Tag Archives: benevolence

What Would That Look Like?

I once had a conversation with a member about her commitment to Christ and her involvement in the local church.  I was asked: What would proper involvement look like? This is an excellent question to ask.  Let’s try to answer … Continue reading

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Denominations: Methodist/Wesleyan Church (Part 1)

Ascertaining accurate total numbers is difficult.  The Methodist church is greatly divided.  There are 23 separate Methodist bodies in the U.S. alone (Frank S. Mead and Samuel S. Hill, Handbook of Denominations, p. 159).  “The World Methodist Council is made … Continue reading

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Serving Only When it is Convenient

What would happen if the man-in-need scenario from the parable of the Good Samaritan were recreated?  How many would stop to help? John Darley and Daniel Batson, two Princeton University psychologists, conducted a study, in the early 1970’s.  Princeton Theological … Continue reading

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Mercy Series: I Desire Mercy

“I desire mercy and not sacrifice and knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). Do not misunderstand.  God required animal sacrifices and burnt offerings under the Mosaic Dispensation and the Patriarchal Dispensation (e.g. Genesis 4:4; 8:20-21; 22:1-14; Exodus … Continue reading

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Thrift Stores, Ringing Bells and Red Kettles

The Salvation Army operates thrift stores.  These stores resell donated items such as clothing, furniture, household items, and toys.  They even have trucks which will pick up donated items from  your house.  The revenue is used to fund their Adult … Continue reading

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Cooperation

Webster defines the word “cooperation” to mean, “To act jointly with others; to unite for a common effort.” Luke 5:4-11 provides an example of cooperation. In this passage, we find two fishing boats cooperating together to bring in a great … Continue reading

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A Living Sacrifice

Some view life as a meaningless existence. Steven Lloyd paraphrased Ecclesiastes 1:4-7 with these words, “We go to bed late, we get up early, we go to work, we drive home, eat and go to bed, to get up early, … Continue reading

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Saints Only Benevolence

“Some brethren have argued that the church is authorized to help church members and their dependents out of the church treasury, but no others. They reason that many times do we read of the church aiding and assisting “saints,” “disciples,” … Continue reading

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The Work of the Church

If a church loses its focus, then nearly anything can be imagined as the work of the church. Some churches are extremely busy.  They have this activity and that activity.  They have numerous programs and works that they do.  Their … Continue reading

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