Have we neglected some things??

[Baron1710]

The poor you have with you always! They need to get a job and be responsible. Good grief...whatever happened to capitalism? Christianity is now defined by whether I provide bologna sandwiches...get real!

This quote made me think about how we live out our Christianity.

James 1:26-27
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 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.


Apostolics are good at avoiding the world but have they really considered the first part of this verse? Are there people who take advantage and are lazy? Sure there are, but does that excuse us from our obligations. Not everything we do should be about shoving the Gospel down someone’s throat.

The only people more right wing than me are those that see black helicopters, I am anti-government handouts all the way. But I am all for the church, meaning both the collective body as well as individuals within the body, taking care of those they are expected to care for.

Apparently in the eyes of the Father true Christianity has always been defined by whether you provided a bologna sandwich to the hungry.

[the raven]

This quote made me think about how we live out our Christianity.

James 1:26-27
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 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.


Apostolics are good at avoiding the world but have they really considered the first part of this verse? Are there people who take advantage and are lazy? Sure there are, but does that excuse us from our obligations. Not everything we do should be about shoving the Gospel down someone’s throat.

The only people more right wing than me are those that see black helicopters, I am anti-government handouts all the way. But I am all for the church, meaning both the collective body as well as individuals within the body, taking care of those they are expected to care for.

Apparently in the eyes of the Father true Christianity has always been defined by whether you provided a bologna sandwich to the hungry.


Brother with all due respect the scripture you cited was written to the church for the church....the church is not responsible to take care of the world and its lawlessness.

If it comes down to providing for a church family or member and someone in the world...I will choose the church first...EVERTIME....the gospel was not meant to provide welfare!

Look at the success Jesus had...he knew they followed for fishes and loaves only...

You have been fellowshipping the spirit of ecuminicalism to much.

[rgcraig]

Great thought!

I believe we get wrapped up in our "us four and no more" attitudes and forget we are here to reach out to the world!

[Michael Phelps]

Brother with all due respect the scripture you cited was written to the church for the church....the church is not responsible to take care of the world and its lawlessness.

If it comes down to providing for a church family or member and someone in the world...I will choose the church first...EVERTIME....the gospel was not meant to provide welfare!

Look at the success Jesus had...he knew they followed for fishes and loaves only...

You have been fellowshipping the spirit of ecuminicalism to much.

Your post contradicts itself.

You imply that we are NOT to feed the world, but then you turn around and say that Jesus knew the multitudes followed only for loaves and fishes.

So, are you saying we should NOT feed the world, or we SHOULD, because Jesus did?

[Baron1710]

Brother with all due respect the scripture you cited was written to the church for the church....the church is not responsible to take care of the world and its lawlessness.

If it comes down to providing for a church family or member and someone in the world...I will choose the church first...EVERTIME....the gospel was not meant to provide welfare!

Look at the success Jesus had...he knew they followed for fishes and loaves only...

You have been fellowshipping the spirit of ecuminicalism to much.

It doesn't say the saved widows and orphans.

[DividedThigh]

i beleive we should reach out inside and out of the church to the world, and the needy, we do have hearts of compassion, do we not, dt

[the raven]

Your post contradicts itself.

You imply that we are NOT to feed the world, but then you turn around and say that Jesus knew the multitudes followed only for loaves and fishes.

So, are you saying we should NOT feed the world, or we SHOULD, because Jesus did?


Jesus understood humanity was enamored with the handout and that it would never work to use the humanitarian angle to build His kingdom....

Being kind or philanthropic is wonderful (I have done it) BUT should never be equated with Christianity.

In the context of NT scripture provision for the needy, widows, etc. was only applied to the new testament believer not to the world at large.

[the raven]

It doesn't say the saved widows and orphans.


Right...however the letter was not written to sinners was it? Therefore the implications is that it applied to the church alone.

[Michael Phelps]

Jesus understood humanity was enamored with the handout and that it would never work to use the humanitarian angle to build His kingdom....

Being kind or philanthropic is wonderful (I have done it) BUT should never be equated with Christianity.

In the context of NT scripture provision for the needy, widows, etc. was only applied to the new testament believer not to the world at large.

Wow, another prime example of the twisting of scripture to shore up someone's totally inane interpretation of what Christianity is all about.

The Raven, I take my leave of you and your twisted theology.

[Sister Alvear]

Jesus fed the 5000 I don´t find he ask for a card or what church they belonged to...He was full of mercy, goodness and kindness.
If we give to those that are just like us and love those that are just like us we have done little...real love is when we can love those different than us...

[the raven]

I have no problem with kindness and generosity to humanity just do not call it Christianity.

[Baron1710]

Right...however the letter was not written to sinners was it? Therefore the implications is that it applied to the church alone.

The letter was written to those who were saved instructing them to take care of widows and orphans.

So what's your point? Did you think you were making an argument about how statements in the Epistles aren't about how to be saved? Which for the Record I reject, because Acts was written to a Christian as well.

[Rico]

Brother with all due respect the scripture you cited was written to the church for the church....the church is not responsible to take care of the world and its lawlessness.

If it comes down to providing for a church family or member and someone in the world...I will choose the church first...EVERTIME....the gospel was not meant to provide welfare!

Look at the success Jesus had...he knew they followed for fishes and loaves only...

You have been fellowshipping the spirit of ecuminicalism to much.

Huh? What kind of nonsense is this? :snapout

[Rico]

It doesn't say the saved widows and orphans.

Thank you.

[Cindy]

Great thought!

I believe we get wrapped up in our "four and no more" attitudes and forget we are here to reach out to the world!

Four what?

[ReformedDave]

The reason we have the government taking authority in places that it should not is largely because the church has abdicated it's position in the world. We have relegated Christianity to the purely 'spiritual' arena. The government is our messiah.

[rgcraig]

Four what?

You've heard that term before, haven't you?

Our four and no more? Just worry about your family/church and don't reach out and want more to come.

[Sister Alvear]

“But if we are the body
Why aren’t His arms reaching?
Why aren’t His hands healing?
Why aren’t His words teaching?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?”

And at the end of the verses, there’s this haunting words:

“Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come.”

How do we know in giving who will or will not follow? Our job is like the sower...he sowed on all type ground...we too must give without looking to who we give...just give and give and give again...

[Baron1710]

The reason we have the government taking authority in places that it should not is largely because the church has abdicated it's position in the world. We have relegated Christianity to the purely 'spiritual' arena. The government is our messiah.

This is true, and I for one hate the government involvement in this area, so my solution is that we start practicing the Christianity we were intended to practice, and work the government out of a job.

I have noticed when reading the Scripture how much God takes notice of the widows and orphans, how he wants to be the Father to the fatherless. I have also noticed how little we take notice. There are widows and orphans, in our churches that aren’t receiving proper Christian attention much less those outside the church. There are boys all over this country in need of a father, when will the men in the church take their Christianity seriously and be a father to these boys?

[Jack Shephard]

Sis Alvear with a Home Run! Great post!

I do seem to remember hearing that God is no respector of persons. Just a thought

[Pro31:28]

This is true, and I for one hate the government involvement in this area, so my solution is that we start practicing the Christianity we were intended to practice, and work the government out of a job.

I have noticed when reading the Scripture how much God takes notice of the widows and orphans, how he wants to be the Father to the fatherless. I have also noticed how little we take notice. There are widows and orphans, in our churches that aren’t receiving proper Christian attention much less those outside the church. There are boys all over this country in need of a father, when will the men in the church take their Christianity seriously and be a father to these boys?

Ohhh ..... That'll Preach!

I read on here that one of churches men's ministry does work on the single women's cars... That is awesome, but I agree with you Baron, let's take it a step further and reach out to the World. I have heard that this is one thing that mormons do very well, and from what I have heard, their numbers are growing.

[Baron1710]

Deuteronomy 10:18
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

This doesn't sound like those within the fold to me.

[ReformedDave]

This is true, and I for one hate the government involvement in this area, so my solution is that we start practicing the Christianity we were intended to practice, and work the government out of a job.

I have noticed when reading the Scripture how much God takes notice of the widows and orphans, how he wants to be the Father to the fatherless. I have also noticed how little we take notice. There are widows and orphans, in our churches that aren’t receiving proper Christian attention much less those outside the church. There are boys all over this country in need of a father, when will the men in the church take their Christianity seriously and be a father to these boys?

There are so many areas that we could help in. How can a hungry man even hear the gospel when his stomach is gnawing at him? Christianity is not just for church but for life. Our gospel is a comprehensive one.

Just for some who refuse to understand- Philanthropy doesn't save. It springs from our salvation.

[Baron1710]

Perhaps we should make better use of our tithe?

Deuteronomy 26:12
When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.

[Pro31:28]

There are so many areas that we could help in. How can a hungry man even hear the gospel when his stomach is gnawing at him? Christianity is not just for church but for life. Our gospel is a comprehensive one.

Just for some who refuse to understand- Philanthropy doesn't save. It springs from our salvation.

Thank you, Brother ReformedDave!

[Baron1710]

There are so many areas that we could help in. How can a hungry man even hear the gospel when his stomach is gnawing at him? Christianity is not just for church but for life. Our gospel is a comprehensive one.

Just for some who refuse to understand- Philanthropy doesn't save. It springs from our salvation.

I have been praying for my son as he is in Romania and part of his ministry this month is to orphans. I have been praying that God would break Cody's heart for these kids and He has broken mine in the process.

[ReformedDave]

I have been praying for my son as he is in Romania and part of his ministry this month is to orphans. I have been praying that God would break Cody's heart for these kids and He has broken mine in the process.

I've done 2 medical trips to Lithuania. It makes you appreciate the blessings of God and also it humbles you. Who am I to 'deserve' what I have?!

[Baron1710]

Psalm 82:3
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

[Sister Alvear]

Not a one of us would continue our lives as we do IF we really believed what the first church taught believed and lived...(my thoughts)
We find ourselves in the comfort zone whether we realize it or not.

Not too many Mordaciah´s around warning us of coming danger…

[the raven]

I've done 2 medical trips to Lithuania. It makes you appreciate the blessings of God and also it humbles you. Who am I to 'deserve' what I have?!


You are suffering from Affluenza...listen to Rush....

[DividedThigh]

i would like to thank those who gave to the childrens mansion in the 70s on here, thanks for food and shelter and education, because of you reaching into the world i have been a christian for 38 years, dt

[the raven]

i would like to thank those who gave to the childrens mansion in the 70s on here, thanks for food and shelter and education, because of you reaching into the world i have been a christian for 38 years, dt


You are very welcome! God bless!

[the raven]

It is always a blessing to see an investment make good.

[ReformedDave]

You are suffering from Affluenza...listen to Rush....

I prefer to give my monies and effort where it will do the most good. I don't want the government deciding for me.

[Pro31:28]

i would like to thank those who gave to the childrens mansion in the 70s on here, thanks for food and shelter and education, because of you reaching into the world i have been a christian for 38 years, dt

What an awesome testimony!

[Rico]

i would like to thank those who gave to the childrens mansion in the 70s on here, thanks for food and shelter and education, because of you reaching into the world i have been a christian for 38 years, dt

What is the children's mansion?

[Baron1710]

You are suffering from Affluenza...listen to Rush....

Listen to the Scripture. Rush is an entertainer, but it makes since now that we know where you get your theology from. (This is not a knock on Rush, just not where I get my theology.)

[ReformedDave]

What is the children's mansion?

The UPC has a sponsored orphanage.

[Rico]

The UPC has a sponsored orphanage.

I see. I didn't know that. It's good that they do that.

[StillStanding]

i would like to thank those who gave to the childrens mansion in the 70s on here, thanks for food and shelter and education, because of you reaching into the world i have been a christian for 38 years, dt
I played golf last week with a guy from Tupelo. I asked him if he knew about the children's home and he said it is well known in the community there!

[DividedThigh]

yes it is, sure saved my scrawny self, lol

[ReformedDave]

yes it is, sure saved my scrawny self, lol

:thumbsup

[Sister Alvear]

My best friend works at the Mansion...I know she will be blessed when I tell her this testimony.

[Sister Alvear]

As Jesus and His disciples walked through the temple courts in Jerusalem one day, His disciples marveled at the outward beauty of the temple and its ornamentation. (Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6) But Jesus told His disciples plainly that one day there would not be one stone left on top of another. The building itself would be turned to rubble. But in this statement, and through His resurrection, Jesus showed that the only thing that would last--and the only thing that mattered--was Him. There are so many ornate buildings we call our houses of worship, some of which are so ornately decorated that it could be a distraction from our worship and a misdirected focus for our efforts in building up the body of Christ. (Copied)

[DividedThigh]

My best friend works at the Mansion...I know she will be blessed when I tell her this testimony.

who is that sis alvear, i will be there in a couple months for reunion i will say hi, dt

[mizpeh]

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal 6:10

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him [his Maker]. Pro 14:31 ESV

[dizzyde]

I suppose from the logic of some posting, that the story of the good Samaritan is just, what? Nice bedtime reading? The next time I need to get my theology from Rush, well, I might as well call it a day.

The older that I get, the more clearly that I see, that while my actions do not save me, if I am saved, my actions better be showing Christs love and compassion to my fellow man.

We have had more people come to God in the last few years as the result of our "no strings attached", charity endeavors, than we have had from all other outreach efforts, combined.

[Baron1710]

I suppose from the logic of some posting, that the story of the good Samaritan is just, what? Nice bedtime reading? The next time I need to get my theology from Rush, well, I might as well call it a day.

The older that I get, the more clearly that I see, that while my actions do not save me, if I am saved, my actions better be showing Christs love and compassion to my fellow man.

We have had more people come to God in the last few years as the result of our "no strings attached", charity endeavors, than we have had from all other outreach efforts, combined.

I guess the old saying is true, "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." We can say we have truth all day long, but if we don't show them the love of Christ why would they want our truth?

[the raven]

Human kindness should never be mistaken for Christianity....that is my point...I would venture to say I have won more people to the Acts 2:38 message than those who assail my posts. I also pastor a home missions work which is growing rapidly within the community.

I refuse to call the many social activities my church is involved with a Christian outreach though.

[Sister Alvear]

who is that sis alvear, i will be there in a couple months for reunion i will say hi, dt

Annette Manuel.

[dizzyde]

I guess the old saying is true, "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." We can say we have truth all day long, but if we don't show them the love of Christ why would they want our truth?

Exactly. And it is really sad how astonished they are, that you really don't want anything from them, that you just want to help.

[RandyWayne]

Human kindness should never be mistaken for Christianity....that is my point...I would venture to say I have won more people to the Acts 2:38 message than those who assail my posts. I also pastor a home missions work which is growing rapidly within the community.

I refuse to call the many social activities my church is involved with a Christian outreach though.

Do you have a notch for every one of these that you have "won" on your bed post? And do you plan on taking this same bed post to heaven with you and telling Christ "Have I not <fill in the name of a work> for you??".

Good Lord.

[Pro31:28]

I suppose from the logic of some posting, that the story of the good Samaritan is just, what? Nice bedtime reading? The next time I need to get my theology from Rush, well, I might as well call it a day.

The older that I get, the more clearly that I see, that while my actions do not save me, if I am saved, my actions better be showing Christs love and compassion to my fellow man.
We have had more people come to God in the last few years as the result of our "no strings attached", charity endeavors, than we have had from all other outreach efforts, combined.

Very well said, Dizzy!

Do you think the traveler ended up as a tithe paying member of the Samaritan's church? :tease