We have all heard the debate over whether or not a Christian can be rich here on this Earth. Many of us have partaken in the discussion numerous times. I have pretty much always sided with "YES." I used to think that the problem with abundance in this life was that it made it harder to follow Jesus, just like the young rich man who when told, "sell all you have and follow me", decided that the cost of discipleship was too high.
Money may very well in fact make discipleship less desirable. But, I don't think that is the main problem with Earthly wealth. Lets look at 1 John 3:17!
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
It is not possible to live out even one day on this Earth and not see someone who is in need. Jesus surrounds us on every front in the form of poverty. Even Bill gates could spend every bit of his money to help others and still see people in need.
If you have even a small abundance of possessions and money, having the ability to help others who lack anything in this life and you choose instead to keep what you have, the love of God is not in you and your money and STUFF will perish with you.
You can never, let me repeat myself, NEVER be rich and follow Jesus at the same time. Period, EXCLAMATION POINT! NEVER!
Do you live in a mansion filled with "cool" electronics while Children in Africa starve to death?
Do you drive a Mercedes down the block to work while those same children haul dirty water 3 miles from the well to their sorry excuse for a home?
Do you have a closet full of expensive clothes while your brother's clothes are wearing thin?
Could your bank account feed a whole village?
How many lost people could hear the gospel for the first time for the cost of your being able to watch your favorite shows on television?
SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON ME!
Its time for the church to start living like we actually have a purpose. It's time start following our King instead of living like "kings."
When we stand before Jesus on the last day, will we stand before him as FAT goats cast aside as we had cast others aside or will we as sheep drink from the river of life while basking in His Glory?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Look! These Guys Are Doing What The Church Should Do!
Small Church Delivers a Huge Blow to Poverty
By Catherine Hilger
August 4, 2008
Hilltop Assembly of God Church in Westminster, Maryland, has proven that a small congregation can pack a powerful punch. In less than a year, the church has delivered a serious blow to poverty by finding sponsors for dozens of children in need and by funding an entire Child Survival Program (CSP) in Ethiopia.
Pastor Pete Puckett fully supported the idea of becoming a Compassion church partner, but it was his wife, Joan, and her multichurch women's fellowship group that started the "wildfire" for Compassion within the Hilltop congregation.
The women's group was looking for a mission focus. They felt God was leading them to help children, but they were not sure how. Joan contacted Compassion Regional Advocates Manager Mark Pellingra, who thought the women's group would be a great source of support for a Child Survival Program. The women agreed.
The women organized their first sponsorship event in December 2007, where they raised more than U.S.$8,000 for the Child Survival Program and helped find sponsors for 21 children! "I just thought all churches were doing this and we were so far behind," said Joan.
Their success and enthusiasm caught the attention of Hilltop leadership. Since then, this small church of 147 members has not skipped a beat. Hilltop participated in its first Compassion Sunday event on April 13, 2008, and with Pastor Puckett's blessing, the entire church took a stand against poverty.
The event began with a flag procession. Children carried flags into the sanctuary representing the 17 countries of Hilltop's sponsored children. Then the children sang a worship song in Spanish. Hilltop's Compassion Advocates then presented a $20,000 check to Mark Pellingra for Compassion to support a Child Survival Program.
"It is incredibly humbling to see a church of this size making such a huge impact," said Mark.
At the end of the service, the congregation went outside and released balloons, each printed with a sponsored child's name. An international luncheon followed, making the entire day a global event.
Hilltop averages a weekly Sunday attendance of 180 people. The congregation is small, but their hearts are big when it comes to fighting poverty. Today Hilltop has 12 Compassion Advocates, 85 sponsored children from 22 countries, 63 sponsors, and one fully funded Child Survival Program.
By Catherine Hilger
August 4, 2008
Hilltop Assembly of God Church in Westminster, Maryland, has proven that a small congregation can pack a powerful punch. In less than a year, the church has delivered a serious blow to poverty by finding sponsors for dozens of children in need and by funding an entire Child Survival Program (CSP) in Ethiopia.
Pastor Pete Puckett fully supported the idea of becoming a Compassion church partner, but it was his wife, Joan, and her multichurch women's fellowship group that started the "wildfire" for Compassion within the Hilltop congregation.
The women's group was looking for a mission focus. They felt God was leading them to help children, but they were not sure how. Joan contacted Compassion Regional Advocates Manager Mark Pellingra, who thought the women's group would be a great source of support for a Child Survival Program. The women agreed.
The women organized their first sponsorship event in December 2007, where they raised more than U.S.$8,000 for the Child Survival Program and helped find sponsors for 21 children! "I just thought all churches were doing this and we were so far behind," said Joan.
Their success and enthusiasm caught the attention of Hilltop leadership. Since then, this small church of 147 members has not skipped a beat. Hilltop participated in its first Compassion Sunday event on April 13, 2008, and with Pastor Puckett's blessing, the entire church took a stand against poverty.
The event began with a flag procession. Children carried flags into the sanctuary representing the 17 countries of Hilltop's sponsored children. Then the children sang a worship song in Spanish. Hilltop's Compassion Advocates then presented a $20,000 check to Mark Pellingra for Compassion to support a Child Survival Program.
"It is incredibly humbling to see a church of this size making such a huge impact," said Mark.
At the end of the service, the congregation went outside and released balloons, each printed with a sponsored child's name. An international luncheon followed, making the entire day a global event.
Hilltop averages a weekly Sunday attendance of 180 people. The congregation is small, but their hearts are big when it comes to fighting poverty. Today Hilltop has 12 Compassion Advocates, 85 sponsored children from 22 countries, 63 sponsors, and one fully funded Child Survival Program.
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