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P31W -> RE: My Political Vote (5/19/2008 12:17:31 PM)
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This is really a question for the financial folder and it has been discussed there in the past. Scripture teach us that our first responsibility is to our own family. (that would include our extended family) Then it is to the church. Those who are truly widows and orphans. Scripture also tells us who "not" to support. That is just as important because it appears that God uses suffering to bring people to repentance. Gone to get the scripture 1 Timothy 5:3-16 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. You will also notice that helping the poor in the OT was first for the Jews then to those who were living among them. I don't believe there is any scripture telling the Jews to help the poor outside there area. I may be wrong but I did try to study that at one time. They way you helped the poor in OT scripture was by giving them the ability to work for it. Only those who were without family and competely physically disabled were to be given a handout.
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