In blogging terms, that is...
So I have now completed my first annual collecting round. I think we are losing our legendary reputation. I hear people say 'What the Army needs is another big disaster or war in this country to come to its rescue!' RUBBISH! What pathetic viwpoints. What the Army needs is everyone to get on with what they have been called to do. They ned to get on with serving everyone in their local communities, not just that nice man from number 92 down the road. Then the Army will earn its legendary reputation!
Also I was thinking whilst wondering through to big posh estate, why is it we spend a lot of time concentrating on the poor. Don't get me wrong, the poor need our social help more then anyone, but when it comes to savin souls we always are up for saving the poor, but maybe not so when it comes to the rich. Do they need a lesser salvation? Do they not need grace? Will they be able to pay their way into heaven? No No No. I dunno why we do this, maybe its suppressed jealousy or summit, but Jesus told us to preach the gospel to everyone, not just those with no material possesians, just so we can keep them happy!
He's got the keys to the door, never been 21 before!
3 comments:
Can I suggest to your comment about not going for the rich this: Jesus himself said it would be hard for a Rich man to enter heaven. Love of money is the root of all evil, after all... Would someone who has everything the world says they should have want anything more? If you are happy and secure and comfortable now, what do you matter about the chance of an afterlife?
A poor man can be helped in worldly things, and will then accept your help in spiritual things. A rich man doesn't need you, unless he's paid for you.
That any help?
Jesus said 'It would be harder for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven then through the eye of a needle.' As many are well aware if they pay attention during sermons, a needle was the smaller gate into the city, as opposed to the main one, and the needle was used at night. It wasn't impossible to bring a camel through, but it was difficult, and it is the same with the rich.
However, 150 no-one wanted to save the poor, and the poor just didn't go to church, and as history tells us, this changed for the better. But now nobody is willing to save the rich. A rich person has just as much right to al least know the Gospel.
Let's not forget money canot buy you true happiness, only Jesus can bring Joy into someones heart.
We shouldn't cast aside rich people, surely? The Bible has a rich list of people who had all and lost it or gave it up to benefit the kingdom:
Aberaham
Joseph
Moses (Definately)
Elijah (I think)
Job had it al taken away, but chose to keep praising his God!
David
Nehimiah
Paul
and countless others.
And in the history of the salvation army:
The Booths were not poor whilst they were running the Army!
and Samual Logan Brengle, the great holiness teacher was very rich before he gave up his all to seve God in the Salvation Army. Yes, William Booth was concerend, hence the polishing the cadets boots story, but this guy went on to be someone who could have a brick thrown at his head whilst preaching, and carry on.
I'm not wanting to say stop preaching to the poor or that the rich are more important, and yes, belled are the poor, for they shall inherit the earth, but let us not cast aside the rich when it comes to spreading the good news, because they may have many possesians on earth, but spiritually, they are poor, so poor...
Interesting points from both...however, spiritual need is not measured by wealth - but how we help people can be governed by their situation. There is a sphere of theology called 'Liberation' (mainly from Latin America) that may be of interest to you, Ben. Indeed, the NEO thing in ALOVE draws from this in that it says 'God has a bias for the poor'. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I think God has a passion for justice, and often the poor suffer the most because of injustice, but I can't say that this means necessarily that God favours the poor.
Good thoughts...worth a cell group or bible study on.
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