Giving To The Poor

Giving To The Poor Acts 10.1-4 Cornelius A Centurion in the Italian Regiment “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Gentile Because of his office patient, courage, builder A sign of the Kingdom is the preaching of the Gospel to the poor: Luke 4. 18  “The Spirit of the LORD is on Me,     because He has anointed Me     to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners     and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, * This is Obviously Close To God’s Heart God hears our prayers and our giving to the poor comes up before the LORD. Thanksgiving. Don’t make something spiritual into something political. There is a lot of politicization of caring for the poor. What I mean by that are political parties using the poor for their own advantages. If they are seemingly neglected by one then the other says the other side is evil. My question this morning to them and to you is, “What have you done for the poor lately?” Jesus left this in the church’s hands not Rome or any other government. This is life in the Kingdom of God. So what have you done personally in this regard? If your answer is nothing, then I would ask you why not? No condemnation, He gently speaks to us. This is a message on giving but it will be up to you how and where you respond. We do not have a program we are pushing or a scheme in mind. This is the Word of God. I never want to limit His work in your hearts by a scheme of mine. * Jesus had something to say about the poor. Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you and you can help them anytime you want.” Mark 14.7 We will not eliminate poverty. Nice thought: Eliminate world hunger but never has happened. Many reasons for this. Greed is one. No delusions or visions of grandeur. Just simply helping the poor Anytime we want. Any time you desire and resolve to. When the LORD leads us. When we hear of a need. Twice a week here in the parking lot. Those who have seen the little God is enabling us to do around the world and want give. The poor. Are they spiritually poor or literally poor? They are first the literal poor. Those who have to resort to begging, no money. Second they are the rich who are spiritually poor. destitute of the Christian virtues and eternal riches, Lost souls 5:30 this morning in Bangladesh It is the first sign mentioned! Cornelius was already living in Kingdom Come. I pray this message strengthens and encourages you. Cornelius was further ahead than many professing Christians in the United States! * Jesus was among the poor. He was rich but for your sake He became poor so that through His poverty you might become rich. II Corinthians 8.9 Spiritually He had no place to lay His head. Luke 9.58 Homeless, Penniless He left Heaven’s wealth for a life of poverty on Earth. Philippians 2 Does not mean he was not “At home” with the rich. Matthew’s home, Martha, Mary and Lazarus Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimithea The Rich Young Ruler set his own boundaries. I want eternal life but I want my riches. You cannot serve both God and money. Thankful for my Dad, Bob Pawson, John Stark… Pastor Rapalje. These men worked hard but served the LORD with their talents. They loved God and His Kingdom. They did not seek a kingdom for themselves. Their legacy in part is this church building we enjoy… for future generations… us! And if Jesus tarries beyond our time. Photos of church being built We will stand before Jesus one day with these words… Matthew 25.31-46 An offering for the church at Jerusalem II Corinthians 9. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! The dynamic of Christian Giving Kenyan Church roof * The Blessings of Giving To The Poor II Corinthians 9. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.” Luke 6.38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Proverbs 19.17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done. Bangladesh hungry children photo Colossians 2.7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Mm,kk These gifts to the poor and needy are noted by God. In Cornelius’ case they were a Memorial before the LORD. Gifts to the poor are a partnership with God. It brings peace. Give to the poor Do it quietly. Do it as God moves on your heart Do your research. Give.