The Church and Benevolence

Mark Roberts

The facts are clear: with welfare reform, the cuts made in current social programs will net $54 billion. However, there are really no fewer poor people, nor hungry children, than before the cuts were made. These people have been the focus of heated argument in the halls of Congress. The argument now shifts to the states, where already, many governors are seeking to divert federal money away from the poor and into other programs (in Texas, Governor Bush is planning to underwrite his proposed property tax cut with this money). more...

The Mission of the Church of the Lord

Jeff Archer

While at the church building one day, I received a phone call from a middle-aged man who was in financial trouble. It seems he and his family had made some poor decisions and wanted help. I told him that the church did not have a fund for those who are not members of the church but did help out those who were members. I asked, "Are you a Christian?" He answered defensively, "No, but . . . you are a church. How dare you not help us out! What kind of church are you anyway?" I interrupted by saying we would be happy to help him with what we did have. His self-righteous, "you owe me a living" speech stopped. I invited him to come to the building with his family and we would sit down together to study the Bible. I told him that I wanted to share with him the precious message of salvation. The Lord did not tell the church to be a general benevolence society but did want His church to "sound forth" His word as did the Thessalonians (1 Thess.1:8). I asked him, "when would you like to get together to talk about the gospel of Christ?" Our conversation ended abruptly with "so . . . uh . . . you're not going to help us?" more...

Differences in Benevolence Responsibilities

Allen Dvorak

"Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves That leave not a bone till morning" (Zephaniah 3:3). With these words the prophet Zephaniah described the heartlessness of the leaders of Judah. They were like ravenous predators rather than caring pastors of the flock and protectors of the weak. Unfortunately, the time of Zephaniah was not unique in Israel's history. Although the writings of God's prophets reflect various themes, including moral wickedness and covenant unfaithfulness in general, social injustice is a prominent one. Rather than assist the needy, often the rich and the powerful took every opportunity to mistreat them. A reoccurring thought in the prophetic writings is that religious ritual separated from the daily practice of mercy and justice is of little value (Micah 6:6-8). more...

Individual and Congregational Responsibilities

David Holder

Christians are related to Christ by virtue of being saved by Him, and related to each other through mutual connection with Christ. We are both believers (Acts 5:14) and brothers (Acts 9:30), and thus have responsibilities on two fronts -- what we do in our individual lives before God and what we do together with other Christians. The New Testament speaks the language of Christians' dual identity and responsibility -- what we are and do individually and collectively. There is correspondence between what Christians do individually and do together, and there is also distinction. As the result, we must think carefully. more...

Can't the Church "Do Good?"

Mark Roberts

There is a common feeling in America that churches are in the "doing good" business. Since helping the poor is a "good work" it logically follows that churches should do so. As many people do not believe the Bible to be inspired, heaven and hell to exist, or that man has an immortal soul teaching moral guidelines from scripture would be a waste of time. The presumption is that the church should do something practical and useful in the here and now. That thinking translates directly into homeless shelters, soup kitchens and every other kind of social aid program to help the impoverished. Doing such is a "given" for most churches. It is unquestioned, and unquestionable: the church should do good. more...

Did Jesus Come to Solve Poverty?

Don Truex

"Did Jesus come to solve poverty?" That depends. Poverty of possessions? No. Poverty of spirit? Yes. more...

2 Corinthians 9:13

Jerry Fite

To the Corinthians, Paul writes, "For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God; seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all" (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). more...

Galatians 6:10: Individual or Congregational?

Ricky Jenkins

Galatians 6:10 is frequently referred to as authority for the local church to engage in general benevolence, i.e., relieve any, saint or sinner, who has need. But a close examination of the passage shows that it is neither authorizing congregational action nor speaking of benevolence. As we look at this verse ask yourself two questions about each of the first ten verses: (1)is this individual or congregational? and (2)is this speaking of physical or spiritual things? more...

James 1:27 - The Tests of Religion

Tony Mauck

The context of James 1 and 2 identifies and defines the true believer. How can you know the real thing from a counterfeit? What is a genuine expression of faith and what is pretense? What is consistent with truth "engrafted" or "implanted" and what is a "vain" or "worthless" attempt at serving God? The blessed individual is one who not only hears the word but does. More than just reading and comprehending, he looks intently into God's truth. He abides in it, does not forget what he hears and effectively does what the word instructs him to do. He listens eagerly and implements carefully. The New Testament was never intended to be an object about which we are to merely talk. Its purpose is not to produce a fight or quarrel, though disagreements about what it teaches inevitably arise. The word does not merely provide subject after subject for debate. Truth is first and foremost to be received in one's heart and expressed in the activities of one's life. This is James' point. more...

"Plain Talk" About Benevolence

Robert Turner

In preparing this issue, we thought it important to take a look at the past and what was being taught when the subject of benevolence was hotly contested among brethren. We turned to what we believe to be the most concise, clear teaching on these issues and what the scriptures have to say about them. Although some of these articles are not focused solely on benevolence, we commend them to our readers as an example of the truth for which brother Turner stood then and continues to stand today. -- The Editors more...

Threats and Intimidation?

Mark Roberts

What stakes are we dealing with when we discuss the church-welfare issue? While we are all painfully aware that this matter has divided the Body of Christ and led many churches of Christ deeper and deeper into apostasy, could there be even more problems on the horizon? An editorial by nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas (12/23/1996) raises some disturbing questions about the future of churches that refuse to bow to the world's concepts of the church's role in benevolent activities. more...

Religious Freedom

Rusty Miller

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . ." (United States Constitution, 1st Amendment). more...

Do Conservative Churches Lack Compassion?

Warren E. Berkley

Eliphaz the Temanite came to visit his suffering friend, Job. Job was suffering and didn't know why. He was an upright man who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1), yet his life was turned upside down by unexpected tragedy and loss. Eliphaz and his two companions had all the answers. They believed: since Job was a great sufferer, he must be a great sinner. Based on that false premise, Eliphaz fabricated some charges against Job to prove his case. "For you have taken pledges of your brothers without cause, and stripped men naked. To the weary you have given no water to drink, and from the hungry you have withheld bread." The miserable comforter continued: "You have sent widows away empty, and the strength of the orphans has been crushed, therefore snares surround you . . . ," (Job 22:6-7, 9-10a). more...

The Coming Challenge for the Church

Rusty Miller

The Preacher's Pen

Mark Roberts

Go to the American Lung Association with a toe problem and ask for help. What would happen? Chances are good that those folks would be unable to assist you. Their area of expertise begins at the top of your chest and ends about the middle of your stomach. They aren't the American Toe Association. They do lungs, and anything associated with your lungs and breathing. more...