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Hi,
There are many exhortations in scripture to give alms freely, even at the expense of our needs.
Matthew 6:4
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Luke 11:41
But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Luke 12:33
Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Acts 9:36
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 10:4
And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Acts 10:31
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Lk7
3And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
5For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Some think giving to their church is what is meant but many of those churches do not know God and His ways.
Jesus said that the poor will always be with us.
He fills up the empty places at the wedding feast with those from the highways and byways.
Mt5
3`Happy the poor in spirit — because theirs is the reign of the heavens.Hi Nick:
Relative to giving alms to the poor you say:
Quote Some think giving to their church is what is meant but many of those churches do not know God and His ways. Churches that do not know God and His ways are not the true church. And so, what do you think is meant if it does not mean giving of alms as a church family to the needy?
Hi 94,
Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 25 2008,14:03) Hi 94,
Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Hi Nick:Please elaborate on the scripture that you just quoted.
Thanks
Hi94,
God is yes, yes and yes.
So should we be as His reborn children.
We should shine as lights set on a hill so men will give glory to God.Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 25 2008,15:00) Hi94,
God is yes, yes and yes.
So should we be as His reborn children.
We should shine as lights set on a hill so men will give glory to God.
Hi Nick:I have done the work of an Evangelist on the street for the past 13 years. Many times on the street as I evangelized, I have been asked by those staying at the homeless shelter for money. Should I give them money when I know that they are going to buy drugs or alcohol or cigarettes with it?
James 2
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
This is the thoughts of the world.
I hear people all the time…”Ah…go get a job you bum!”
What if that was an angel of the Lord testing you?
…what then?Or, someone at work that you know needs $20.00 for gas or food till they get paid.
Or …what ever…Trust me you'll know it. Because once you turn them away…
You'll hear that voice of convection in your heart. You'll feel about 2 inches tall…sort of like how Peter might have felt that day maybe?
Luke 22
55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the #### crew.
61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the #### crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.
Can you imagine making such a mistake while the Lord Looks right at you? Do you know that every time you turn the poor and needy away, that the Lord is most likely looking right at you at that very moment?
Anyway, on Alms giving…
I love to take stuff right from the Bible. You can't argue with the flat out truth…but some people do. Thats why we have so many religions now. One person did not want to believe the truth so they made it “Mean” something else. Now we have a host of “Devils” influenced by Satan all over this world convincing people that GOD is not real or that his word “Means” something else, other than what it actually says…? What lies!Lies from the pits of Hell…and one day they will see just how big those lies really are.
Alms giving…
Matthew 6
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Obviously this scripture clearly states to not go around “Flaunting” “Boasting” or as we say in modern day times…”Bling Blingin'” around about what you did or how you did it.
Matthew 6
2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Alms are supposed to be done in secret…as well as praying…
Matthew 6
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
And…fasting…
Matthew 6
16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
See…people don't read their bible, but they are super quick to tell you what they think it means…and they've never even read it…lots of people just go to church once a week on Sunday…So that they might be seen by men in the church. And, thats usually the only time you ever see them with a bible…or praying, or fasting, or giving, or having anything whatsoever to do with the name of the Lord thy GOD!.
They go about whipping around $100.00 bills flashing them around before they chunk them in the offering plate…They never pray at home…unless they are sick and are about to die…or have a loved one that is about to die. Never give anything to anyone unless it is a chance for them to look good in front of their friends.
You want to know some good places you can really have church?
The Prison…and the E.R room.
Oh yeah …people will pray with you then. ( I know…I've been there, and been the one doing the praying, the Lord learned me something…that night ).
“Oh GOD! I'll never do it again…Just get me through this one” …then they don't talk to him again till they are having another visit to the E.R. or something.
We are a people that really needs to wake up…
Especially America…
People running around saying “Well America don't really have nothing to do with the end times, we really ain't going to have anything to worry about.”Thats a LIE from the pits of HELL!
We are having something to do with it right this very second and don't even know it.You heard that song by Casting Crowns? “Will you be sleeping?”
People say well “Those Pentecostals don't do this, and they don't do that.” “I want something real”
There just might come a day when they say ” I wish I would have listened to those Pentecostals about that Holy Ghost…and GODS word”
I get so heated at Satan…when I go to a church and the service is ok, and the message is ok and then the “alter-call” is not even an “alter-call” at all. Its a pre-made prayer “The sinners” prayer…not that a prayer like that would not work if spoken “By the actual person and was really meant” Rather than “Repeat after me” You don't have to come down here and “Nail” your sins to the cross…or get embrassed by all your friends for Jesus' Name…just sit right there in your chair and say this…then your saved….OH GOD!
Jesus died for you? but you can get up out of your chair and walk down to an alter and kneel in an air conditioned building thats completely comfortable and no discomfort at all…and tell him that your thankful for that?
And the worst is the part where they try to tell people that you don't get no Holy Ghost feelings like some religions do. I'm here to tell you right now…if you had what I had on me the other night for just a split second…you'd not only run around the church…you'd probably run through the wall…I felt like at least trying it out…Praise GOD!
You just do no
t have any Idea what you are missing…if you have never had the Holy Ghost get a hold of you…I'm telling I was upset set cause I actually thought I was in heaven …then I found out I wasn't.I'm not sure if you actually need to feel that to get to heaven…but I can put it to you like this. If you don't ever get to experience this…imagine it like this…Its like Going to Red Lobster…and never getting the Lobster. (or the shrimp scampi, which is actually better) Its like going to your favorite place to eat…and never ever getting that favorite dish that you so very much like when you go there…Its actually Joy unspeakable and full of GLORY!
No one can describe it …because there are no words in any language known to man to describe it with….at least that I know of anyway.
There is a thousand reasons why you NEED the Holy Ghost…it empowers you to WITNESS! for one.
I super sure sign you got it is not talking in tongues…you might not even know you were even talking in tongues…(I didn't).
But you'll want to tell EVERYBODY!
You want be able to stop telling people about it.
You'll know for sure you got it then.These people are right about one thing…they do need something REAL
…and they don't have it….can't find it…and probably would not know what it was if it was in their very face…
John 1:10
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.I don't mean to get on here and “Preach” to anyone …but sometimes a fire just burns in my soul and it feels like I have to say some things that need to be said where some people can hear them. I don't know who needs to hear this or who its for …but someone does or I would not have been moved to say it.
It don't matter if your giving money or food…
or whatever it is that you want to give…What the bible says about it is do it in seceret.
Thats what the scripture says…It is written.
Hi,
Peter had no cash but had amazing faith.
Acts 3
2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.
4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
9And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
10And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Hi,
Luke 16:9
And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.I think there is a lot of neglected things in the works really.
I get to studying things and discover that there is 100 different views on any one subject.
Thats how Satan works…with confusion.
Philosophy is nothing but just that. And, that wonderful thing they call debating…lol are you serious?
We are talking about GODS word here. I don't think for one minute that GOD said well Moses…lets have a debate about how these commandments are going to read…and/ or what they will “Actually Mean”.
No…no no.
Was not like that…at all.It was more like “Here are my commandments…take them to the people, and this is what they mean.”
Man…we like to debate though…we like to be right…we like to “Know something…that someone else don't”
Thats the stuff the flesh thrives on. The spirit thrives on Love.
I'm good about getting off the subject aren't I?
I suppose we will find out who was wrong and who was right soon enough.
Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 25 2008,20:12) Hi 94,
It does not say give money.
Hi Nick:The local homeless shelter feeds the homeless, and I have at some time or another bought a meal for one of them when they asked me for money, but what I have found is that they have you buy them a meal, and then they use the money that they can solicit to buy drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.
I believe that the scripture relative to alms giving is speaking of helping someone with legitimate needs. If I am helping someone to destroy their body by supporting their addiction, I am not helping them at all.
The scripture that brother Samuel quoted
Quote James 2
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
The scripture states: “IF A BROTHER…”, AND so, this is speaking of a Christian brother or sister, and not to just anyone who we may meet on the street.
Our first obligation should be to meet the needs of our own family.
Quote 1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. If we have an abundance over and beyond our needs, then our next obligation should be to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Quote 2Cr 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not. 2Cr 8:13 For not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
2Cr 8:14 But by an equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality
The following scripture that you quoted I believe is speaking of giving to those in the needy in the church:
Quote Matthew 5:42
Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.Lastly,
Quote Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Our obligation to those who are not part of the body of Christ is to share the gospel if they want to hear, and if they do not want to hear, the scripture states that we should shake the dust off of our feet.
Of those who profess to be Christians and wilfully do not want to work the scripture states:
Quote 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. God Bless
Hi 94,
In context then how do you understand this verse in Mt 5 speaks of the needy in the church?40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Quote (Nick Hassan @ Mar. 29 2008,12:04) Hi 94,
In context then how do you understand this verse in Mt 5 speaks of the needy in the church?40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Hi Nick:In context, it could mean whoever has a legitmate need, and I am wrong in my statement that it would only apply to the needy of the church.
However, based on the scriptures that I have given you, it would mean giving out of your abundance after you have met the needs of your family including those who are your brothers and sisters in Christ.
IMO sharing our abundance with those outside of the church could best be done through a community of believers, the church.
Hi 94,
I disagree.
In context it shows we should be different and generous people with all we meet.
That is the fruit of the love of God invested in us.Hi Nick:
You say:
Quote In context it shows we should be different and generous people with all we meet.
That is the fruit of the love of God invested in usI don't disagree with this statement. And, I believe that if you would read what I have posted you would see that I do not.
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