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Accepting Government assistance?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by 12strings, Sep 14, 2012.

  1. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    Is there any biblical ethical reason for a Christian family to not accept government food assistance, or Medicaid health benefits for their children, if their low income qualifies them for it?
     
  2. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

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    If it is due to laziness on the part of the husband, or unethical actions on the part of the parents, yes. Otherwise I say no. But I've been wrong once, no - maybe twice - before.:laugh:
     
  3. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    just might be the way that God planned to provide for them!
     
  4. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    I think in some circumstances, it is OK but it should not be a first resort. This is where the church should be stepping in and assisting the family to get on their feet instead of counting on the government to help them.
     
  5. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    I don't think there is a biblical principle here. However I choose not to receive government assistance (I will take government tax breaks) in my life. Its part of a larger philosophy.
     
  6. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    Public assistance is fine so long as it is not considered a long range plan and they are immediately working on a way to get past it.
     
  7. webdog

    webdog Active Member
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    You bring up a good point. This is an issue I'm having a problem with in today's church for the most part. I've witnessed when attendance and giving go up, instead of blessing others, additional staff is brought on, talk of more facilities is brought up, new equipment, etc. Today's church is being run as a business and its disheartening.
     
    #7 webdog, Sep 14, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 14, 2012
  8. dcorbett

    dcorbett Active Member
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    I hear my Mother's voice (she went to Heaven years ago) saying...

    God helps those who help themselves!

    I have no idea where she got it, but she drilled it into us kids.

    She was a child of the Big Depression, ya know.
     
  9. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    I agree with you there. We need to spend a larger portion of our budget on direct ministry and not "plant and staff support". :(
     
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