My Eyes

My Eyes

Psalm 38:10 – “My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.”

When the light is gone in the eyes, will it still burn bright in the soul?

When the light is gone in the eyes, will it still burn bright in the soul?

This day the cold outside is biting and fierce.  In my mind, I tell myself “Ha! I can handle that!” In truth, I was supposed to be out working in it today (ignoring the wind chill, it is a balmy 6 degrees).  Yet, as I sit here, my slippers and red plaid coat on, coffee in hand, in the 70 degree warmth of my apartment, chilly… I also realize I am losing my life.  No, I am not dying, but in reality, we are all on borrowed time from the day we are born.  We are shedding each day one at a time.  These melancholy days of mid-life (I am now 49) are perhaps the ones for which to be most cautious.  Will I spend them idly, fearfully, foolishly?  Most days the heart still roars like a young lion, but the body knows I am not.  It is winding down like a clock to its final tick.  It would be easy to spend each day reminiscing about more vibrant days as men often do when focusing on the teenage or college days of athletic triumphs.  Importantly, I must not daily sit still in this manner, but go and live life and fulfill the purpose of my days giving glory to God in the good works He has prepared me to do.  Still, reflection is not a forbidden thing.  This morning, I enjoyed looking through family photos of days long gone by.  The words of the Psalmist David ring true in regard to the failing light of the eyes.  I cannot see anything clearly up close anymore. The photos are blurry and the sweet faces no longer clear without the help of my glasses.  There may come a day before the final ticking of the clock that the light goes completely out.

Psalm 26:3 – “For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.”

When your eyes no longer behold the things of this earth, what visions will you behold?  Again the words of David prove relevant.  What goodness, what joyfulness, what images of true worth will fill the palate of the mind showing the lovingkindness of God?  What activities of worth are we engaged in right now while the light in our eyes shines on and we can still move about following our own will?  It is said that the mind stores everything we have ever heard, said, or done.  The issue at the forefront: what will we fill our time with to recall in that mental gallery of life.  Will we remember the day in and day out of work or the time spent in the arms of our loved ones?  Will we remember the moments of smiling and singing in worship with our friends or level 23 of a popular video game?  When the doors are shut on physical vision, will your mind be full of the hope and promises of God or reruns of a television sitcom?  It is a good thing to live a quiet life providing for our families with the work of our hands.  Moments of relaxation and restfulness are pleasant as well.  When the darkness embraces your sight, what will bring joy and remembrance of the lovingkindness of God?  Recalling the baptism into Christ of your friends and family?  Seeing the realization of the faithfulness of God come over the faces of those once lost?  Times spent providing care for those truly needing it?  Encompassing the awe of the amazingly intricate display of the heavens above declaring the mighty power of your Heavenly Father?  There are so many bright lights of the world with which to fill our glass of memories to the brim.  There are pure, wholesome, Godly things with which we can reflect upon happily if we gather them into our life.

Proverbs 3:21-22 – “My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:”

Though our bodies grow tired, our eyes dim, our days wind down, do not fail to finish the race put before you.  Live the honest, pure, lovely, virtuous things of life.  Spend your days with discretion not embracing worldliness which will only leave you with shame and guilt to picture in your final days.  Rather walk in wisdom, enjoy each breath, and experience the peace of God.  The aches, pains, and weakness are going to come if you are blessed to see many days.  Just don’t let them stop you from marching onward.  Thank God and keep on making memories of everything around you while the light still shines in your eyes.

 

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Costa Rica 2019: La Fortuna

Costa Rica 2019: La Fortuna

Thank You

To begin this report, let me say thank you to all those congregations and individuals who supported the work in La Fortuna this year financially, through prayer, or through personal encouragement.  We go to Costa Rica in the authority of Christ to share His gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).  The Word of God was spread because of loving people who want to see others eternally with their Father.  It was a great honor for me and my wife to be part of that vision.  The team members with whom we were blessed to work side by side were:  Phil and Darleen Grear, Jonathan and Sandra McAnulty, Clinton Rowand, Katie Gilchrist, and Tim Gainer.  These are special people who gladly stepped through the open doors which God provided and proclaimed God’s will with humility and boldness.  Our translators and brothers in Christ tirelessly held us up throughout the week sharing the gospel as well and doing so with vigor in both English and Spanish.  Please remember in your prayers these good men:  Gilbert Astorga, David Astorga, Heiner Montealto, Walter Brooks, and Christian VaVi.  I know I have missed a number of names and people who helped us and that were part of the congregation of La Fortuna or had traveled from other areas of Costa Rica to participate.  Everyone involved engaged in the work selflessly, giving Glory to God.  Once more… Thank you!

Brothers and Sisters working together to share Christ.

Brothers and Sisters working together to share Christ.

The Theme

As I write up my report each year, I try to do so in a manner which will go beyond a “report”.  It is important to me to be able to draw lessons from the work.  In 2016, I wrote about Costa Rica and its people.  In 2017, I wrote about evangelism and how to approach it.  In 2018, I touched on the need for follow up, having a plan, and women’s role in evangelizing.  This year, 2019, my theme for the trip is “uncomfortable”.  It ties in many things I have mentioned in past reports, but as you will see it looks a bit deeper.  Before I jump into all of that good stuff, let me provide a basic summary of the details of our trip.

The Details

January 2, 2019 – Leave 4 am.  Arrive 1 pm.  (Not true for others… more on that later)

Lodging Hotel 1915

January 3, 2019 – Travel to La Fortuna

Lodging Hotel Campos Arenal

January 4-9 – Campaign La Fortuna

January 10,2019 – Travel to Alejuela

Lodging Hotel 1915

January 11, 2019 – Leave 12:30 pm.  Arrive 11:30 pm.

The cost of the trip was originally estimated to be a combined $4290 for April and myself.  We were able to raise support of $3625.  Our final trip cost (no personal expenses included) was $3750.  April and I sharing snacks/meals on occasion and an unforeseen discounted hotel rate helped to lower our cost.

Each morning we were down at the congregation’s building for devotions at 8:30/8:45.  We then embarked upon our Door Knocking / Bible Studies until noon.  Afterward we would continue Bible studies from approx. 2-5:30  (the first 2 days 2-4).  At about 5:30, we would drive to pick up visitors.  We had six nighttime meetings.  These went from 6-7:15 approximately.  Afterward we would return the visitors and then eat dinner.  By the time the day was over we would return to the hotel around 9-9:30.

Most days April and I were able to do 3-5 Bible studies approx. an hour to 2 hours long.  The work of the team as a whole resulted in 2 baptisms and a number of rededication/prayer requests from the congregation.  Not to be overlooked to the Glory of God, the Word was spread to many homes.  There are many successes which could be spoken of in regard to this trip.  I look with happiness and satisfaction over the number of people that were brought in each night to learn from the teachings of the campaign.  One family who we studied with came every night.  Another visited the final night, never having entered a non-Catholic congregation before.  Additionally, they returned to worship after our campaign was complete.  Certainly, I anticipate hearing of more success from this meeting as the weeks go by.

Uncomfortable

Philippians 4:4  Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

Uncomfortable might seem an odd theme to use for describing a mission trip, but I believe it fits well for 2019.  If you are not an early riser, getting to the airport at 4 something in the morning may not be your cup of tea.  It’s uncomfortable.  Yet, there we were up and ready to go at the airport in Columbus, Ohio, two hours before take-off just as the TSA requests.  Phil and Darlene were already there!  A state over, our other team members were gathering in Charleston, WV, dreaming they would have a smooth flight. HAHAHA!  While our flight arrived in Costa Rica around 1pm, the brothers and sisters starting out in Charleston would enjoy a flight delay maybe going to DC… then Chicago… then missing a connection… then ending up in Houston… then arriving in Alejuela, Costa Rica.  I think they ultimately made it to the hotel around midnight or so.  They could have been cranky.  They could have been mad.  Certainly, they were tired.  Yes, they were uncomfortable! Overall, they were thankful to be safe, in country, and ready for the work (and a warm shower… which some did not get).

When arriving in Costa Rica, it is hard not to appreciate the sunshine, the smiling people, and the bright colors!  What a lot of people do not appreciate is the flow of traffic.  Costa Ricans are kind of like laid back California drivers.  In California driving has a crazy cut throat edge to it.  In Costa Rica, the drivers are crazy too, but in a just go with the flow kind of way.  Traffic signs are largely ignored to better gel with the foot traffic and weaving in and out of locals and tourists.  If you have a chance to get to the left or right, zoom across an intersection, or get to your exit – Go for it!  Horns honk in courtesy rather than furor (Hebrews 12:14).  City to city it is the same, but when you travel from Alejuela to La Fortuna you also get the joy of curvy roads and police everywhere looking for cars illegally transporting tourists!  Uncomfortable?  It can be for some.  Fortunately, we had a GPS!  (tim Gainer Pointing System).

After arriving in La Fortuna, we went directly to our Hotel.  It looked very clean and nice.  We all hopped out glad to be free from the road.  Inside the office we were met with a surprise.  The reservations we had for 10 people had been lost.  The hotel was booked.  Our rooms were full.  In many circumstances with different people, I suspect there would have been some pretty harsh words shared.  Not with our team!  (Philippians 4:5)  By the time we left the office we had another hotel, a nicer hotel, for a less expensive price.  Funny thing, we ended up baptizing the clerk from the first hotel later on.  Isn’t God amazing?  The situation was uncomfortable, but proper behavior learned from the knowledge given by our Lord provided a better way.

The first official day of our campaign saw us all down at the Iglesia de Christo (Church of Christ) of La Fortuna.  Our brothers and sisters greeted us well.  Yet, all of a sudden, a new reality, which had been there all along, now made itself more apparent.  After being able to say “Hola, Como Esta?”, “Bien”, “Gracias” – the conversation became uncomfortable.  It is amazing how you can study and prepare yourself to interact in Spanish, just to have the brain go completely blank when it is time to put your knowledge to use.  This is one of those fears that people have about mission trips. “I cannot speak a foreign language!  What will I do!  I cannot do it!  I couldn’t find the strength to do something like that.”  (Philippians 4:13)  We cannot let our feelings paralyze us and keep us from fulfilling the purposes for which God has made us (Ephesians 2:10).

The work of canvassing an area, knocking doors and setting up Bible studies, is akin to a treasure hunt.  You never know what you are going to find.  People of different sizes, shapes, colors, and demeanors await you.  It has been an extreme pleasure to interact with the people of Costa Rica.  As with our experience in the countryside of Bagaces, the people behind the doors in the countryside of La Fortuna eagerly invited us to share the gospel with them.  This year, my good brother and translator, Noel Masis, could not be with us.  Additionally, due to work schedules, April and I did not have our assigned translator the first 2 days. Uncomfortable!  Yet, we were blessed to get to work with another translator (Walter Brooks) and  our brother from the states – Tim Gainer (Uncomfortable – HA!).  Despite the curveball and having to team up with another team member for 2 days, the experience is something I will never forget.  Being able to work closely with my brother, a preacher and an elder, was very insightful.  I suppose I could have been pompous and frustrated not to be out working with April and another translator on our own, but why on earth would I do that?  We are a team.  We all work together.  We are the Lord’s Body (I Corinthians 12).  Seeing the open heart and earnest, knowledgeable work of Tim was inspiring to me and really set a good tone for me the entire week.

As Walter, Tim, and I worked, it should not be overlooked that April was there working with us.  A woman’s role may often come with a bit less talking when it comes to the work, but it is not any the less important.  April could have felt uncomfortable – foreign land, foreign language, strangers – but she provided a warm presence to each visit (in a country where most of the homes had only women home alone or with kids).  She helped keep what could have been uncomfortable, comfortable.  Yet, just a presence, wasn’t all she provided.  Tim took to calling April the name Abigail.  Why?  Because as Tim and I were pressing hard with the gospel, pounding one fact filled Bible verse after another, April (as Tim says) smacked us both upside the head.  She began to share with the woman whom we were speaking the softer side of the gospel.  The joy, the comfort of Christ, the love He has for us, the desire God has for us to come to Him.  She and the woman both got a bit teary as they were able to connect thru Christ by remembering we as the people of God operate in Spirit and Truth (I Samuel 12:24).  Again, the Body of Christ works together and each part aids the other.

The second day of our stay in La Fortuna was very muggy.  They day had a bit of rain and heat and I felt sweaty and dirty by the end.  I was so looking forward to a warm shower.  Alas, that was not to happen.  The water was freezing!  I resorted to a cold sponge bath, hoping in the morning all would be well.  Unfortunately, the water was still cold the next day.  Uncomfortable!  By the end of that day I was really, really looking for that warm shower.  Still there was no hot water.  Understand, many of our trips to Costa Rica have had that scenario, but I had gotten spoiled after the first night at the new hotel.  As I lay there I thought that perhaps Sandra McAnulty was playing a joke on me (she would do that to innocent lil ol me).  Then it hit me!  I went down to the office.  I told the manager on duty that I believe the circuit breaker to my hot water had popped.  “Pooped?”  “No, popped.” “Poked?”  “No, Popped.”  The conversation was a bit humorous.  But once we got it all figured out, 10 minutes later I had hot water.  I could have acted poorly and been angry for something out of the manager’s control.  Yet, rather than make the situation more uncomfortable, it worked out well. (James 1:19)

When a person imagines a Bible study, they may think of sharing the joy of salvation and the love of God.  They envision the recipient of the message excited and ready to be baptized as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, that is not a common reality.  Many of the Costa Ricans are Catholic.  Their father and mother were Catholic.  Their Grandparents were Catholic.  They lay their claim of faith through heritage and sprinkling as an infant.  Consider trying to share the gospel with someone like that who does not want to betray their mother and father.  Consider that they are certain mother and father are in heaven.  How do you make the issue about Christ and the person with whom you are talking and not about the salvation of those who went before them?  This is uncomfortable.   Consider that a number of Costa Ricans cannot read well, if at all.  Many may not own a Bible.  What do you do?  You get out your Bible and you talk about the authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).  You talk about the strength of the Bible (James 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:1-3, John 17:17, Romans 1:16).  You let the folks know that Jesus loves them and died for them (John 3:16).  You tell them how they can be free from sin (John 8:32, Acts 2:38).  You explain to them the importance of obeying God’s Word (Matthew 7:21, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, Galatians 1:8-10).  You encourage them to assemble with the one group of people upon this earth who are concerned about their eternal souls (Hebrews 10:24-25).  All of this may be uncomfortable at times, but it is far more comfortable for them and you than an eternity in hell (Ezekiel 33).

The third day of our campaign April and I were able to begin working on our own with a new translator.  David Astorga is a fantastic young man.  I truly enjoyed working with him.  I wasn’t sure at first how it was going to go.  David is an engineer by trade.  He is a bit quiet.  I on the other hand… well… I am not that quiet.  The situation could have been very uncomfortable.  After the first visit, we could have given up on each other.  Yet, once again, the gospel is not about any one or two people and it spread best when we all work together (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).  It is a very difficult thing for the mind to express clearly what you want it.  I struggle with this.  April asked me, “What do you call someone who speaks only one language? – American”.  It blows my mind how David was able to take my jumbled English thoughts and translate into Spanish.  It’s not just that he did this during Bible studies, but anytime we traveled taking others to the congregation’s building or when we were at lunch, or whenever, David translated.  I greatly appreciated his work and patience in Costa Rica.

So, the time in Costa Rica was full of many interesting experiences.  I could share a great number more.  We met so many wonderful people.  When the time to go came, it was uncomfortable.  We didn’t want to go.  We wanted to stay.  We wanted to keep up the work.  The uncomfortable became the comfortable in Christ.  Strangers were recognized as brothers and sisters.  The impossible seemed possible.  Yet, I will share one more story.  The flight home was once again not comfortable for the Charleston group.  They found themselves nearly pounding on the door of an airplane ready to take off.  I imagine them running across the airport luggage and bibles clutched in hands trying to make the uncomfortable comfortable.  They stuck together, worked together, caught their flights, and made it home safely (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Thank you a final time for the help to get to Costa Rica this year so we could spread the seed of the Word.  I look forward to traveling in the future to Costa Rica to share the message of the Gospel.  We are schedule to return January of 2020.  Please pray for this work.

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MEETINGS: 10 TIPS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION

Meetings: 10 Tips to Improve Communication

Have you ever been involved in a very acidic meeting?  One where it is obvious communication is failing? One which you are simply shocked by the behavior of the other individuals present?  Perhaps it turned out to be so sickening you just excused yourself from the room?  Sometimes that is what you must do.  Do not allow yourself to sink to a level for which you would shame Christ by wearing His name.  Whether it is in the Church, the boardroom, the PTA, the family living room, or an online forum, there are things you can do to make certain you are part of the solution and not the problem when interacting with others.

1 – Show up on time. (Luke 6:31)

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

2 – Consider any material presented prior to or during a meeting. (Acts 17:11)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

3 – Be respectful of any written or spoken communication. (Proverbs 19:20)

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”

4 – Don’t throw anything, call names, or be derisive. (Colossians 3:8)

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”

5 – Don’t demean one’s character because you disagree. (Proverbs 10:18)

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”

6 – Don’t lie through the use of semantics. (Colossians 3:9)

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; “

7 – Do not allow someone to force you to speak. (James 1:19)

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: “

8 – Silence doesn’t mean ignorance. (Proverbs 17:28)

“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

9 – Don’t raise your voice in anger. (Colossians 4:6)

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

10 – Don’t threaten someone because you have power. (I Peter 5:3)

“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

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Am I Your Enemy?

Am I Your Enemy?

Galatians 4:16 – Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Christians share in the blessed opportunity to share the Good News of Christ to the world.  So many wonderful stories exist of lives which changed to the better because of the influence of the Gospel.  Where hope did not exist, fullness of future expectation abides.  Where confusion of purpose pervaded all that could be seen, clarity of life’s objectives came into view.  Such is the power and direction of the mind of God when shared with hearts that will open.  Sadly, not all hearts are open.

Not everyone wants to hear the truth.

Not everyone wants to hear the truth.

Some people of the world walk about clapping their ears and humming to themselves.  They want to hear nothing, but their own world view.  They do not understand God; other than superficially, they do not want to try.  The truth is many of those who claim Christianity are the same (2 Timothy 4:3).  Their mind stays closed to Biblical instruction.  They would rather hear themselves wax esoteric than truly study and learn (2 Timothy 2:15).  Therein, if they cannot express their thoughts, their opinions, and their conclusions, their behavior and thoughts turn into stewing, fretting, and composing their responses full of vitriol and degradation.  Those suggesting they possibly consider a different thought become the enemy.  Kind reaching out by others to truly engage dialogue, answer questions, or provide clarification is met with what appears to be preparation for battle rather than a focus on discovering unity.  Along the side they gossip, slander, grumble, and hate (John 15:18).  This behavior can be seen on most study forums, found on social media, and heard in the corners of places of worship.

Peter established there will be Christians who suffer by living and sharing the truth (I Peter 4:16).  At times, it will come from the lost of the world.  Sometimes this comes from countrymen (See Jeremiah and the prophets).  Sometimes the conflict comes from reaching out to family in concern for their souls.  At other times, the attacking will come from those that claim the same savior as you do – your spiritual brothers and sisters.  You can choose to war with them or you can choose to respond with proper Christian behavior (Colossians 4:6; I Peter 3:1-2).  If you choose to keep your distance, maintain your love for them (Matthew 5:44). Often with time, maturity, and plenty of heartache which commonly follows their behaviors, people realize their destructive behavior which they foolishly wielded and can change.  We see this with young people who grow up and we see this with arrogant hearts which finally decide to listen.  Remember, you are not the enemy unless you choose to be.  Be strong and continue to share the truth (2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 4:14-15).

 

 

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Saints Only Benevolence and the Treasury

Saints Only Benevolence and the Treasury

By the fourth century, the Catholic Church came into being.  The marriage of Christianity and Constantine I, emperor of the Roman Empire (self proclaimed Bishop of Bishops), centralized power and religious domination for the Catholic Church.  Any teachings or people in opposition to this body were persecuted, mocked, and destroyed – right or wrong.  Protestants who looked to the Bible for authority in their lives were given pejorative names such as Lollard, Puritan, Dunkard, Anabaptist.  One of the problems with the giving of names is that good people are frequently mischaracterized and maligned for things they don’t believe.  Liberal, conservative, legalist, anti, non-institutional – these derisive modern monikers also immediately create a mental picture and attitude toward those labeled without first coming to know what they believe.  Consider that congregational bodies are each at different levels of growth trying to earnestly follow the scriptures. They are working toward the same unity of the Faith.  Should they be mocked and ridiculed for being at different levels of growth?  Does this accomplish any purpose of Christ?

The above being said, this article will be about congregations and “saints only benevolence”.  Frequently, this issue is assigned to a labeled group and thus, a great number of other attributes are assigned quite often wrongly.  It has been my experience after over 40 years with the Church of our Lord that “saints only benevolence” is in fact practiced under practically all types of labeled Christian congregations and it will be addressed here as a stand-alone issue not to be associated with any particular group.

To whom to give, how to give, and why to give...

To whom to give, how to give, and why to give…

“Saints only benevolence” is a bit of a misnomer and honestly often a disingenuous statement made to harm Christian character and is ugliness at its core toward our brothers and sisters who have been washed by the blood of Christ.  To date, I have never known any Christian or preacher who does not believe the Bible commands the followers of Christ to aid those who are non-Christians.  The disconnect comes with an earnestly held difference under Biblical authority of a few scriptures and nothing more.  Yet in an era when congregations, aging and shrinking, are regularly failing to evangelize, not dressing modestly, forsaking the assembly, trying to draw with means other than the gospel, and are introducing a wide range of unauthorized innovations into the worship, condemnation and the breaking of fellowship is occurring over “saints only benevolence”.  Let us approach this issue as the Bereans did the words of Paul considering them carefully and desiring to obey the words of God.

Let it be clear as we begin, it has been requested of me that I present a “scriptural, fair, balanced, and kind overview” of this doctrine rather than approach it as an advocate or opponent of it.  So what is presented below is what those who are “accused” of teaching “saints only benevolence” actually teach.  It is not hearsay, guessing, or putting words into others mouths.  Rather what is written below has been reviewed by those teaching it and seen as a proper representation of their understanding of scripture.  May we all find wisdom in asking others what they believe before making assumption.

Let us begin… “Saints only Benevolence” is an issue that is congregational, not individual.  It is completely tied to the congregation’s treasury at large.  Most parties will agree that the purpose of the Church is edification, evangelism, and benevolence.  At the core of the issue, one finds the question: “Is the use of congregational treasury funds limited or unlimited”.  The answer is that it is limited (I Timothy 5).  Specifically, in regard to widows, some are not allowed continual assistance from the congregation unless they are widows indeed and do not have families to care for them.  By necessary inference, it can be seen also that there is a necessity for diligence by any congregation to consider the request or need for assistance and whether or not the one requesting has other means to assist them.  Additionally, widows who are younger and may leave the faith (outside of the church) are not allowed to be assisted.  Note:  Most all would agree they can be assisted by the benevolence of individual Christians.

Giving, as a collective practice of the Church, is acknowledged by all (Philippians 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 11:7-8, I Corinthians 16:1-2).  It is the wording of the Corinthians passage that comes largely into play for this examination.  A specific collection was being gathered for the saints, none other are mentioned.  Romans 15:25-26 also declares this specific collection was for only the saints (with worry about non-saints of Judea interfering in vs. 31).

It would be wise to ask if there are other passages in relation to the aforementioned specific contribution which implicitly or explicitly authorize giving to non-saints thru a congregational treasury versus through the benevolence of individual Christians.  Two such passages are 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 and Galatians 6:10.  Unfortunately, both sides of the issue claiming authority of the scriptures, come to different conclusions.  We will continue with the “Saints only Benevolence” view.

The first part of 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 declares the aforementioned contribution not only would meet the need of saints, but was in abundance.  The second part of the passage declares the contribution would cause them to glorify God for not only their subjection to the Gospel but also for their bountiful or single minded (haplotēs) fellowship (koinōnia) with them (the saints of Jerusalem) and all (all those saints of Macedonia and Achaia also giving).  From this last sentence, it is argued that the KJV translation “liberal distribution” is properly rendered “single minded fellowship”.  Additionally, there is no word “men” in the original text.  The idea that a contribution is being distributed to saints and non saints is rejected from the text by “saints only benevolence” advocates and done so by relying upon what the scripture says.  Further bolstering this argument, 2 Corinthians 8:4, 9:1, 12, it is pointed out, contextually point to saints not non-saints.

Galatians 6:10 steps away from the specific contribution mentioned thus far.  It is a separate passage said to promote giving to non-Christians.  Recall, neither side of the benevolence issue denies the need for giving to Christian and non-Christian.  Typically, the argument in Galatians hinges upon whether the passage is speaking of individual or congregation action.  It is not argued that the book is written to Churches, as many of the New Testament epistles are.  However, it is not honest to declare the book was written in regard to only collective congregational actions and does not address individual Christian actions.  The specific context of the chapter needs to be examined as should be in any case.  In chapter 6, it can be seen:

Verse 1 – “if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one”

Verse 2 – “Bear ye one another’s burdens”

Verse 3 – “if a man think himself”

Verse 4 – “let every man prove his own work”

Verse 5 – “every man shall bear his own”

Verse 6 – “Let him that is taught”

Verse 7 – “whatsoever a man soweth”

Verse 8 – “he that soweth to his flesh”

Verse 9 – “let us not be weary in well doing”

Verse 10 – “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all”

Whether or not one agrees that verse 10 is a command to the churches regarding individual behavior, it is asserted the majority address individual actions.  Additionally, the issues are spiritual ones, not financial / physical.  Scripture isn’t stretched nor is there a following of manmade tradition to come to this conclusion.  If you believe in “saints only benevolence”, this passage would not provide clear evidence that the congregational treasury can be used for anyone outside the Church.  In fact, the treasury isn’t even in this context.  Thus, why change your stance on the treasury at this point, especially, when the Christian wants to do all things by the authority of God?

Why would God not want giving to non-saints from the collective treasury?  Scripture has been mentioned in regard to a future forward look at young widows or those with family.  Should the church be burdened with those out of the faith or with other worldly means?  The fact is that the church is limited in its use of the treasury.  If it helps anyone and everyone, then how will that impact the preacher or many preachers who it could assist in sharing the gospel and not living hand-to-mouth.  How would it impact the ability to aid an elder worthy of double honor?  If congregations simply helped every needy saint within their walls, the treasuries would likely always be empty.  Is that what God designed?  God is a God of common sense and compassion.  He instructs His people to care for the world, but in limited scope.  These funds must be handled wisely.

“Saints only Benevolence” beliefs are based on scriptural reasoning and motive.  Those holding these beliefs encourage Christians to give of themselves to the world.  They don’t hate orphans or widows.  They want to serve God and do so under full faith.  Belittling, condemning, or withholding fellowship from these brethren will certainly not help anyone see the scriptures another way.  It may be argued that the withholding of fellowship is one sided, but brothers, that is not accurate.  If you reach out in a Christian manner, you will oft be received in the same.

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