|
Post by frienduff on Feb 8, 2019 14:18:13 GMT -5
|
|
Cletus
Senior Member
Posts: 2,517
|
Post by Cletus on Feb 8, 2019 17:50:28 GMT -5
when people name off sins... why do they never mention not taking care of the poor? Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Feb 8, 2019 18:08:45 GMT -5
when people name off sins... why do they never mention not taking care of the poor? Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Cletus ponder this too. How many liberal churches and so on , constantly mention doing good to the poor and they do feed them . yet they as wicked as wicked is . I am noticing a huge social gospel that constantly talks about taking care of the poor and man they spend millions on the poor , Yet they dire wicked themselves . We should take care of them . You put those hands up , CLETUS and praise the Lord .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Feb 8, 2019 19:21:41 GMT -5
Cletus , you just praise the Lord , and on that note , let all praise the Lord
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2019 9:00:15 GMT -5
I have been just speechless at this horror....i thought they were shaking a fist in the face of God when they passed gay marriage and lit up the white house in the colours of the homosexual agenda....what is happening with full term abortion and lighting up the WTC with pink lights just seems....well I don't have the words. Suffice to say it's unbelievable, and adding insult to injury, and it's like the devil is challenging God, and makes me wonder again how will God answer. Sometimes I'm surprised that Jesus didn't say lust is the root of all evil...it must come in a close second to the love of money.
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 9, 2019 10:31:05 GMT -5
when people name off sins... why do they never mention not taking care of the poor? Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
I don't think there is a people on the face of the earth that has done more to help the poor than America. This nation has poverty, but it is nothing compared with the poverty we see in third world nations where people are literally starving to death. There is a lot of sin in this country, and among our churches, but I don't think failing to take care of the poor is one of them. Individual churches could certainly do more, and I think giving alms should be encouraged, but one reason people don't do that is because they have bought into socialism and letting the government take care of everyone.
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Feb 9, 2019 13:14:06 GMT -5
I have been just speechless at this horror....i thought they were shaking a fist in the face of God when they passed gay marriage and lit up the white house in the colours of the homosexual agenda....what is happening with full term abortion and lighting up the WTC with pink lights just seems....well I don't have the words. Suffice to say it's unbelievable, and adding insult to injury, and it's like the devil is challenging God, and makes me wonder again how will God answer. Sometimes I'm surprised that Jesus didn't say lust is the root of all evil...it must come in a close second to the love of money. And the child sacrificing machine makes MANY DOLLARS . All stemmed into money making . Sister as you know well, we in the last days where everything that is evil will be magnified for all to see right in the streets and towers . But all who have the LORD have all hope . We best just dig only deeper into sound doctrine and be refreshed by the presence of the Spirit . You are loved dear sister .
|
|
Cletus
Senior Member
Posts: 2,517
|
Post by Cletus on Feb 9, 2019 13:25:33 GMT -5
when people name off sins... why do they never mention not taking care of the poor? Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
I don't think there is a people on the face of the earth that has done more to help the poor than America. This nation has poverty, but it is nothing compared with the poverty we see in third world nations where people are literally starving to death. There is a lot of sin in this country, and among our churches, but I don't think failing to take care of the poor is one of them. Individual churches could certainly do more, and I think giving alms should be encouraged, but one reason people don't do that is because they have bought into socialism and letting the government take care of everyone.
brother, i must disagree with you on parts based on what i have seen, where i have walked, etc. ... i have labored in a storehouse for years. i have been into many churches and spoken to the pastors deacons and elders... they always say the same thing... we are just not set up to do this. and i always ask... why not... we have not because we ask not. only in one church did my words make a difference. we began a food pantry. people brought in food which was bagged and passed out... but when that pastor left so did this activity. there are many verses in the bible that speak on Gods heart towards the poor and us taking care of them... the main one is when the goats are on His left and the sheep on His right. what we do unto the least of them... we do unto Him. God defends the poor. there is a special place in His heart for the poor. Now as far as what you say about we, america, do take care of them, yes we have done much... but there is a lot not done...but where is the preaching on this? where? if there was preaching on this the church would know about it. in this field i have labored in there is a lot i have seen that many are unaware of. millions of children in america dont eat regular. we got churches everywhere... where are the storehouses? storehouses are preached on by many preachers as it is a sanctuary... they say this is the storehouse... but its not. a storehouse is a place to bring victuals to be given to the poor... food clothes and needs. necessities. i see churches now with locked doors, electronic key pad locks on the doors. i have seen people so glad to get the day old bread, some more than a day old, the bread those who have would not buy or want to eat. i hear the words of these people... those who have ... and those who have not. those who have not speak of the way they were treated and that it dont do any good to go to churches. and not all of them think something is owed to them. where is the love? why would people who do not know God want to associate with this? what fruit is seen by others by this? many churches have high walls around them... and they ask for donations and tithes but when it comes to doing what God has said... well, we are just not set up for that.
the congregation i spoke of where we did a food pantry.. the people were more than happy to give when it was announced we were going to start doing it. we are more set up to do it than people in leadership think. do we get to decide what God said if we do it or not? if the church would obey in this do think God would not see and bless it?
i have seen the hand of God move in a storehouse. no where else have i seen such provision and prayers answered, and i been in a lot of churches. God is looking over the whole earth to see who is sold out to Him completely. church leaders need to lead in this. they need to stop looking at a church as a business and taking our responsibilities to God more serious... and also, to our neighbor. this topic is found in both commands to us.
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Feb 9, 2019 13:25:43 GMT -5
I have been just speechless at this horror....i thought they were shaking a fist in the face of God when they passed gay marriage and lit up the white house in the colours of the homosexual agenda....what is happening with full term abortion and lighting up the WTC with pink lights just seems....well I don't have the words. Suffice to say it's unbelievable, and adding insult to injury, and it's like the devil is challenging God, and makes me wonder again how will God answer. Sometimes I'm surprised that Jesus didn't say lust is the root of all evil...it must come in a close second to the love of money. When the destruction came upon the two towers , the peoples did not repent but it only grew worse and they said , we shall build an even greater tower and we shall pass even more wicked laws and we shall light our tower up pink to honor the blood sacrifices of the children. Does anyone else see just how evil the time now is . And try and remember when GOD sent judgements to Israel . They too in time said ,WE SHALL REBUILD and be greater . THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PATTERN . THUS JUDGMENT of delusion has long began , and a fiery JUDGMENT too will come in the days ahead . Has evil been around . YES . But take a look at the difference . Roe v wade n seventy two , was evil , but that generation still had fear of the Lord in some ways , I MEAN abortion was not talked about it was hidden . BUT NOW as SODOM its not longer hidden , in fact it is honored , praised and glorified as is homosexual acts and etc . SIN is now honored in the streets for all to see . THIS IS what occurs NEAR THE END of every nation that has been or will be . THUS its worldwide man . WE in the days of noah , we in the days like lotts and we seeing a master delusion that is filling the world and her religions to be as one . ITS ALL JUDGMENT . And for all these things , the wrath of GOD will come in a time and a hour when most think not . That pope aint slowing down at all , and worse the protestant churches who once protested , ARE NOW REJOICING IN ROME and in this POPE . ITS BAD NEWS its a nasty delusion .
|
|
|
Post by frienduff on Feb 9, 2019 13:33:50 GMT -5
I don't think there is a people on the face of the earth that has done more to help the poor than America. This nation has poverty, but it is nothing compared with the poverty we see in third world nations where people are literally starving to death. There is a lot of sin in this country, and among our churches, but I don't think failing to take care of the poor is one of them. Individual churches could certainly do more, and I think giving alms should be encouraged, but one reason people don't do that is because they have bought into socialism and letting the government take care of everyone.
brother, i must disagree with you on parts based on what i have seen, where i have walked, etc. ... i have labored in a storehouse for years. i have been into many churches and spoken to the pastors deacons and elders... they always say the same thing... we are just not set up to do this. and i always ask... why not... we have not because we ask not. only in one church did my words make a difference. we began a food pantry. people brought in food which was bagged and passed out... but when that pastor left so did this activity. there are many verses in the bible that speak on Gods heart towards the poor and us taking care of them... the main one is when the goats are on His left and the sheep on His right. what we do unto the least of them... we do unto Him. God defends the poor. there is a special place in His heart for the poor. Now as far as what you say about we, america, do take care of them, yes we have done much... but there is a lot not done...but where is the preaching on this? where? if there was preaching on this the church would know about it. in this field i have labored in there is a lot i have seen that many are unaware of. millions of children in america dont eat regular. we got churches everywhere... where are the storehouses? storehouses are preached on by many preachers as it is a sanctuary... they say this is the storehouse... but its not. a storehouse is a place to bring victuals to be given to the poor... food clothes and needs. necessities. i see churches now with locked doors, electronic key pad locks on the doors. i have seen people so glad to get the day old bread, some more than a day old, the bread those who have would not buy or want to eat. i hear the words of these people... those who have ... and those who have not. those who have not speak of the way they were treated and that it dont do any good to go to churches. and not all of them think something is owed to them. where is the love? why would people who do not know God want to associate with this? what fruit is seen by others by this? many churches have high walls around them... and they ask for donations and tithes but when it comes to doing what God has said... well, we are just not set up for that.
the congregation i spoke of where we did a food pantry.. the people were more than happy to give when it was announced we were going to start doing it. we are more set up to do it than people in leadership think. do we get to decide what God said if we do it or not? if the church would obey in this do think God would not see and bless it?
i have seen the hand of God move in a storehouse. no where else have i seen such provision and prayers answered, and i been in a lot of churches. God is looking over the whole earth to see who is sold out to Him completely. church leaders need to lead in this. they need to stop looking at a church as a business and taking our responsibilities to God more serious... and also, to our neighbor. this topic is found in both commands to us.
YE have sold the poor for silver and a pair of shoes . THEY STORE IT UP FOR THEMSELVES CLETUS . They have become rich off the backs of the poor . They spiritually starve the churches and preach things like tithe on that credit card . ITS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE OF MONEY . and its why many are be given over to this total reprobate unification delusion . You should see what they did and have done to the true evangelists overseas . THEY SHUT down their funds , TILL THEY take their new evangelism rick warren pope led new age gospel class. Not many are aware of that . They prepared those both overseas and here and made them ready for this popes message of total unification . And though they say love and though they say we love the poor , THEY LIE , this new system wont love the poor , IT WILL ERADICATE THEM . they don't give to the poor and those who do , do it for selfish gain not for true love . IF those men , like the pope , or Copeland or McLaren or scores of them really loved the poor. THEN WHY DO THEY SIT ON MILLIONS WHILE THE POOR DIE . DID JESUS ever STORE UP and LORD and heap to himself . These charlatons are as judas , they hold the bag , oh maybe they give a lil here and their to the poor BUT REALLY its to keep what is put theirin FOR THEMSELVES . A nasty very subtile delusion has began for all of this . You are loved Cletus . I totally will not defend these systems one bit . instead they gonna get exposed .
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2019 14:14:02 GMT -5
I have been just speechless at this horror....i thought they were shaking a fist in the face of God when they passed gay marriage and lit up the white house in the colours of the homosexual agenda....what is happening with full term abortion and lighting up the WTC with pink lights just seems....well I don't have the words. Suffice to say it's unbelievable, and adding insult to injury, and it's like the devil is challenging God, and makes me wonder again how will God answer. Sometimes I'm surprised that Jesus didn't say lust is the root of all evil...it must come in a close second to the love of money. When the destruction came upon the two towers , the peoples did not repent but it only grew worse and they said , we shall build an even greater tower and we shall pass even more wicked laws and we shall light our tower up pink to honor the blood sacrifices of the children. Does anyone else see just how evil the time now is . And try and remember when GOD sent judgements to Israel . They too in time said ,WE SHALL REBUILD and be greater . THIS IS AN IDENTICAL PATTERN . THUS JUDGMENT of delusion has long began , and a fiery JUDGMENT too will come in the days ahead . Has evil been around . YES . But take a look at the difference . Roe v wade n seventy two , was evil , but that generation still had fear of the Lord in some ways , I MEAN abortion was not talked about it was hidden . BUT NOW as SODOM its not longer hidden , in fact it is honored , praised and glorified as is homosexual acts and etc . SIN is now honored in the streets for all to see . THIS IS what occurs NEAR THE END of every nation that has been or will be . THUS its worldwide man . WE in the days of noah , we in the days like lotts and we seeing a master delusion that is filling the world and her religions to be as one . ITS ALL JUDGMENT . And for all these things , the wrath of GOD will come in a time and a hour when most think not . That pope aint slowing down at all , and worse the protestant churches who once protested , ARE NOW REJOICING IN ROME and in this POPE . ITS BAD NEWS its a nasty delusion .
Yes, it is getting worse and people's hearts are becoming more calloused and debauched. It's reminding me of ancient Rome too.....they had a known location to leave their unwanted newborns to die, exposed outdoors to the hot sun and wild animals. Christians would go to those places to rescue babies and adopt them. How I fear for our nations.
|
|
Cletus
Senior Member
Posts: 2,517
|
Post by Cletus on Feb 9, 2019 14:15:40 GMT -5
brother, i must disagree with you on parts based on what i have seen, where i have walked, etc. ... i have labored in a storehouse for years. i have been into many churches and spoken to the pastors deacons and elders... they always say the same thing... we are just not set up to do this. and i always ask... why not... we have not because we ask not. only in one church did my words make a difference. we began a food pantry. people brought in food which was bagged and passed out... but when that pastor left so did this activity. there are many verses in the bible that speak on Gods heart towards the poor and us taking care of them... the main one is when the goats are on His left and the sheep on His right. what we do unto the least of them... we do unto Him. God defends the poor. there is a special place in His heart for the poor. Now as far as what you say about we, america, do take care of them, yes we have done much... but there is a lot not done...but where is the preaching on this? where? if there was preaching on this the church would know about it. in this field i have labored in there is a lot i have seen that many are unaware of. millions of children in america dont eat regular. we got churches everywhere... where are the storehouses? storehouses are preached on by many preachers as it is a sanctuary... they say this is the storehouse... but its not. a storehouse is a place to bring victuals to be given to the poor... food clothes and needs. necessities. i see churches now with locked doors, electronic key pad locks on the doors. i have seen people so glad to get the day old bread, some more than a day old, the bread those who have would not buy or want to eat. i hear the words of these people... those who have ... and those who have not. those who have not speak of the way they were treated and that it dont do any good to go to churches. and not all of them think something is owed to them. where is the love? why would people who do not know God want to associate with this? what fruit is seen by others by this? many churches have high walls around them... and they ask for donations and tithes but when it comes to doing what God has said... well, we are just not set up for that.
the congregation i spoke of where we did a food pantry.. the people were more than happy to give when it was announced we were going to start doing it. we are more set up to do it than people in leadership think. do we get to decide what God said if we do it or not? if the church would obey in this do think God would not see and bless it?
i have seen the hand of God move in a storehouse. no where else have i seen such provision and prayers answered, and i been in a lot of churches. God is looking over the whole earth to see who is sold out to Him completely. church leaders need to lead in this. they need to stop looking at a church as a business and taking our responsibilities to God more serious... and also, to our neighbor. this topic is found in both commands to us.
YE have sold the poor for silver and a pair of shoes . THEY STORE IT UP FOR THEMSELVES CLETUS . They have become rich off the backs of the poor . They spiritually starve the churches and preach things like tithe on that credit card . ITS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE OF MONEY . and its why many are be given over to this total reprobate unification delusion . You should see what they did and have done to the true evangelists overseas . THEY SHUT down their funds , TILL THEY take their new evangelism rick warren pope led new age gospel class. Not many are aware of that . They prepared those both overseas and here and made them ready for this popes message of total unification . And though they say love and though they say we love the poor , THEY LIE , this new system wont love the poor , IT WILL ERADICATE THEM . they don't give to the poor and those who do , do it for selfish gain not for true love . IF those men , like the pope , or Copeland or McLaren or scores of them really loved the poor. THEN WHY DO THEY SIT ON MILLIONS WHILE THE POOR DIE . DID JESUS ever STORE UP and LORD and heap to himself . These charlatons are as judas , they hold the bag , oh maybe they give a lil here and their to the poor BUT REALLY its to keep what is put theirin FOR THEMSELVES . A nasty very subtile delusion has began for all of this . You are loved Cletus . I totally will not defend these systems one bit . instead they gonna get exposed .
one of the reasons Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed was not taking care of the poor. the scripture i provided shows this. everyone wants to say it was just because of homosexuality. this is something the church needs to consider and heed carefully.
i like what you have said a lot. i have been homeless and seen every sunday people going to church all dressed up. going out to eat after. no one even asked me if i was thirsty, or cold, or hungry. not even asking me if i wanted to go to church. i was probably not fit to even sit in their cars. no one even noticed me, but God.
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 10, 2019 0:57:24 GMT -5
I don't think there is a people on the face of the earth that has done more to help the poor than America. This nation has poverty, but it is nothing compared with the poverty we see in third world nations where people are literally starving to death. There is a lot of sin in this country, and among our churches, but I don't think failing to take care of the poor is one of them. Individual churches could certainly do more, and I think giving alms should be encouraged, but one reason people don't do that is because they have bought into socialism and letting the government take care of everyone.
brother, i must disagree with you on parts based on what i have seen, where i have walked, etc. ... i have labored in a storehouse for years. i have been into many churches and spoken to the pastors deacons and elders... they always say the same thing... we are just not set up to do this. and i always ask... why not... we have not because we ask not. only in one church did my words make a difference. we began a food pantry. people brought in food which was bagged and passed out... but when that pastor left so did this activity. there are many verses in the bible that speak on Gods heart towards the poor and us taking care of them... the main one is when the goats are on His left and the sheep on His right. what we do unto the least of them... we do unto Him. God defends the poor. there is a special place in His heart for the poor. Now as far as what you say about we, america, do take care of them, yes we have done much... but there is a lot not done...but where is the preaching on this? where? if there was preaching on this the church would know about it. in this field i have labored in there is a lot i have seen that many are unaware of. millions of children in america dont eat regular. we got churches everywhere... where are the storehouses? storehouses are preached on by many preachers as it is a sanctuary... they say this is the storehouse... but its not. a storehouse is a place to bring victuals to be given to the poor... food clothes and needs. necessities. i see churches now with locked doors, electronic key pad locks on the doors. i have seen people so glad to get the day old bread, some more than a day old, the bread those who have would not buy or want to eat. i hear the words of these people... those who have ... and those who have not. those who have not speak of the way they were treated and that it dont do any good to go to churches. and not all of them think something is owed to them. where is the love? why would people who do not know God want to associate with this? what fruit is seen by others by this? many churches have high walls around them... and they ask for donations and tithes but when it comes to doing what God has said... well, we are just not set up for that.
the congregation i spoke of where we did a food pantry.. the people were more than happy to give when it was announced we were going to start doing it. we are more set up to do it than people in leadership think. do we get to decide what God said if we do it or not? if the church would obey in this do think God would not see and bless it?
i have seen the hand of God move in a storehouse. no where else have i seen such provision and prayers answered, and i been in a lot of churches. God is looking over the whole earth to see who is sold out to Him completely. church leaders need to lead in this. they need to stop looking at a church as a business and taking our responsibilities to God more serious... and also, to our neighbor. this topic is found in both commands to us.
When I was Pastoring a church, I did both. I had a food and clothing ministry. We even had an event where we put together all a family would need for a complete turkey dinner for Thanksgiving one year, and gave them away to something like 16 families. This was a church with only a handful of members. After that, a larger charitable organization took notice of what we did, and copied our idea and started doing this every year thereafter on a grander scale. That was probably the best thing we did to help the needy. We did give away some clothing items to those in need, but here is something I have found to be true. While each church could set up ministries like that, you can likely do just as good or better to take up collections for local storehouses or soup kitchens than trying to do it yourself. The main thing is to get everyone used to the practice of giving alms. Just because individual churches don't have these ministries, that doesn't mean they aren't practicing giving to help the poor.
On a side note, I do see one need, and that is in the area of gender specific clothing items. Clothing ministries today have no regard for such things, and if I did have a physical church, I would want to set up a clothes closet where we have feminine clothing items available for ladies that do not have dresses or skirts and can't afford to purchase any. We are living in a day where it has become the norm for women to wear clothing that are masculine in appearance, and many women do not even have appropriate clothes for church. I would want to make such things available. That is meeting a need not being met through most other ministries, but in the area of food, I think I would rather take up collections for places like the Food Bank, although I might try another Thanksgiving meal give away again.
One other idea I had that might be worth doing is taking up a collection each year to help people that are poor and can't afford to take care of basic needs. You would be surprised how many people have broken windows and no money to fix them, so they just have plastic over them. I would love to take up a collection each year and select a needy family or two to assist with such things. I think it is about doing what you can personally if the needs are not being dealt with by someone more qualified, and when others can do it better, and you know they are reputable, helping them out with donations. Again, the biggest thing is getting churches used to practicing alms. But even among the poor in America, they have it good compared to the poverty we see in other nations.
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 10, 2019 1:06:11 GMT -5
YE have sold the poor for silver and a pair of shoes . THEY STORE IT UP FOR THEMSELVES CLETUS . They have become rich off the backs of the poor . They spiritually starve the churches and preach things like tithe on that credit card . ITS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE OF MONEY . and its why many are be given over to this total reprobate unification delusion . You should see what they did and have done to the true evangelists overseas . THEY SHUT down their funds , TILL THEY take their new evangelism rick warren pope led new age gospel class. Not many are aware of that . They prepared those both overseas and here and made them ready for this popes message of total unification . And though they say love and though they say we love the poor , THEY LIE , this new system wont love the poor , IT WILL ERADICATE THEM . they don't give to the poor and those who do , do it for selfish gain not for true love . IF those men , like the pope , or Copeland or McLaren or scores of them really loved the poor. THEN WHY DO THEY SIT ON MILLIONS WHILE THE POOR DIE . DID JESUS ever STORE UP and LORD and heap to himself . These charlatons are as judas , they hold the bag , oh maybe they give a lil here and their to the poor BUT REALLY its to keep what is put theirin FOR THEMSELVES . A nasty very subtile delusion has began for all of this . You are loved Cletus . I totally will not defend these systems one bit . instead they gonna get exposed .
one of the reasons Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed was not taking care of the poor. the scripture i provided shows this. everyone wants to say it was just because of homosexuality. this is something the church needs to consider and heed carefully.
i like what you have said a lot. i have been homeless and seen every sunday people going to church all dressed up. going out to eat after. no one even asked me if i was thirsty, or cold, or hungry. not even asking me if i wanted to go to church. i was probably not fit to even sit in their cars. no one even noticed me, but God.
You are speaking of what you observed at individual churches. I am saying that America as a nation has all kinds of welfare programs to help the poor. Most of the people you see that are homeless and standing on street corners are spending their nights in Motels because they are handed money all day long by people passing by. Among the beggars in this country, I haven't seen any that were skin and bones looking like they were starving to death.
Maybe people aren't getting help because they don't ask for it? We had a guy come into our church who couldn't pay his utility bill, and someone in the church paid it for him. That is because he asked. Nobody took credit for it, but it was taken care of. If nobody noticed you, why didn't you get their attention? Why didn't you walk into their church? I wouldn't have turned a homeless man away had they come into my church. Some of these criticisms seem unfair to me. Now I realize there are churches where you would have been turned away or seen as undesirable. I have no doubt of that, but I feel confident that wouldn't have been true everywhere.
|
|
PG4Him
Senior Member
Essay Moderator
Posts: 3,570
|
Post by PG4Him on Feb 10, 2019 9:11:27 GMT -5
I can see both sides of the alms thing. The problem isn’t always hard hearts. People can be intimidated to walk up to a stranger and invite them to lunch. At the last church we attended, we made multiple attempts to go to lunch with some of the people, and there was always an excuse. Other times when we have been out with someone and we tried to be a blessing, they argued out of pride. It’s a nice idea to imagine spontaneously inviting a person to lunch, but it rarely works out well.
As far as storehouses in churches, I’m sure there are some good pastors out there, but my experience has been overall that most pastors simply don’t have the ability to manage things. They are preachers above all else, and actual ministry leadership is lacking. To make matters worse the pastor usually has a regular job during the week. Deacons/elders are usually the three or four richest men in the church, who have full-time careers and do not make themselves available. All of these people have good intentions, but the system is set up for failure.
I’ve seen cliques in churches where they won’t befriend you no matter how many times you ask. Yes, it happens a lot more often in a lot more churches than we’d like to admit. I’ve also seen poor people struggle and refuse help. Inter-personal alms is a difficult endeavor.
This is why people would rather donate to a soup kitchen or homeless shelter that’s already established.
|
|