Pastor Ralph Posted August 13 Report Share Posted August 13 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewells Posted October 6 Report Share Posted October 6 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? I am chronically ill and am home bound. I did do jail service for several years. And when I was able to go to church I loved the churches who had all races and all economic levels in them. I always felt that they represented the heart of God. I have noticed that people gather around people who are like themselves and resist change. I think God is calling us out of the comfort zones, the prejudices, and to grow in love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne coffey Posted October 7 Report Share Posted October 7 I think that the safety net of a church building encourages people to have an us and them attitude,it provides a safety net for this attitude ,when what ought to be happening is that we ought to be talking to all kinds of people within our community and getting to know them,this is how all connections are formed. I have previously lived in an area where traditional churches were closing down, where there was one church which still thrives strongly today because it is built within the community.It has a vicar but no church building,services are held in a local school hall, music by a local group of musicians.The members of the church hold reading groups in the school ,bible story plays , messy church where parents come too, they have meetings on local housing estates, where people can come to talk over their personal problems, and can be prayed with should they wish they also hold weekday services in old peoples sheltered accomadation and have a time of social accord and anyone with needs or problems to be talked about can do so. etc . etc. this is how you bind the myriad groups of human beings together by getting to know them where they are. Anne Coffey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brenda Joy Posted October 9 Report Share Posted October 9 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? We have to realize we are all equal in the kingdom and we should be willing to serve anyone in need. We send cards of encouragement while we assist them with need. Right now our little church is helping to feed 97 families and giving monetary aid to a family that just had a house fire. Every month we bless a different mission, this month is assisting children with their unique needs. We will soon be helping with Operation Christmas Child. We also individually through the church assist our food bank ministry with clothing children and gifting them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Clifford wilson Posted October 9 Report Share Posted October 9 We are close to the under served in my community. We give them The same respect that we give those in high economic lives. God blesses us so we do everything at our disposal to help whether through our church or donating clothing to the needy. That is not enough. We must do everything to esteem those in need. Everything that the lord gives us is open to share with others. Sometime people need someone.to talk to. Sometime a kind referral to others in the position help. We do not seek anything for the Lords blessing is sufficient. Some times people need money to paid bills or and all are in need of prayer. To be fair I do not do enough, I can and will do more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clelie Posted October 10 Report Share Posted October 10 Pride brings prejudice toward peoples of low status. Only a humble spirit acting out of love can allow us to associate with them and consider them as people created in the image of God. They live in very poor housing conditions but our govt has in its policy to give them help as much as the economy of the country permits. Our church would reach out to them by distribution of food basket or clothing or any donations in kind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zanele Tlhakanelo Posted October 11 Report Share Posted October 11 Welcoming and associating with low-status people is a sign that as the disciples who Jesus Christ we do not discriminate against anyone but love, care, treat and have compassion just like Jesus Christ treated us before we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ understands that we are sinners and as such welcomes us into His Kingdom so that we may know and understand what humility is as He displayed it when He was crucified for our sake. Before the eyes of God, we are all human beings and there is no status of anything. In our community, people who are economically poor live in shacks, squatter camps where there are no basics needs provided for them. There are no ablution facilities, water and life is unbearable because they have to fend for themselves to live. Those who come from other countries and treated as foreigners. Some people who are leaving with disabilities are also neglected and as such not treated like human beings and most of the time suffer abuse. Our church has Outreach programs and most of the time conducted through home cells so that we can reach a number of the disadvantaged people. There is also a Foundation that does not only focus on people in South Africa but reaches areas where there are national or regional disasters. As a family, we also do our part by not throwing people that is edible but package it nicely and give to those that beg for food. We also prepare food parcels and give to those standing in street corners looking for employment. When we go on the Outreaches, we do not leave our children and grandchildren behind because we want to teach them to take care of other people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Eve Posted October 11 Report Share Posted October 11 Q.16 Mark 9:36-37 Matthew 19:13-15 Matthew 25:31-46 What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves. When we associate with low-status people we should humble ourselves because we were all created in the image of God. No matter who we associate with we must show them respect and love them. As believers we are to welcome all. I love the Bible verse that says, for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? I live in Maryland and it is said to believe that Baltimore City and Somerset County are a significant portion of the population living below the poverty level. Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? By the state of Maryland these are considered indigenous people. Piscataway Indian Nation, Convoy Tribe and Accohannock Indian Tribe living in isolation. How do you and your church reach out to them? It is very hard to reach out to these people since they live in an isolated life. However, where I attend the House of the Lord helps many of the less unfortunate. I am a certified coach online and I help assist those who are in need and offer them the Plan of Salvation. And I continue to pray for them and all who are in need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Wolf Posted October 11 Report Share Posted October 11 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? Welcoming and associating with low-status people requires that we see ourselves as sinners saved by grace. It requires that we look at ourselves as we truly are--saved and blessed by God. We are newer to this community, so other than homeless people on the streets, I am not entirely certain where the poorer citizens congregate. We have some refugees in our community. A local coffee shop is not-for-profit and seeks to help refugees learn English and acquire skills so that they can be hired by other businesses. I support this work as we have a refugee living with us and it hits close to home. Our area is not so ethnically diverse as is the area about an hour's drive south. However, our church has strong outreach programs to international students, single mothers, and the poor in the area. As a church member, I support these programs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George L Posted October 11 Report Share Posted October 11 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). 1. What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Pride is a great block in the path of reaching people with the gospel in either direction, from pride or toward pride. Humble approach has no threat of judgement, it is accepting, on its face requesting of acceptance. 2. Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? In homeless camps in rural areas. The city homeless know where three squares are each day. 3. Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? In Louisville there are 19 languages in use. Assistance and services deal with that barrier. On the christian side many are Christian and the church family of their culture is often well established as a home church or larger. Louisville is the international air hub for UPS. US Army Fort Knox is near by. Multi cultural contact is normal in the military and civilian world here. 4. How do you and your church reach out to them? “Truckers for the Homeless” is based from our original church building. We have moved from individual help bags for truckers to carry along their highway travel but also destributing bulk food donations to ministies targeting specific needs. The work continues to grow. 5. What could you do? Keep watching for opportunities to serve. Currently stuff bags, load and unload bulk goods as needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted October 12 Report Share Posted October 12 Q16. (MARK 9:36-37; MATTHEW 19:13-15; MATTHEW 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? By mixing with low status people, we prove that we do not consider them as being beneath us, and that we are not too proud to enjoy their company. We should show respect to all – the helpless, the needy, the poor, the despised – especially to those who are unable to return our love and concern. Our Lord knows what is going on in our hearts and whether we use people for selfish ambition – to help us climb the social ladder. I live in a country with many different cultures and much poverty. Our church does reach out to the less privileged by supporting their churches and donating food and clothing parcels. What could I do – all I know is that there is much more that I could do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolaas A.P. Mostert Posted October 12 Report Share Posted October 12 Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? You bring yourself to their level and lift them up to your level of meeting them. Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Community is always classicized in lower, middle and upper class. The poorest normally are part of the lower or evenly separate from the lower class. Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? Foreigners. How do you and your church reach out to them? Learn them to do things for themself. What could you do? If they are willing give them a rod to fish and not fish to eat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janzie Posted October 19 Report Share Posted October 19 On 8/12/2024 at 8:47 PM, Pastor Ralph said: Q16. (Mark 9:36-37; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 25:31-46). What does welcoming and associating with low-status people have to do with humbling ourselves? Where do the people in your community live who are the poorest economically? Who are somewhat isolated from the rest of the community because of their language or national origin? How do you and your church reach out to them? What could you do? When we associate with them it is not thinking ourselves better than they are. We are all the same. People that Jesus loves and died for. And we are to be as Jesus receiving them and loving them in their need. Who knows, we may be in that situation one day. Usually in the city where rents are lower and conditions aren't as good. People from other countries, immigrants. Our church reaches out to them in food, prayer and witnessing, Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets, Pizza in the Park- 11th Hour initiatives. Give and Participate in the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissi Posted November 4 Report Share Posted November 4 These questions aren’t cut-and-dry, unfortunately, for in the Western bloc many of the lowest status people are here illegally. Obviously, this presents a quandary for Christians who want to uphold the law as well as defeat the high-status people who are funding globalist NGOs that break the law with impunity. If there was a way to serve the people without furthering the aim of uber-wealthy globalists, the issue would be more clear. Obviously we should serve the children of illegal immigrants because they mere pawns in this globalist game. But what about their parents, adults and other (mostly young men) who come here illegally – are we obligated to give them the shirt off our backs? What is our obligation toward a political system that funds, houses and feeds illegal aliens? I truly wonder what Jesus would do in this situation. Perhaps it would be kindest to return these people to their countries and then go and serve them economically and spiritually there, in their homes. The missionary mandate is to GO and make disciples in other lands. The next step “up” in the social scale from illegal aliens is the level of the poor and marginalized legal citizens, particularly the homeless, drug addicts, incarcerated and more. Honestly, I find it difficult to associate with them, in part, because they’re isolated and only sometimes speak English, and in a smaller part because, frankly, I’m afraid of many of them. Last week my car was broken into by homeless people -- how can I serve homeless addicts safely? These people are in my community. In a way, they are neighbors. Yet, they are so different ... I know that posters/responders on this site hve written that we're all the same, which before God is true, but in practice, we're quite different. Our values, outlooks, readings, leisure activities, child-rearing maxims, etc. are not the same. I do agree we have to get out of our "comfort zones" and stretch beyond giving to our home churches. But what does that mean, practically? I think God puts people in our paths. We need to quickly grasp these opportunities, whoever these people may be. If God puts high-status people in our paths, then we need to serve them and bring them the gospel: if they are lower-status, then we need to do the same. God opens doors for relationship. Ultimately, His openings are our commands. I am, once again, between churches having moved to a new community two weeks ago. My old church which drew from many varied communities had members who either worked with the poor as volunteers in soup kitchens, teachers, etc. or were themselves poor yet with good values. I used to tutor their children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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