What are YOU doing to help the poor?

[Woody]

I was asked by another member to prove what "I" was doing to help the poor and needy.

Like I explained to him ... I am not in the business of proving what I do in that regard.

But I did want to share with you a neat thing my pastor did today which ... in some small way ... I see as 'us' doing.

My pastor representing our church was contacted by our local Catholic Church. They knew of someone in need that they thought we might be willing to help. I am not sure if this was a couple who were members of the Catholic Church or not. But my pastor was able to go and help provide for some of their needs. It was so cool.

What I think is also cool is the fact that the Catholic Church and the SDA Church are working together to meet the needs of the community. One church can't do it all. So as far as I understand ... we send some to them and they send some to us depending upon the type of need.

This would only have been made possible because our pastor has intefaced and networked with the other church pastors and priests in the community. And in this particular community ... we HAVE to pool our resources or the community needs will not be met.

Quote:

"Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God." Ellen White in AA 96

[Steve Billiter]

I was asked by another member to prove what "I" was doing to help the poor and needy.

Like I explained to him ... I am not in the business of proving what I do in that regard.

But I did want to share with you a neat thing my pastor did today which ... in some small way ... I see as 'us' doing.

My pastor representing our church was contacted by our local Catholic Church. They knew of someone in need that they thought we might be willing to help. I am not sure if this was a couple who were members of the Catholic Church or not. But my pastor was able to go and help provide for some of their needs. It was so cool.

What I think is also cool is the fact that the Catholic Church and the SDA Church are working together to meet the needs of the community. One church can't do it all. So as far as I understand ... we send some to them and they send some to us depending upon the type of need.

This would only have been made possible because our pastor has intefaced and networked with the other church pastors and priests in the community. And in this particular community ... we HAVE to pool our resources or the community needs will not be met.

Quote:

"Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God." Ellen White in AA 96

You are out of context.She speaks of the early Christian church that then was a pure more united church. You posted this same thing months ago, and months ago I posted the entire context which you did not do. The way you post your quotes makes it sound like we are to unite with them in ministry, not so.We are to call them out of Babylon, we are not to go back in to them in any way nor unite with them in any work.

We are not to unite with the papacy for anything. Sending people somewhere else for food or clothing is another matter and I have recommended some here to catholic services because they needed quick help and catholics are better set up for some things.

The order that was maintained in the early Christian church made it possible for them to move forward solidly as a well-disciplined army clad with the armor of God. The

96

companies of believers, though scattered over a large territory, were all members of one body; all moved in concert and in harmony with one another. When dissension arose in a local church, as later it did arise in Antioch and elsewhere, and the believers were unable to come to an agreement among themselves, such matters were not permitted to create a division in the church, but were referred to a general council of the entire body of believers, made up of appointed delegates from the various local churches, with the apostles and elders in positions of leading responsibility. Thus the efforts of Satan to attack the church in isolated places were met by concerted action on the part of all, and the plans of the enemy to disrupt and destroy were thwarted. {AA 95.3}

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33. He requires that order and system be observed in the conduct of church affairs today no less than in the days of old. He desires His work to be carried forward with thoroughness and exactness so that He may place upon it the seal of His approval. Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God. {AA 96.1}

"every agency subordinate to the Holy spirit" Does that include the catholics? No.

[LifeHiscost]

"every agency subordinate to the Holy spirit" Does that include the catholics? No.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh" Acts 2:17 NKJV

Joy!

[Bravus]

...and it's part of SDAism's deep and possibly fatal mallaise that a question about helping the poor devolves in a single post to Catholic-bashing.

How about we get back on topic?

One thing I'm doing to help the poor is sponsoring a girl about the age of my daughter in Indonesia.

Another is giving to charity in a regular, systematic way through salary deduction through my employer.

I generally do give small amounts of cash to anyone who asks on the street - yeah, they might use it to buy drugs or alcohol, but they are responsible for how they use it, I am responsible for giving it in the first place.

I could definitely do more, and I'm surrounded by tech toys that I want but don't necessarily need. But I think there is some value in us just sharing the simple things we do to lift the burdens of those less fortunate than ourselves.

[GreatLakesGramma]

I was asked by another member to prove what "I" was doing to help the poor and needy.

Like I explained to him ... I am not in the business of proving what I do in that regard.

You're right, Redwood. You have no need to prove anything to anyone else. It's nobody's business but yours and God's. The only requirement is to be faithful to what God calls you to do, whether small or great, private or public. Nobody has any business making you feel ashamed for doing only small things, if that is what God has called you to. Small things are important too, and somebody has to do them.

[Woody]

Yes dgrimm. But it is the entire church that did it and the entire church that is blessed when they hear what 'they' did.

[Steve Billiter]

Originally Posted By: Steve Billiter

"every agency subordinate to the Holy spirit" Does that include the catholics? No.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh" Acts 2:17 NKJV

Joy!

I mention an institution here, not individual people. many God-fearing fine Catholics will yet heed the call and come out.

The papacy represents Babylon, which is also the harlot in Rev. 17, who has daughters.(apostate protestantism) The remnant church is now giving the call to come out of Babylon

Rev 14:8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues.

Rev 18:5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

God calls for men whose hearts are as true as steel, and who will stand steadfast in integrity, undaunted by circumstances. He calls for men who will remain separate from the enemies of the truth. He calls for men who will not dare to resort to the arm of flesh by entering into partnership with worldlings in order to secure means for advancing His work--even for the building of institutions. Solomon, by his alliance with unbelievers, secured an abundance of gold and silver, but his prosperity proved his ruin.

Men today are no wiser than he, and they are as prone to yield to the influences that caused his downfall. For thousands of years Satan has been gaining an experience in learning how to deceive; and to those who live in this age he comes with almost overwhelming power. Our only safety is found in obedience to God's word, which has been given us as a sure guide and counselor. God's people today are to keep themselves distinct and separate from the world, its spirit, and its influences.

291

{CH 290.2}

Chap. 181 - Confusion of Many Voices

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Revelation 18:4. {Mar 189.1}

In the last work for the warning of the world, two distinct calls are made to the churches. The second angel's message is, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." And in the loud cry of the third angel's message a voice is heard from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." {Mar 189.2}

As God called the children of Israel out of Egypt, that they might keep His Sabbath, so He calls His people out of Babylon, that they may not worship the beast or his image. . . . {Mar 189.3}

After the truth has been proclaimed as a witness to all nations, every conceivable power of evil will be set in operation, and minds will be confused by many voices crying, "Lo, here is Christ, Lo, He is there. This is the truth, I have the message from God, He has sent me with great light." Then there will be a removing of the landmarks, and an attempt to tear down the pillars of our faith. A more decided effort will be made to exalt the false sabbath, and to cast contempt upon God Himself by supplanting the day He has blessed and sanctified. This false sabbath is to be enforced by an oppressive law. . . . But while Satan works with his lying wonders, the time will be fulfilled foretold in the Revelation, and the mighty angel that shall lighten the earth with his glory, will proclaim the fall of Babylon, and call upon God's people to forsake her. {Mar 189.4

}

When do her sins reach unto heaven? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation. Then the extremity of God's people is His opportunity to show who is the governor of heaven and earth. As a Satanic power is stirring up the elements from beneath, God will send light and power to His people, that the message of truth may be proclaimed to all the world. {Mar 189.5}

[Stan]

Someone needs to read the chapter in the book EVANGELISM by EGW on how to treat the Catholics...

[Tom Wetmore]

Originally Posted By: Redwood

..."Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God." Ellen White in AA 96

You are out of context.She speaks of the early Christian church that then was a pure more united church. You posted this same thing months ago, and months ago I posted the entire context which you did not do. The way you post your quotes makes it sound like we are to unite with them in ministry, not so.We are to call them out of Babylon, we are not to go back in to them in any way nor unite with them in any work.

I beg to differ with you on the context of which EGW was speaking. She most clear transitions from the example of the early Christian Church in the First Century to a direct admonition applicable to the contemporary Christian church of which Adventism is a part. She was not speaking of only Adventist Christians and churches. You must read more carefully the last paragraph of the AA passage you posted.

Quote:

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33. He requires that order and system be observed in the conduct of church affairs today no less than in the days of old. He desires His work to be carried forward with thoroughness and exactness so that He may place upon it the seal of His approval. Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church, the human instrumentality co-operating with the divine, every agency subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all combined in giving to the world the good tidings of the grace of God. {AA 96.1}

You may want to consider EGW's own fine example along these lines. She frequently preached from the pulpit of Sunday keeping churches on Sunday morning. She advocated and worked with other churches in her time in the temperance movement, the social action group of her time. And she encouraged our Adventist pastors to meet together for fellowship, study and prayer with the pastors of other denominations.

As for Catholics, she strongly urged that we lay down our arms and to refrain from battling against them as if they were the enemy. She said, "We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics. Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians, and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and God will work in their behalf." And in the very same context she said, "He who is careless and heedless in uttering words or in writing words for publication to be sent broadcast into the world, is disqualifying himself to be entrusted with the sacred work that devolves upon Christ's followers at this time. Those who practice giving hard thrusts are forming habits that will have to be repented of."

Whatever is written here on this forum is "writing words for publication to be broadcast into the world". We must be mindful of the our broader audience here which includes our friends and fellow Christians among the other churches, including Catholics. To say that the Holy Spirit is absent from among them, as you have just done, is to presume to put limits on and speak against the Holy Spirit, IMHO. I think Jesus had some very harsh words for that...

[phkrause]

This is excellent Redwood. In George Knights daily devotional EGW mentions working with all different religions in common causes. If any one has this book look at page 118, the April 20 ready. Thanks for this post Redwood.

pk

[Woody]

This is excellent Redwood. In George Knights daily devotional EGW mentions working with all different religions in common causes. If any one has this book look at page 118, the April 20 ready. Thanks for this post Redwood.

pk

That is cool pk. I am going to have to get that book. You report so many good things from it. And George Knight is such a good author. Trouble is ... Santa has already delivered me my one book for Christmas . It is from another great author though ... Morris Vendon.

[LifeHiscost]

The only requirement is to be faithful to what God calls you to do, whether small or great, private or public..... Small things are important too, and somebody has to do them.

"For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”"Zechariah 4:10 NKJV

Joy!

[LifeHiscost]

When do her sins reach unto heaven? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation. Then the extremity of God's people is His opportunity to show who is the governor of heaven and earth. As a Satanic power is stirring up the elements from beneath, God will send light and power to His people, that the message of truth may be proclaimed to all the world. {Mar 189.5}

And the message of "Babylon is fallen" is not restricted to only one church or denomination but to all or any who refuse to listen and teach the Truth as it is in Jesus. Perhaps the greatest reason the Holy Spirit is poured out upon all flesh is that confusion of ideas remains in all religions today, to a greater or lesser degree, and the only way that will be made plain to all is for all to receive of the Holy Spirit. The only ones who will not benefit from that are those who refuse to receive the gift of the Spirit for whatever reason.

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...."John 16:13 NKJV

"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires." Gal 5:22-24 AMP

Brackets, parenthesis, theirs. underlined mine LHC

Joy!

[LifeHiscost]

Whatever is written here on this forum is "writing words for publication to be broadcast into the world". We must be mindful of the our broader audience here which includes our friends and fellow Christians among the other churches, including Catholics. To say that the Holy Spirit is absent from among them, as you have just done, is to presume to put limits on and speak against the Holy Spirit, IMHO. I think Jesus had some very harsh words for that...

Amen and well said. Would that all within the fold would see all living as subjects of attack by the Prince of darkness, as all have potential for final redemption and the enemy's intent is to destroy all.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Joy!