The work of the Gospel

[nebula]

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.

Matthew 25:40 - "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

So, I've been thinking, Christians on average don't seem to be spending too much energy on the poor, the needy, "the orphans and widows," the sick and imprisoned, and all. I'm not denying the ones that actually do, but what of the majority - at least in our Western culture.

But why not? Do our churches not preach it enough? Do we not care enough? Are we just too overwhelmed with our lives to extend ourselves beyond what we already are?

I'll be honest, as a graduate student, I don't have the extra time and money to take on any projects or volunteer work or ministry support or whatever.

But what can I do? How do we overcome the obstacles?

And what about people on the street? I mean, most of them don't want "hand-outs," and those that do are more likely than not going to spend it on an alcoholic beverage. But even if you feel safe giving to the needy you pass on the street - there are more needy than you have money to give!

So, basically, what I would like from this thread is not so much answers to my nit-picks above, but rather, what are practical things we can do to "look after orphans and widows" and "to do for the least of these"? (Especially for people with limited time and extremely limited budget.)

[Dad Ernie]

Greetings Nebula,

You asked what you can do. PRAY!

Does God send people into your life that are needy? Do you help them out? Does your church or place of work participate in various drives? Can you donate an hour or so of your time each week to the local men or women's shelter? Locally we have the Union Gospel Mission. They have both a shelter for the homeless and a donation center a few blocks away. The men from the shelter accept the donations and go through them and mark them for sale in the donation center. They could use an intelligent person to help out where the general labor force does not have the ability. Do you have something like that close by? Are there any mentoring programs around that you might get involved in? Are you stretching your budget so that you can give to needy causes? How about visiting Retirement homes or Old Folks homes?

There are always needs around if you want to get involved.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Rick]

" So, basically, what I would like from this thread is not so much answers to my nit-picks above, but rather, what are practical things we can do to "look after orphans and widows" and "to do for the least of these"? (Especially for people with limited time and extremely limited budget.) "

How about volunteering time at an orphanage? Give a child some much needed on one one love and attention. Maybe even read a book, play a game etc. Be an inspiration and a source of support.

As for widows, Being a friend to talk to, even by phone would work. Checking on them occasionally, Showing your concern and love for them.

Being lonely is very sad and difficult for anyone that has lost a loved one, especially a spouse. But knowing someone cared for them would bring a smile and give them comfort knowing they are not alone.

Just a couple of my thoughts.

Rick

[OneAccord]

Nebula:

Your question is of great interest in my opinion. After I got saved I was so eager to start doing something and taking on servanthood. I belonged to a church the first year and a half that had no outreach ministry of any kind other than funneling some of the tithe income into some charitable organizations.

Meanwhile my mind was being renewed to His ways and I began to look for any opportunity I could to help someone out, and to give. My husband is the same way as me on this one. We have realized we never have to look far.

I have tried to make my everyday life a ministry and my house a mission with an open door. I pray that the Lord would send whom He will to my door, and keep my heart and my eyes open to opportunity to ease someone's burden.

We live in a small town in a little neighborhood, and in the summer when everyone is outside more we made sure to get to know our neighbors all around. We have a widow a few doors down, a man in a wheelchair next to her, elderly people, single moms, young families, etc. We love to just get out there and talk to folks, and soon we're discovering some need we can help with.

Also everyone that comes to my house, I think, okay the Lord sent this person, what can I give? Often it's just my time and to listen. People that call on the telephone, and also my blood family! Now there's a ministry! Our relatives disclose needs much more freely, and there's always opportunity there!!

Simple things like writing a letter can touch a heart, or saying hello to people more and friendly 'good mornings'. You never know if someone is lonely or desperate on the inside at your job and a small kindness can be a bright light to them. How about inviting someone over for dinner?

A huge ministry that you can do anywhere, anytime you are around other people is the ministry of encouragement. How many words of encouragement have you offered today?

Also prayer, as Dad Ernie has spoken. We try to lift up those the Lord sends to us in prayer and ask the Lord for a blessing on them. There's some people we know that I don't think anyone is praying for them. There may be some that no one ever has prayed for them.

My husband and I work nicely together in this, as he's very outgoing and friendly so he makes a lot of contact with folks every day, whereas I'm good for the practical help and the prayer.

Anyway, just some thoughts for you. I started a thread two separate times asking people what their ministry work was and was surprised at how few responses there were. I would think this would be a pet topic for the servants of the Lord.

[JesusisGod2]

Hi Neb,

I hope I am saying this right, but the most precious thing that you can give any one is the gospel. The work of the gospel is sharing the gospel.

It is better for one to enter into heaven hungry, than to enter hell full, We have one of the richest treasures within us which is the Holy Spirit. This is true drink, and true food.

Remember Peter in the book of Acts when he said to the begger, gold and silver have I none but what I do have I give to you, in the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazerine, rise up and walk.

The gospel introduces the orphan to a Father, a widow to a Husband, and it keeps one from the pollution of the world.

Although we shouldnt shun the sharing of of our worldly possessions, we most definately shouldnt shun the responsibility of sharing the gospel.

Jesus said, I have food to eat you know not of John 4:32.

I hope I havent gone off the beaten path, but I cant help but think that this is what Jesus is telling us.

In Jesus

Kevin

[irishcowboy]

,"""""" Christians on average don't seem to be spending too much energy on the poor, the needy, "the orphans and widows," the sick and imprisoned, and all.""""""""'

you are right, if a poor person walks into most church buildings, they are for the most part shunned.....

the needy are sent down town to the "Government" shelter to get their cloths and or foodstamps....

the Orphans, well, we dont have to worry much about them anymore, seems that we done took care of that problem, almost anyways, with abortion.....

our town had a shelter, that was set up to help people that had fallen on hard times to get back on their feet.....

it was working too.... this shelter was owned by the Ministorial Alliance ( a combined church effort )

then a few years ago, a week before Christmas, a cold air tornado came thru and took off the roof......

at the meeting to decide what to do about it, whether to sell the building as is..... to repair the roof and sell the building....... or....... to repair the building and keep using it as the shelter.... or as something else......

I was not a member on any of the boards, and at least three people were surprised to see me show up...... to speak for the shelter in keeping it...... needless to say, i had no vote, but I know that my voice was heard by those that were for getting rid of the shelter.....

the arguement for getting rid of the shelter, is that it cost the churchs tooo much money....

the people staying there were those that had fallen on hard times, they were with out homes, but they were working or were looking for work, most of those that stayed there had families......

one church opened their doors for the people that were living in the shelter when it was damaged by the tornado, there was about 30 people in it at the time... the only help this church got was from the Red Cross and a few local people.....

The Poor, Needy, Widows, Orphans and such have all been turned overr to the Government for assistance, the churches have pretty much bailed out of this type of thing.... why??????? well, as far as I can see, is that they are a burden that nobody wants to have on their shoulders..... they are an eyesore for the community.... people can not be bothered with some one elses problems....

as some might say in their hearts...... it is ok to help the needy, but cant we send them some where else so we dont have to look at them?????? we will give our money, but that is about it.... and we give it as "tithes" not as out reach or as poor or as missions.... we might even give it in the form of building fund... but not any of the other stuff...... out of site out of mind.... we dont see the those in need, we dont feel guilty about them.... we dont have to feel compassion for them.... we dont have to get our hands dirty helping them.... we are so high and mighty........let some one else do it, i want that nice cushy ministry job of answering the phone, even thou there are already 6 people doing that job, that is the one I want to do... so i dont have to deal with these people.....

NEBULA:

sorry for getting side tracked, what can you do???

well,

something that dont take money is working with the church to do home visits to bring in the children..... you and another person could go around the neighborhoods and make contacts thru out.......

could head up a cloths drive, or a food drive for the community pantry....... (for the poor and needy)

could go to nursing homes and just spend time listening to those that are living there..... most people in the nursing homes are really super lonely..... they are craving some one to talk to and just hold their hand some time....

even play a game of dominos......

some people in the nursing home ( one person i know of, has not had a family member visit for over 50 years ) never have family come and visit.... some dont have family....

there are many many many areas of ministry out here.... all a person has to do is look around.....

another thought, would be to start a nursing home Bible study...... a Bible study that is held in the Nursing homes.... i do not know of any at this time.... but there now may be one in this local area soon...... Thank You Jesus........ Thank You Lord.....

well, time for me to head to work....

mike

[traveller]

AMEN MIKE!!!!!

[traveller]

Kevin, I know what you're saying brother. But we should take care of both issues. If we go to someone that is hungry, and share the gospel, and walk away, they are still hungry and wouldn't they then question the love and compassion we just shared with them? It would be better to share the gospel and a meal. Share the gospel and a blanket. Share the gospel and show them what this means:

Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed [thee]? or thirsty, and gave [thee] drink?

Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took [thee] in? or naked, and clothed [thee]?

Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

[Matthitjah]

Jig2

Remember Peter in the book of Acts when he said to the begger, gold and silver have I none but what I do have I give to you, in the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazerine, rise up and walk.

Yes sir time to stop with our shopping lists.

Lets see we want to reach the lost we need;

1. A license plate from Michigan.

2. A wad of used chewing gum.

3. A wheelbarrow.

4. A holocaust cloak (sorry last 2 are Princess Bride references)

Anyway get the point we have the Lord Jesus Christ! He poured the Gold into the veins of the mountains. He layed down the strata upon which we tread.

How about when you pull up every third day at the local gas station? Or the McDonalds? How about that Teen that needs Christ? That teen with the purple hair and the bad attitude? How about we ask him how's it going? Then the next time give him a little hope when he tells of his pregnant girlfriend and how his parents don't care. Just by listening.Then the next time we tell him Boldly the Lord does Love you!

How about that individual at Church who always sits alone with some strange burden? How about just sitting next to them and getting to know them?

How about when we go to Sams Club to buy a Bible. When the young lady that is making commission on the sales job she does for their Home Improvement division, sheepishly, comes over to sell you. Instead of brushing her off. You say listen I appreciate your hard work and all. Yet I don't need this service,. She responds, Well you know it is my job and I have to ask. You then say, listen this is my job(holding a Bible) I'm annointed to set the captives free. I don't need a Home Improvement job. But I do have what we all need. God Bless you! Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ? He is Your great reward. Serving Him is so very much rewarding. The Father He is calling. He can make your life have meaning.

How about after Church on Sunday night? You and your Church members just get together and go out into the communitys and sing of the Lord and His Beauty

Beautiful Jesus! How may I bless Your Heart? Knees to the earth I bow down to everything you are!

Put away the shopping lists and execute True Judgment!

Oh' Lord I do so Love you! :il:

Good thread nebula!

Peace,

Dave

[nebula]

I started a thread two separate times asking people what their ministry work was and was surprised at how few responses there were. I would think this would be a pet topic for the servants of the Lord.

I know! That's what bothers me. What is wrong with us?

the Orphans, well, we dont have to worry much about them anymore, seems that we done took care of that problem, almost anyways, with abortion.....

Ouch!

sorry for getting side tracked,

No, Mike, no need to be sorry. That's just the kind of stuff I'm talking about. Thank-you for the contribution!

Lets see we want to reach the lost we need;

3. A wheelbarrow.

4. A holocaust cloak (sorry last 2 are Princess Bride references) 

Thanks - I needed that!

Beautiful Jesus! How may I bless Your Heart? Knees to the earth I bow down to everything you are!

Yes!

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I know I made comments on only a few of the posters, but they are all good.

Would everyone ckeep the thoughts rolling? Please?