Tell Me What You Think.....

[Kabowd]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

[Gerioke]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

I agree with it but would add the poor in spirit onto the list of people in need.

[Kabowd]

Well, it's not my quote, and I do agree that the poor in spirit are also in need. However, this is more pertaining to social justice and issues regarding those with physical/tangible needs. Do you think those who are poor in spirit are more readily ministered to than those who are financially poor? Do you think that those who are struggling emotionally are more taken care of by believers than ...oh..say...those who suffer from AIDS or HIV?

[Gerioke]

Well, it's not my quote, and I do agree that the poor in spirit are also in need. However, this is more pertaining to social justice and issues regarding those with physical/tangible needs. Do you think those who are poor in spirit are more readily ministered to than those who are financially poor? Do you think that those who are struggling emotionally are more taken care of by believers than ...oh..say...those who suffer from AIDS or HIV?

I've seen a lot of spiritually challenged people get shunned by the church. A lot of Chrisians like to talk the talk but rarely get their fingers dirty.

The author of the above quote was correct in stating that more than money is needed. There's always someone that will reach out in a congregation but you can usually count on a good many to keep their distance and cast a frown.

[apothanein kerdos]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

I agree 100% with the quote. We send money to organizations and sponser children from Africa, and while this is good, what are we doing about our own backyard? What about those of us who can afford to take a missions trip to Africa with friends from the church, to help and serve there....even if just for a week? Service is more than signing a check...it is putting blood and sweat into it.

[larryt]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

Bono from U2 said it in the aWake Project.

Those that are true christians are in fact doing something about it whether praying, giving, going, doing. Those that are christian in name only will not be moved by emotional persuasion but will continue in their apathy.

LT

[Bolts]

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

To be quite honest, I'm not sure

I agree with some parts but not with others.

My whole life is about learning to put God first in every area of my life.

If God is looking for action than I am sure that he will move those who do put him first, to where he wants them to be. It could be Africa, it could be Australia, It could be in the Philippines or it could be at home. No one cares more about the state of the world than God does. The good news is that he has the answers. So I guess that if we his people who are called by his name, humble ourselves and pray and seek him , than would he hear from heaven and forgive our sins heal our land. 2 Co 7:14

[boblandis]

This and other countries have spent countless millions of dollars on medicine, treatment, and education of aids. They have made great inroads in several areas to reduce infection. Unfortunately a lot of tribes belive in swapping wives as part of their culture. They can't police their sexual practices. That will take a change of heart.

[Guest shiloh357]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

He is exactly right. Not every Christian can go to another country, but we can support those who do. How much of the money that goes for bigger, better church buildings should be going to reach the lost, and those who languishing in disease, poverty, starvation, oppression, etc.? We focus too much on tearing down our old barns and building newer better barns. We build lavish towers, and Church leaders enjoy all the creature comforts of life, while they get rich off of the backs of the poor. Missionaries and others that God sends around the world should not lack in the things needed to meet the needs of the hurting.

It has always been my opinion that no one should have to buy a Bible. In an ideal world, Bibles should not be for sale. I think that it is obscene when I go to a Christian bookstore and see Bibles that are $80, $90 and even priced at over $100 for no other reason than they have a lambskin cover, or something. That is just wrong. The Church should underwrite the printing and publication of the Scriptures in any language. Think of how many more people all over the world could be reached and how many more bibles there would be if we were better stewards of God's resources.

Think of all of the food and medicine that could reach around the world if money that was being wasted on our pet projects went to where it was really needed. We, as a Church, have lost a great deal in the area of social consciousness/awareness.

[Kabowd]

What are your thoughts on this quote?

"Today - in the next twenty-four hours - 5,500 Africans will die of AIDS. Today in childbirth 1,400 African mothers will pass on HIV to their newborns. If this isn't an emergency, what is? In the Scriptures we are not advised to love our neighbors, we are commanded. The Church needs to lead the way here, not drag it's heels. The government needs guidance. We discuss; we debate; we put our hands in our pockets. We are generous even. But, I tell you, God is not looking for alms; God is looking for action. He is not just looking for our loose change - He's looking for a tighter contract between us and our neighbor. I should be preaching to the converted here. There are 2,300 verses of Scripture pertaining to the poor. History will judge us on how we deal with this crisis. God will judge us even harder."

Agree? Disagree? Why or why not? I'll wait til the discussion gets going before I reveal who said it

He is exactly right. Not every Christian can go to another country, but we can support those who do. How much of the money that goes for bigger, better church buildings should be going to reach the lost, and those who languishing in disease, poverty, starvation, oppression, etc.? We focus too much on tearing down our old barns and building newer better barns. We build lavish towers, and Church leaders enjoy all the creature comforts of life, while they get rich off of the backs of the poor. Missionaries and others that God sends around the world should not lack in the things needed to meet the needs of the hurting.

It has always been my opinion that no one should have to buy a Bible. In an ideal world, Bibles should not be for sale. I think that it is obscene when I go to a Christian bookstore and see Bibles that are $80, $90 and even priced at over $100 for no other reason than they have a lambskin cover, or something. That is just wrong. The Church should underwrite the printing and publication of the Scriptures in any language. Think of how many more people all over the world could be reached and how many more bibles there would be if we were better stewards of God's resources.

Think of all of the food and medicine that could reach around the world if money that was being wasted on our pet projects went to where it was really needed. We, as a Church, have lost a great deal in the area of social consciousness/awareness.