I suspect many people will head into 2012 with New Year resolutions. Some people will want to study more, save more money, eat healthier, some may even embark on a vigorous exercise program in order to lose some weight or to get more fit. Our resolutions are usually about us. We normally do things, start programs, and make plans to improve ourselves. I would like to encourage you to consider a resolution that will improve the lives of those less fortunate than you.
There are thousands of worthwhile charitable organizations who work to feed, clothe and provide shelter for the poor. Some are operated by non-profit organizations and some are funded and operated by religious organizations. These organizations such as food banks or pantries can be found in the local communities. Perhaps this year your resolution will include providing food, clothing, and shelter to someone in need? The scriptures should always have a say in our thoughts, actions and plans. Let's take a look at the topic of charity and love.
Notice what Paul says in: Galations 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (KJV)
Here is another translation: For the entire law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your associate as yourself." (Concordant Literal)
The Greek word that is translated love in this verse is agapaw agapao, it means to love in a social or moral sense.
How good is your discernment? If you saw with your own eyes something that was seriously wrong, could you determine a correct course of action? Would you make the right decision? Do you really want to give your money for an entertainment program, an athletic outreach program, a million dollar sound system or a multi-million dollar mortgage? If you do, that would be your right.
I mentioned Christ Saving India Ministries in an earlier post. I have been corresponding with Pastor Revu Ray, a minister of the Gospel to poor Indian Christians. In India the Christians are considered the lowest of low. I need not tell you that one day they will judge presidents, prime ministers, kings and angels. They will be mighty! However, today they need your help. For those familiar with pay-pal, Pastor Revu Ray Williams has just setup a pay-pal account. The e-mail address is anitharevu@gmail.com . If you feel led to give, please do so. I have found that Pay-Pal accounts in India are not set-up to receive gifts. If you want to contribute you will have to indicate a payment for services instead of a gift.
Pastor Revu Ray will begin the task of translating some of this blog into the local language for use with the Christian's that he ministers to. If you were led to contribute to the project, he and his ministry would be grateful.
May God richly bless you and yours in 2012. Grace be with you!
There are thousands of worthwhile charitable organizations who work to feed, clothe and provide shelter for the poor. Some are operated by non-profit organizations and some are funded and operated by religious organizations. These organizations such as food banks or pantries can be found in the local communities. Perhaps this year your resolution will include providing food, clothing, and shelter to someone in need? The scriptures should always have a say in our thoughts, actions and plans. Let's take a look at the topic of charity and love.
Notice what Paul says in: Galations 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (KJV)
Here is another translation: For the entire law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your associate as yourself." (Concordant Literal)
The Greek word that is translated love in this verse is agapaw agapao, it means to love in a social or moral sense.
The word charity occurs in the KJV 28 times. In all cases, it is translated from the Greek word agaph agape, meaning affection, benevolence, or feast.
1st Corinthians: 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV)
I would urge any readers who do not actively give to a charity to do so this year. Help make a difference in your community or maybe even abroad.
1st Corinthians: 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV)
I would urge any readers who do not actively give to a charity to do so this year. Help make a difference in your community or maybe even abroad.
MEGA-Churches
Have you noticed the mega churches in America? There are even a few churches with annual budgets in excess of 50 million dollars a year! My wife and I attended a mega-church for several months. When my eyes were opened and I finally realized that my offering was going to entertainment programs, sound systems, and big screen TV's I really felt stupid. What should true Christians be funding?
There are TV entertainment preachers who jet across the country as if they are Hollywood stars! Well... I guess they are stars. With all of the book sales, TV fund raisers, and mega congregations, they should be paid as CEO's right? Do your own research into tele-evangelist and mega-church pastor salaries. You may be surprised.
I have recently wondered what Christ would do if He visited one of the churches that sells 10 commandment bumper stickers, yard signs, tapes, videos, and the pastor's latest book. The store is normally just outside the auditorium and is open before and after the entertainment! Do you think Christ would turn over the tables and flog some folks?
There are TV entertainment preachers who jet across the country as if they are Hollywood stars! Well... I guess they are stars. With all of the book sales, TV fund raisers, and mega congregations, they should be paid as CEO's right? Do your own research into tele-evangelist and mega-church pastor salaries. You may be surprised.
I have recently wondered what Christ would do if He visited one of the churches that sells 10 commandment bumper stickers, yard signs, tapes, videos, and the pastor's latest book. The store is normally just outside the auditorium and is open before and after the entertainment! Do you think Christ would turn over the tables and flog some folks?
How good is your discernment? If you saw with your own eyes something that was seriously wrong, could you determine a correct course of action? Would you make the right decision? Do you really want to give your money for an entertainment program, an athletic outreach program, a million dollar sound system or a multi-million dollar mortgage? If you do, that would be your right.
Perhaps there is a better place for your agape and agapao?
Take a look at these pictures.
Where would your dollar be noticed and appreciated?
I wish I could go back in time. I would go back many years and change my giving. If I could do it over again, I would give my love and my charity to those who really need it. It makes me sick to think about it.
Not one more penny for sound systems; not another penny to entertain humanity with programs and musicals; not another penny for a multi-million dollar buildings made with human hands. If I could go back and exercise better discernment and better judgment, I would give it all to the poor.
I am not suggesting that churches do not contribute to the poor or have programs for the homeless and hungry. Some of them do. Additionally, I am not speaking against the many wonderful Christians who have their heart in the right place. I am asking you to think and to use good judgment.
This is a new year and I have a new year resolution! I cannot fix the past but I can steer a new course! Perhaps the Lord will lead you to make a difference in someone's life this year? We have a chance to make a difference in our communities and abroad.
Not one more penny for sound systems; not another penny to entertain humanity with programs and musicals; not another penny for a multi-million dollar buildings made with human hands. If I could go back and exercise better discernment and better judgment, I would give it all to the poor.
I am not suggesting that churches do not contribute to the poor or have programs for the homeless and hungry. Some of them do. Additionally, I am not speaking against the many wonderful Christians who have their heart in the right place. I am asking you to think and to use good judgment.
This is a new year and I have a new year resolution! I cannot fix the past but I can steer a new course! Perhaps the Lord will lead you to make a difference in someone's life this year? We have a chance to make a difference in our communities and abroad.
I mentioned Christ Saving India Ministries in an earlier post. I have been corresponding with Pastor Revu Ray, a minister of the Gospel to poor Indian Christians. In India the Christians are considered the lowest of low. I need not tell you that one day they will judge presidents, prime ministers, kings and angels. They will be mighty! However, today they need your help. For those familiar with pay-pal, Pastor Revu Ray Williams has just setup a pay-pal account. The e-mail address is anitharevu@gmail.com . If you feel led to give, please do so. I have found that Pay-Pal accounts in India are not set-up to receive gifts. If you want to contribute you will have to indicate a payment for services instead of a gift.
Pastor Revu Ray will begin the task of translating some of this blog into the local language for use with the Christian's that he ministers to. If you were led to contribute to the project, he and his ministry would be grateful.
If you feel led to provide love and charity to God's children, to those less fortunate than you, please consider Revu Ray and Christ Saving India Ministries.
May God richly bless you and yours in 2012. Grace be with you!
I would have to agree with you on Mega churches, although from a slightly different perspective. My issue with these "churches" is they allow people to exist with out creating relationships with each other and growing as one body. People can slip in and out with out really anyone noticing, it is so easy to get lost in a place like that.
ReplyDeleteNow Isiah 55:11 says "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth: It shall not return to me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." so his will is done regardless.
I've also noticed that most of the messages are just puff pieces that really aren't challenging those attending,so as not to offend any in the audience, and keep the budget in the black. as they say in some of the forums rant off lol.