Tomass

hey, my opinion is that sexual sin is a sin like any other. Rom 8 is a great one for this. From Rom 8 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,[a] 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? " "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This clearly states that once in union with Christ nothing can separate us from this. [i accept there is obviously a once saved always saved debate but I don't think that is appropriate here] Not angels nor demons, life nor death and nor anything else in all creation...nothing. 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Hebrews 12:16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. But these seem to suggest that there is something special about sexual sin. I would suggest, as has been said before, that it is because it involves others, it involves spiritual elements [2 Corinthians 6:14], physical problems etc. . The implications are much greater for sexual sin. If I steal, God will forgive me if I ask of Him. But God has placed the authorities of the land I am in over me and there will be a punishment for what I've done. That is the consequence of my actions. In the same way there are consequences to all our actions. If I offend someone my relationship with that person may sour - I may be forgiven by God but I may never recover that relationship. In this respect, in the consequences of our actions, sexual sin has many and they are not pleasant. God sees only one sin - unforgiven sin.

Hi Again Thomass, You already are doing something by your involvement with outreach to the homeless. Another way is to do short term missions trips through your church or some reputable organization that addresses aid to the poor. Have you heard of Habitat for Humanity for instance? Certainly giving as much as God filters through your hands financially as already has been mentioned. If you live in the USA there are many places to be involved no doubt right in your own backyard so to speak, given todays economic situation, not to mention mission Mexico which is a real need also. Basically, it's about how and where God leads you as an individual. When we give alms we are not to let our right hand know what our left hand is doing so I'm not sure that many will want to share specifics, but a general point in the right direction is ok. To reiterate, talk to your pastor and ask for his input/advice/direction as someone so aptly mentioned in an earlier post. God Bless. Ah, this is very true! I didn't consider that. Many thx and yes I shall take that advice on board.

Hi all - thanks for all the tips and advice. Spontaneously showing love to people is something I have been looking to work into my life and my outlook. I have started to be on the look out for opportunities to bless the poor and to help those in need. Yes I agree that there we should be there for those who are poor in spirit or other areas but I think that God specifically mentions the poor as defined as those who can't look after themselves, are in need etc. [ Proverbs 19:17 (New International Version) 17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. which uses the same hebrew word for poor as Exodus 30:15 (New International Version) 15 The rich are not to give more than a half shekel and the poor are not to give less when you make the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives.] Yes I have been looking to God to show me things I can get involved with and have been seeking His guidance through this. My pastor shared an amazing message on this on Sunday so I'm going to speak to him about it too. I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience in how this works out in their lives? What do you do for ministry to the poor?

Hi, I'm Tomass [alias....not fond of using my real name online] I tried to post somewhere else but this seems to be the only place I can post so I may as well introduce myself; Currently a university student working for a year - been a Christian since I was four. Love God, live for God. I've been pondering a question for a while and found this place so thought I would ask your advice. Poverty. The bible, again and again and again, encourages us to preach the good news to the poor and to look after their needs. Matthew 11:5 (New International Version) 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor Matthew 19:21 (New International Version) 21Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Acts 10:5 (New International Version) The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. even this amazing statement to a hypocritical Pharisee! Luke 11:39-41 (New International Version) 39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. 40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? 41But give what is inside the dish [j] to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. and not only that - it is considered sinful to not do it! Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen.