Category: Benevolence

When you read through the prophecy of Amos, you see a primary problem with Israel at this time was the oppression of the lower class. A primary emphasis of the prophet was a condemnation of those in power and influence; of those who were enjoying their riches while others suffered. Consider the following verses:

“Thus says the LORD: ‘For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals. They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor, and pervert the way of the humble’” (Amos 2:6-7).

“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring wine, let us drink!’” (Amos 4:1).

“Therefore, because you tread down the poor and take grain taxes from him, though you have built houses of hewn stone, yet you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine from them. For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; diverting the poor from justice at the gate. Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time” (Amos 5:11-13). Continue reading “Sell the poor for a pair of sandals” →

In Psalm 82, the Psalmist begins his plea by noting that “God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods” (vs. 1). The word “gods” here is a word that is often used to refer to God himself (elohim), but literally means “mighty ones” and in this passage refers to the mighty in the land. With the threat of God’s judgment upon them, he then writes, “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and the needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (3).

The mightiest of men still have a Judge before which they will stand in the final day. While mistreatment and oppression might gain for them power and control while here on earth, it will cost them in judgment! The Psalmist said that these mighty ones will “die like men, and fall like one of the princes” (7).

The sentiment here is very like the New Testament call of James, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (1:27). It is refreshing how much emphasis the Lord places on the protection of those who are weak, vulnerable or oppressed. While it is a special cause of judgment on those in power who refuse to protect them, it applies to each of us as well. The imperative to love requires the child of God to act in the best interest of the oppressed and vulnerable.

A fact of life we all face is our inevitable decline. The Bible says, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). While some die due to unforeseen circumstances, most see it coming through age, or a failure of health.

It is not a surprise that God has accommodated this truth in His instructions to His children. His call for us to love one another is specially challenged when the object of that love becomes more vulnerable or needy. There are numerous examples found in scripture of such circumstances. And it often does not involve age, as other physical circumstances in life can impact our service to one another. Continue reading “(12 of 13) Physical Considerations in Our Relationship” →

As Paul continues here his reference to the meeting in Jerusalem recorded in Acts 15, some might think that he writes disparagingly about the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  Those who “seemed to be something”, “it makes no difference to me”, “who seemed to be pillars.”  This is absolutely untrue, as Paul was simply using this occasion to again argue for his independent, God given position as an apostle.  His standing did not depend upon James, Peter and John and they had nothing to add to the gospel he preached. Despite the efforts of the Judaizers to diminish Paul, he was acknowledged by the other apostles to be an ambassador “toward the Gentiles.”

As such, Paul receive from them the “right hand of fellowship.” Such a shaking of hands was and is now an expression of Christians of our joint participation in the faith of Jesus Christ. Paul was not a usurper, he was an equal partner in God’s work.

Paul was also eager to help the poor, a truth clearly established in the record of scripture, (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:26).

Fairly soon after leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness. As they talked, Jethro witnessed Moses acting as judge before the people, and suggested that Moses give some of the responsibility to others. “And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). Moses liked the idea, and it apparently pleased God as well, (cf. 18:19), so Moses followed the advice.

There is an analogue to this in the church. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (4:12). So, the whole body will grow by the work done by “every joint”, “according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (4:16).

Rather than the clergy/laity model, where the clergy ministers to the needs of the laity, God’s pattern is for the spiritually mature to equip all others so that they can themselves become ministers of the gospel. In simple terms, it is not my purpose to do for you. Rather, my purpose is to train you to do your own work; to equip you for ministry; to help you take part in the work of edification.

We each have our own part to play. Is your attitude, “What can you do for me?” Or, “What can I do for others?!”

Click below to…

A discussion of the importance of individual benevolence as an expression of the love we have for men and God.

• Audio
• Powerpoint
• Facebook Live Video of Sermon

In Titus 3, Paul gave instructions to the evangelist Titus. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

The frequency

Paul told Titus to affirm the truth constantly. The phrase is not translated consistently by English versions. While the KJV and NKJV say to “affirm constantly”, the ESV says “to insist”, and the ASV to “affirm confidently.” Young’s Literal translation says, to “affirm fully.” Regardless of the different words used, the translations are not far apart in expressing the intent of Paul’s admonition.

Continue reading “COVID-19 (30) Be Careful” →

One of our members forwarded a post today that mirrors some things that my son and I have been discussing the last several weeks. It is on the mind of many, and has been stated by the President himself when he said that we must make sure the “cure isn’t worse than the disease.” Justin’s post read:

“There isn’t actually any contradiction in the beliefs that (A) the virus is dangerous, (B) mass unemployments is dangerous, and (C) authoritarian government policies are dangerous. There needn’t be any cognitive dissonance holding all three at once; they’re not mutually exclusive.” – Caitlin Johnstone

Continue reading “COVID-19 (12) Are We Too Preoccupied?” →

The tendency of our time is to minimize religion. For many, a self designed “spirituality” has taken the place of religion. In this view, the concept of belief in God (or something out there) is divorced from any concept of religious duty or involvement.

I am convinced a reason for this is the self-sufficiency of our nation. The first world countries that enjoy a measure of material prosperity and reasonable health care are almost always secular and dismissive of any dependence upon deity. In fact, it is common to look down upon the religious as fanatical, superstitious and backwards.

Continue reading “COVID-19 (7) It’s Time to Practice Our Religion” →

A discussion of Jesus’ miracle in Luke 7:11-17, where he raised from the dead the son of the widow of Nain. Lessons about compassion, and the Lordship of Jesus are applied.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Barnabas stood out as an encourager of his brethren. He had a benevolent nature, a helpful spirit, and a loving nature that helped him to encourage the people of God. We must strive to be as he was!

Audio

Powerpoint PPTX File

An examination of 2 Corinthians 8, and similar passages helps to establish God’s pattern for the benevolent work of the local church.

Audio

The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.

Continue reading “Devoted Disciples” →