Responsibility to the poor

Herald · Aug 6, 2013

In this thread: Judging Others I responded to a post by Crabtownboy:

Crabtownboy said:

If an individual is pro:

1.Cutting food stamps to the poor
2.Cutting funds to Meals on Wheels
3.Not providing healthcare to the poor
4.Not being in favor of paying a livable wage
5.Do not believe the poor should have affordable housing

Then what conclusion should a person draw? I am not sure where you stand on these issues.

How are the sheep and goats judged in the final judgement in Matthew?
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Herald said:

All these things you listed are not a display of Christian charity. It is not the mission of the Church to meet the physical needs of every poor person. The primary purpose of the Church is to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom with the aim of creating disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

As far as acts of charity, while the Church is to do good to all men it is to start first with its own:

Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

When the Church first loves its own (because Christ commanded it) it creates a powerful testimony in the world.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

While meeting the needs of the saints the Church should also be engaged in the community to meet needs to the degree possible. The purpose behind meeting these needs is to display the love of Christ through the Gospel.

The five things you listed are not God-given rights. The Bible does not mandate health insurance, food stamps, affordable housing, a fictitious living wage, or meals on wheels. Governments create those programs without any deference to the kingdom of God. If the government taxes us we have an obligation to pay our taxes according to the Bible. But greater than social welfare is the message of forgiveness of sins through repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the greatest social work the Church can do - to be the herald of that message.
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What is the Church's responsibility to the poor in light of passages such as Galatians 6:10?

Aaron · Aug 6, 2013

Judas spoke up for the poor when the woman anointed Christ's feet, but he was really a thief. Keep that in mind when speaking with Socialists who attempt to corrupt the Scripture to hallow their theft.

Mexdeaf · Aug 6, 2013

My policy- if we have it (financial means to provide for the need), know the person and ascertain that the need is legitimate, then I pray about it and discuss it with my wife. Then if we feel led to, we give. We do not make loans.

If we have it, but find the need is not legitimate (need food, but blowing smoke physically or otherwise), or do not feel led to give, we offer our sympathies, pray with them and move on.

No one will starve. We are always good for a meal prepared or bought in person or for food delivered to one's house from our pantry or a food bank.

Responsibility to the poor

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Responsibility to the poor

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