We are saved by God's grace not by any works we could ever
do, but still it is only natural that Christians do hands on acts of loving-kindness such as help the hungry, since we
know Christ and the apostles certainly did so. Therefore this offers some scriptures, ideas and practical thoughts
on this subject.
JESUS CHRIST SAYS THOSE
IN NEED ARE ALWAYS WITH US AND ADDS AT MATTHEW 25:34: "Then the King will say to those on
his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation
of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was
a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison
and you came to visit me.'"
Are we who say and sincerely believe that we are Christians doing the things
that our chief role model did and tells us that we also need to do? He goes on to note that he "never knew"
those who didn't treat well those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, unclothed, sick and or in prison.
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WHAT PEOPLE DO WHEN FEELING GOD'S
HOLY SPIRIT LEADING THEM TO HELP THE NEEDY
#1.) Some ignore the leading of Holy Spirt.... or #2.) others
want to fulfill it. Of course, this is not only to encourage but to help you fulfill that feeling, that
desire to help; and please note that it's easy enough to fulfill.
For one way to do so, if you haven't
before, then you can start now by inviting one or more other friendly faces over for a short Bible reading and simple
meal of, say, sandwiches. Also on a table have some brown bags such as used at grocery stores or for lunch at work.
Tell those with you that all our encouraged to take and fill the bags with items for the needy and return
them at the next meeting. The bags will either be directly distributed to needy and homeless persons or to a food pantry,
shelter, outreach, jail or prison. The distribution may be immediate or, say, once a month however is best.
Tell them that if they themselves are in need
or know someone else who is needy then they will be permitted to pick up a bag for themselves or the other person(s).
Note that some who meet with you may not take a bag right then but may come back for it later, or show up another time with
their own bag.
Besides food, you can do similarly
in regard to clothing for the needy. Along with items you may include some positive scriptures, handy information such
as about local services that help people in need regarding to drinking or Aids; an encouraging sentence asking receivers to
when possible consider also helping with the ministry or starting there own if not immediately then in the future someday.
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VIDEO SHOWING A GOOD EXAMPLE
You as an individual or any smaller Bible group you may have formed or hope to form
can do the same or similarly as a witness to God's goodness. For example, as a starter make some sandwiches, put
them in a bag including a small leaflet having scriptures about God, get it to someone who is homeless or in need. http://www.brownbagministry.org/
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