Compassion for the Poor
Compassion for the Poor6
Revival Fire
By Jackie Pullinger371:46:24JHN 12:37Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the necessity of truly seeing Jesus to understand our calling and responsibilities towards the needy. She illustrates that many people, despite witnessing miracles, fail to believe because they do not truly see Jesus for who He is. Pullinger challenges the congregation to open their eyes to the suffering around them and to respond with compassion, as exemplified by the Good Samaritan. She encourages believers to recognize their own poverty and to trust in God's provision as they serve others, asserting that true revival comes from seeing and responding to the needs of the world. Ultimately, she calls for a heart transformation that leads to action, urging everyone to embrace their role in bringing hope and healing to those in need.
Why Do They Always Have to Be Either Entertained or Entertaining?
By K.P. Yohannan0PRO 21:13MAT 6:19MAT 25:35LUK 12:15ROM 12:13GAL 6:2PHP 2:41TI 6:17JAS 2:151JN 3:17K.P. Yohannan addresses the tendency of people to seek entertainment as a means of escaping guilt and the deeper issues in their lives. He contrasts the extravagant consumption habits of Americans with the stark realities faced by those in poorer nations, emphasizing the irony of how much is spent on food and entertainment in the West compared to the dire needs of others. Yohannan highlights the disconnect between the generosity shown in church offerings and the lavish meals that often follow, which can overshadow the true message of compassion and awareness for global suffering. He calls for a deeper understanding of the needs of others and a reevaluation of priorities in fellowship and community life.
In the United States
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 25:35K.P. Yohannan shares his experiences of traveling in the United States and the stark contrast of living conditions faced by national missionaries in Asia, who often go without food due to financial constraints. He reflects on the suffering of these missionaries and their families, particularly in unreached fishing villages in Tamil Nadu, where poverty and illiteracy hinder the spread of the Gospel. Yohannan recounts the dedication of Brother Moses Paulose, who sacrificed his own comfort to raise funds for a projector to share the Gospel effectively. This sermon emphasizes the importance of empathy and action towards those in need, urging listeners to consider the plight of the less fortunate.
Remembering the Forgotten
By A.W. Tozer0JAS 2:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of churches that, after starting with humble beginnings, become ensnared by wealth and social status, leading to a neglect of the poor and marginalized. He warns that as congregations grow, they may become complacent and hardened, focusing on their own class while ignoring the cries of the less fortunate. Tozer calls for humility and a return to serving those who are often forgotten, urging believers to emulate Jesus in their compassion for the needy. He challenges the church to resist the temptation of elitism and to remember the heart-hunger of the impoverished. Ultimately, he encourages a commitment to serve God's poor, reflecting Christ's love and humility.
The Care of the Poor
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 41:3PRO 14:31PRO 19:17ISA 58:10MAT 5:7MAT 25:40LUK 6:38GAL 6:2JAS 1:271JN 3:17C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise of strength and support from God for those who care for the poor, as illustrated in Psalms 41:3. He highlights that in times of sickness, God becomes a nurturing presence, offering comfort and restoration to those who show compassion to the needy. Spurgeon contrasts the loving nature of the God of Israel with the indifferent deities of other cultures, underscoring the unique relationship believers have with God. He encourages listeners to recognize the blessings they forfeit by neglecting the poor and urges them to become active friends and helpers to those in need.
Christian Liberality
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 41:1PRO 19:17MAT 25:40LUK 6:38GAL 6:2JAS 2:15C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the Christian duty of considering the poor, as highlighted in Psalm 41:1, which promises divine deliverance to those who care for others in need. He critiques the hurried and thoughtless giving that lacks genuine compassion, urging believers to thoughtfully engage with the plight of the poor and devise meaningful assistance. Spurgeon asserts that true charity involves both care and financial support, and that God rewards those who actively help others during their times of trouble. He encourages Christians to be generous, reminding them that their acts of kindness will invoke God's providential help in their own times of distress. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for believers to empty their pockets and hearts in service to the needy, assuring them of God's faithfulness in return.