U.S. Billions
Cosmetics in the United States = 8 $U.S. Billions
Water and sanitation for everyone in the world = 9 $U.S. Billions
Ice cream in Europe = 11 $U.S. Billions
Reproductive health for all women in the world = 12 $U.S. Billions
Perfumes in Europe and the United States = 12 $U.S. Billions
Basic health and nutrition for everyone in the world = 13 $U.S. Billions
Pet foods in Europe and the United States = 17 $U.S. Billions
Business entertainment in Japan = 35 $U.S. Billions
Cigarettes in Europe = 50 $U.S. Billions
Alcoholic drinks in Europe = 105 $U.S. Billions
Narcotics drugs in the world = 400 $U.S. Billions
Military spending in the world = 780 $U.S. Billions

:o

http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/Facts.asp

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[lovely]

Gary,

Those numbers are horrifying. It should cause us great shame to read them.

On the flip side to this, though, lots of food sent to feed other nations ends up in the hands of the powers that be there, and on the black market. Some people are starving, such as many in North Korea, because their government refuses to feed them, and uses most of their best farming land to produce opium to make it into heroin. Certainly the United States could do more, but in some nations it won't help. Even the red cross runs into these problems. This shouldn't stop us from sending it, but it requires us to make these governments accountable somehow. It should also be a great matter of prayer and concern for the Christians of the world.

I think, however, this could start at the local level for most of us, and when we can give to charities that are in other countries making a difference, we should. But it is not merely the responsibility of the rich to give, but even those who do not have much. My children have a story of two woman, both very poor in India, who have children that are very hungry. Mother Theresa brings some flour to one of the mothers she has contact with. That mother proceeds to split the flour and share with the woman next door. Often times, the poor, knowing the plight of their neighbors, exceed the rich in giving. How much more valuable is a sack of flour to the starving, than a $100.00 is to a man with a job, living in a rich nation, able to earn more. What this woman gave, in the story, cost her. That is love.

To eliminate poverty, illiteracy, hunger, etc., we will have to do more than just give. The United States is full of children who are in need of these things as well. The foster care system is full, and getting fuller. I know that I could take care of a least two more children. I know that I can drive, with my children, to deliver meals on wheels to the elderly. I know that I can donate clothing, food, and money to the local neigborhood food pantries, and clothes closets. Locally, there is so much we can do, even if we don't have a lot of money.

This problem needs to be approached in many different ways. And, the presence of evil in the world will make it very difficult to reach all of those in need. It should be our desire, though. Christ instructs us to care for the poor. He also instructs us to preach the Gospel. For a Christian, those things should go hand in hand.

I love the following scripture you posted. It is so beautiful when our hearts are so full of love that we give

Gary wrote:

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything." (1 John 3:16-20)

 

[bibleberean]

The problem with socialist Christians is that they have a deep seated resentment against anyone with more money than they have.

They believe it is their duty to tell the hard working and resourceful what to do with their money.

To these folks Karl Marx was right. The world is all about "class struggle".

There was an experiment in this type of thinking in the last century and it was called Communism and it failed miserably.

The fact is if it wasn't for people that have money, brains and resources the poor would be a whole lot poorer.

For instance the man I work for lives in a million dollar home and he and his wife both drive nice cars, send their children to private Christian schools. The thing is they earned every bit of it on their own and didn't leach a dime of that money off the backs of the poor.

This man is a very devout and extremely generous man. He donates thousands of dollars to Christian causes and supports missionaries all over the world. He employs over a dozen people and pays us quite well.

He is in the self storage business and donates storage units and gives huge discounts to missionaries who need a safe place to store their belongings while they are away in foreign and oft times dangerous countrys to bring the gospel to the lost.

He and his wife volunteer their time for free several months out of the year to help struggling young people.

He has helped teen age girls who have gotten pregnant out of wed lock to find jobs and has donated large amounts of cash and material goods to help them get on their feet.

He also takes vacations around the world. And why not? It's his money.

He recently returned from a vacation in the Figi Islands and his vacation brought money to the very poor economy there. When he returned he told me that he met some native Christians there who were badly in need of bibles and materials to teach the lost and help give the children an education. He shipped bibles and materials to them.

My definition of a liberal is someone who wants to do good with other people's money.

In their egotism they believe that all the worlds problems can be solved by throwing money at it.

If my boss gave away all his money and sold his home and business he would not be in a position to do as much as he does now.

He couldn't afford to send bibles to Figi . In fact he couldn't even go there.

Liberals make me sick to my stomach.

They disregard the fact that God raises up Kings and can grant wealth to people to glorify him. They are too busy playing judge and God to see how asinine their logic is.

The prayer of Abraham's servant:

Genesis 24:26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

Genesis 24:34 And he said, I am Abraham's servant.

Genesis 24:35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Abraham couldn't have sent his servant with gold bracelets to give to his future daughter in law if he wasn't rich.

Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

The problem with those who resent the wealthy is that their self righteousness has blinded them to the fact that it is not necessarily evil to have material possessions.

We can't help others if we are in want ourselves.

Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

I try to make the maximum amount of money for the man I work for. I know that he is a good steward with what God has given him.

The small church I pastor is a gospel preaching church willing to help all those that they can.

Thank you Jesus!

 

[Gary]

Thanks Lovely... wise words and advise.

I do honestly believe that there is a Biblical model to solve many of the issues. You correctly spoke about corrupt Governments etc in food and aid distribution. You also mentioned how we can make a difference in communities around us. I agree with both of those.

The Biblical model I refer to is when churches with much support churches with little. i.e. a church in a well-to-do suburb can reach out to another church in a poorer area and uplift that church (the brothers and sisters in the church) and help them, in turn, reach out to the poor who live in that poorer area. That help can be in many ways but a prime way is via money!

Make sense?

It works! It is Biblical. It uplifts the local church in the poor area; it fosters a spirit of co-operation and accountability, Christian to Christian, and it enables the local church to minister to its own people with additional resources.

The Collection for God's People 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

Notice that it is the "younger" but possibly richer churches which are collecting money for the church in Jerusalem! It is really quite a simple solution. If Christians around the world did this, we could make one big, serious impact!

Generosity Encouraged 2 Corinthians 8:1-12

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everythingâ€â€in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for usâ€â€see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

.

 

[bibleberean]

The problem with socialist Christians is that they have a deep seated resentment against anyone with more money than they have.

They believe it is their duty to tell the hard working and resourceful what to do with their money.

To these folks Karl Marx was right. The world is all about "class struggle".

There was an experiment in this type of thinking in the last century and it was called Communism and it failed miserably.

The fact is if it wasn't for people that have money, brains and resources the poor would be a whole lot poorer.

For instance the man I work for lives in a million dollar home and he and his wife both drive nice cars, send their children to private Christian schools. The thing is they earned every bit of it on their own and didn't leach a dime of that money off the backs of the poor.

This man is a very devout and extremely generous man. He donates thousands of dollars to Christian causes and supports missionaries all over the world. He employs over a dozen people and pays us quite well.

He is in the self storage business and donates storage units and gives huge discounts to missionaries who need a safe place to store their belongings while they are away in foreign and oft times dangerous countrys to bring the gospel to the lost.

He and his wife volunteer their time for free several months out of the year to help struggling young people.

He has helped teen age girls who have gotten pregnant out of wed lock to find jobs and has donated large amounts of cash and material goods to help them get on their feet.

He also takes vacations around the world. And why not? It's his money.

He recently returned from a vacation in the Figi Islands and his vacation brought money to the very poor economy there. When he returned he told me that he met some native Christians there who were badly in need of bibles and materials to teach the lost and help give the children an education. He shipped bibles and materials to them.

My definition of a liberal is someone who wants to do good with other people's money.

In their egotism they believe that all the worlds problems can be solved by throwing money at it.

If my boss gave away all his money and sold his home and business he would not be in a position to do as much as he does now.

He couldn't afford to send bibles to Figi . In fact he couldn't even go there.

Liberals make me sick to my stomach.

They disregard the fact that God raises up Kings and can grant wealth to people to glorify him. They are too busy playing judge and God to see how asinine their logic is.

The prayer of Abraham's servant:

Genesis 24:26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

Genesis 24:34 And he said, I am Abraham's servant.

Genesis 24:35 And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

Abraham couldn't have sent his servant with gold bracelets to give to his future daughter in law if he wasn't rich.

Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

The problem with those who resent the wealthy is that their self righteousness has blinded them to the fact that it is not necessarily evil to have material possessions.

We can't help others if we are in want ourselves.

Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

I try to make the maximum amount of money for the man I work for. I know that he is a good steward with what God has given him.

The small church I pastor is a gospel preaching church willing to help all those that they can.

Thank you Jesus!

Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.

Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

Luke 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Luke 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

Luke 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

Luke 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

 

[Gary]

BB, why do you, more than once, quote yourself? Rather re-edit if you need to update.

:-?

 

[Soma-Sight]

Liberals make me sick to my stomach.

Thats a pretty blanket statement.

How do you define "liberal" Bibleberean?

Or are you just a soundbite from the vicodin popping Rush Bimbo program.

Your "conservative" President is spending more money and raising more debt in this country than the worst "liberal" in History.

You are being played for a fool thinking there are "two" camps on the political platform.

 

[bibleberean]

There are Chrisitians who have lost the proper perspective of the truth.

They believe that they can reform the world, feed the world and bring about world peace without the prince of Peace being physically present.

That is simply not going to happen. The mission of the church is to win souls for Christ not reform the world.

This is from Clarnce Larkin's book Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth


THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH

As we have seen, the Church is not an "Organization" but an "Organism." Therefore it is not a "Social Club," organized and supported solely for the benefit of its members. Neither is it a "Place of Amusement" to pander to the carnal nature of man. Nor is it a "House of Merchandise" for the sale of "Indulgences," or other commodities, whereby the money of the ungodly can be secured to save the penurious church member a little selfsacrifice. Neither is it a "Reform Bureau" to save the "bodies" of men.

The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of "Social Service," but that is not the work or mission of the Church.

The world was just as full, if not fuller, of the evils that afflict society today, in the days of Christ, but He never, nor did the Apostles, organize any reform agencies.

All the great philanthropic and civilizing agencies of the world are "By-Products" of Christianity. We are told in Ac 5:15, that the people laid their sick in the streets that the "Shadow of Peter" might fall upon them and heal them. But if Peter had spent his time "casting shadows," and neglected his Apostolic work of trying to save the "SOULS" of men, his shadow would have lost its power.

Jesus knew that the source of all the evils in the world is SIN, and that the only way to eradicate sin is to Regenerate the Human Heart, and so He gave the GOSPEL, and the "Mission" of the Church is to carry this Gospel to the world. "EVANGELISM," not "Social Service," is the "Mission" of the Church. Mr 16:15-16.

The great mistake the Church has made is in appropriating to herself in this Dispensation the promises of earthly conquest and glory which belong exclusively to Israel in the "Millennial Age." As soon as the Church enters into an "Alliance with the World," and seeks the help of Parliaments, Congresses, Legislatures, Federations and Reform Societies, largely made up of ungodly men and women, she loses her spiritual power and becomes helpless as a redeeming force.

 

[Soma-Sight]

Liberals make me sick to my stomach.

Thats a pretty blanket statement.

How do you define "liberal" Bibleberean?

Or are you just a soundbite from the vicodin popping Rush Bimbo program.

Your "conservative" President is spending more money and raising more debt in this country than the worst "liberal" in History.

You are being played for a fool thinking there are "two" camps on the political platform.

 

[bibleberean]

Liberals make me sick to my stomach.

Thats a pretty blanket statement.

How do you define "liberal" Bibleberean?

Or are you just a soundbite from the vicodin popping Rush Bimbo program.

Your "conservative" President is spending more money and raising more debt in this country than the worst "liberal" in History.

You are being played for a fool thinking there are "two" camps on the political platform.

If you actually read the post you would have saw this...

"My definition of a liberal is someone who wants to do good with other people's money."

And yes it is a blanket statement. It is also a fact... :D

 

[Gary]

Christ-like.....

My late husband tirelessly gave to the elderly, and single mothers in our life. He moved us out to a farm to raise our own animals and food. We were rehabing a small farm house, and building a barn as we went. It was hard work, but very nice. We saved for ourselves, and he shared what was left by paying bills, and buying food and such, for friends who had less. He just gave from his heart because he really wanted to be conformed to Christ. There was no thought of LCD tv's, or anything else like that, he just didn't work that way. My husband worked for a prominent investment firm, btw.

We, since his death, have had to rely on the generosity of others. I saw how much my husband gave to others, his money and his time, it was not his idea of something noble, but rather the very least he could do with his time as a responsible Christian man. I don't think he would even like me mentioning it. Now, I see first hand how much it meant to those people. I heard testimony after testimony at his funeral...things that I wasn't even aware of him doing for others. Sometimes, just when I need it, a family member, or a friend will send a gift. Just when we need something fixed, or have a doctor's bill or something, it appears. It reminds me of the Psalm, "I shall not want". We can make it on our own most of the time, but sometimes we need a bit of help, and God always sends it. We home educate, and our local curriculum store discounts our books 50% every year when we purchase books.

Now, I am certainly able to work. I worked in the biomed field prior to my oldest son's birth. I have opted to stay home, though many disagree with that decision, to continue home educating my children. The church agrees, and helps me when I need it, along with family and friends. It sometimes sounds so much easier just to go back to work, so that my children can shop somewhere other than the local clothes closet. I feel it is more important to stay home with them.

I realize, now, how important it is to be generous. There are things my children and I do to help others. I think before, I wouldn't have even considered it. I didn't have any insight into how those who need just the basics in life feel. I never understood why my husband gave away so much. Now, I am amazed at how insightful he was. I even resented it his giving, I am ashamed to say. I suppose that maybe that is why God has allowed me to learn this lesson of needing others, and of teaching me how to give. Even if I do not have the money, I have time. I am grateful God has taught me these things, and has blessed me in my life with love and lessons richer than riches.

I think that the spirit of this parable is doing what we can do for Christ, no matter the personal cost. It's a mindset that He would like for us to have. That nothing is above following Him. Not our time, not our money, not our status, not anything. It's about making hard choices joyfully, naturally, consistently. If it comes down to going on vacation, or helping out a single parent, or an elderly neighbor...what should we do? If it comes down to spending a day out at the spa with the girls, or driving an elderly or handicap neighbor to the doctor's office, what should we do? Sometimes it could be something as simple as taking a phone call from a friend who is needing to talk, rather than doing whatever was on the schedule for that morning. I am not saying that we can never enjoy a luxury or two, but I am saying that it should not be a priority for which we earn money, and never come before serving Christ through helping others. And, I believe that the life I live now is far more enjoyable, and priceless, than when I was watching my husband give, and worrying over what the cost was to us. The cost comes when we don't give.

Just my thoughts....

What a wonderful testimony! "And, I believe that the life I live now is far more enjoyable, and priceless, than when I was watching my husband give, and worrying over what the cost was to us. The cost comes when we don't give." So true!

You have been blessed in what your husband has taught and revealed to you! And now I see all the signs of a wonderful, giving heart coming through you... praise God!

I must tell you something I have shared with few. But this thread calls for some real testimony of what God can do through humble, giving and loving people.

We had the privilege of meeting and learning from fantastic spiritual guide.... a deep Christian who devoted all his time, money and resources to others with less than him. Ian passed away some month ago.

I have never been to such a wonderful funeral. Person after person stood up and told us about what Ian had done for them and others with less than himself. Ian had few material things but his wisdom and Christ-like behavior has had such an impact on hundreds if not thousands of lives. Many did not even realise the extent of his contribution 'till that day!

I went and sat next to his grave the other day. You guessed it..... simple, no headstone... NOTHING!

Ian suffered for several month before he died. Many have said how he has taught them to face their own death. On the evening he died, he was still so humble as to say sorry to the minister/pastor who came out to be with him!

The stories which now are surfacing about what Ian did for others has amazed us all. We were unaware of all that he did. We knew he helped the poor. But how many people he actually assisted is mind-boggling! He truly lived like Jesus asked us to live.... not letting the right hand know what the left hand is giving.

There are few of these true saints.....

Ian was also a theologian, teaching and bringing many new ministers into the fold. He was a deep Christian, committed to prayer. He stood up to the evil apartheid government and was imprisoned and threatened because of the stance he took against the atrocities perpetrated by our previous government.

A true man of God. May we meet again Ian! God bless your dear family!

 

[Soma-Sight]

If you actually read the post you would have saw this...

"My definition of a liberal is someone who wants to do good with other people's money."

And yes it is a blanket statement. It is also a fact...

So by definition President Bush is a liberal!

 

[bibleberean]

If you actually read the post you would have saw this...

"My definition of a liberal is someone who wants to do good with other people's money."

And yes it is a blanket statement. It is also a fact...

So by definition President Bush is a liberal!

Compared to me Bush is a flaming liberal. Compared to you he is an extreme conservative.

But we digress... :D

 

[Gary]

As soon as the Church enters into an "Alliance with the World," and seeks the help of Parliaments, Congresses, Legislatures, Federations and Reform Societies, largely made up of ungodly men and women, she loses her spiritual power and becomes helpless as a redeeming force.

Straw man. I have shown what Jesus commanded us to do. I have shown what the early church did. You quote something which no one here has suggested. That is known as a "straw man" argument.

To highlight again what the Bible teaches us, read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-12 and then reflect on 1 John 3:16-20 again.

Notice that it is the "younger" but possibly richer churches which are collecting money for the church in Jerusalem! It is really quite a simple solution. If Christians around the world did this faithfully, we could make one big, serious impact!

 

[Soma-Sight]

Compared to me Bush is a flaming liberal. Compared to you he is an extreme conservative.

But we digress...

Dont get me wrong berean....

I am a conservative on most issues except the environment.

I am Pro - Life, against homo unions, against big government, pro Bible....

I just am also a tree hugger. Thats the liberal part of me. If conservation of God's creation has to fall in some sort of "party line".

 

[Gary]

Not the work of the church......

The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of "Social Service," but that is not the work or mission of the Church.

Really? So please explain the following passages in our Bible. Luke wrote them.

Acts 6:1-7 The Choosing of the Seven

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Please explain again.... what did the 7 who were chosen and prayed for and hands laid upon... what did they do for the church?

 

[Gary]

Gifts for the poor .....

The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of "Social Service," but that is not the work or mission of the Church.

I wonder what Paul was doing when he did the "social service" of raising money for the poor for the Jerusalem church....

Acts 24:17 "After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings."

:-?

 

[lovely]

Yes, Gary, it does make sense to me.

Bibleberean, conservatism and liberalism mind-sets, or a certain politcial party, should not be setting the standard of a Christian's conduct. The Bible does that. We can start a business, and employ people, and practice ingenuity through hard work, but it's what we do with the profits that counts. The Bible speaks of where our treasures should be laid up. The man you worked for sounds like he is very generous, and loves the Lord a great deal, I don't doubt that. And certainly it is a witness of Christ's love, to you his employee, and probably many other's. I do not think it is a socialist idea to look inside ourselves and ask if Christ wants us to do more to help others. I think the church should be at the forefront of charitiable acts. We should be feeding, sheltering, educating, the poor, the widows, the orphans. We should be showing hospitality in our homes. If I have a single mother over just once a week for a meal...it helps her. If I deliver a meal to an older person who is unable to get out...it helps. If I watch the children of a young couple, who can't afford childcare, to give them time together, and the mother a much needed break from the hard task of raising young children, it helps.

As I said in my first post, it took me becoming a widow, and losing most of our "things" before I realized that what we need is what is important, and that is what God will supply. God has done that, through our own hard work, through the provision of my husband, and the generosity of our church, other home educating families, the HSLDA, neighbors, and family.

I imagine that we all could easily look inside ourselves everyday and find a way to be more Christ like, more generous. I think helping at the local level first, and then, at the global level. I think by being good stewards with our money is part of it too. We can not just assume that because we will never completely get rid of poverty that we shouldn't try. Evil is present, but we do not let that defeat us. And even if we can help only one family, one child, one elderly person...it is the act of love that matters. When we feed the poor, heal the sick, educate the illiterate, we are able to show Christ's love, and share His message. The gist of the parable is that nothing comes before Christ to the Christian, not politics, not money, not family, etc. The rich young ruler was doing so many things right, but he walked away sad because he knew that his money, and probably status, were his god. He desired to do acts of love for Christ, but the price was too high. Nothing should be so costly that we can't immediately walk away from for the sake of Christ. We must be given over to God's will for us in all matters.

 

[Gary]

"Remember the poor" said the Apostles. What does Bibleberean say?

The reformation of men is very commendable, as are all forms of "Social Service," but that is not the work or mission of the Church.

Paul visits the Apostles. They check his teachings....

Galatians 2:6-10 But from those who seemed to be something--whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

OK... so Paul and the Apostles agree that we should remember the poor.

What does James say?

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.