I recently read about a GREAT academic conference to be held at Baylor University (a friend of mine studies Theology there . . .) focusing on "Global Poverty."
This particular mission is at the heart of God and therefore at the heart of ALL that I do, write, speak on, etc.
I was blessed to speak on this topic a couple of times at Bethel College (for an Evangelical Progressive "Tony-Campolo" type of Sociology Professor . . .), and within this research, the emphases of much multi-national corporate market-based business seems to be grossly out of touch with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ does, in fact, say, "Blessed are the poor . . ." and that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man (or woman) to enter the Kingdom of God!
Friends, I don't know about you, but this scares me!!!
We live in the land of plenty. Our harvests are plentiful. Our food is cheap. We import low-cost items from China and other nations.
We are a prosperous people.
But, sadly, our prosperity many times is propped up by unjust living, sanitation and working conditions throughout the so-called 'Third World . . .'
The age old question of 'poverty' is that it is a curse (Jesus did say that the poor are blessed, which does not contradict this, but instead reframes the equation by showing how the poor in Jesus Christ are truly filled with HOPE, JOY and PEACE!).
The other answer (the marxist answer) is that capitalism itself exploits people and so they are poor.
Although exploitation does in fact occur, why is it that some grow up in horrific conditions, but through becoming Christians are elevated out of poverty?
The answer is of course the Holy Spirit and the PEOPLE who are birthed by the NEW COMMUNITY in Jesus Christ.
This New People in Jesus Christ are there to support and encourage. This New People in Jesus Christ are there to even lend an economic hand when others turn away.
So, friends, if you would like to see a Pro-Life, CHRISTIAN Republic, please support me in whatever ways that the Holy Spirit specifically tells you . . .
Love always in Jesus Christ,
Rob J. King
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I was working on a sermon on the Book of Job and concentrated on the riches that Job had, yet all was taken away within one day. I think of the United States and wonder if it will be taken away as well. We are certainly headed in the wrong direction and choosing evil over Christ. Homosexuality, abortion, corruption, crime and divorce have all been attractive to our generation and will be more so as it continues to grow. It is important to keep our eyes, minds, hearts and souls open and dedicate our doings in life to the Glory of Christ! Good posting, King!
Pastor J,
AMEN! Yes, it is indeed QUITE scary. As a military man, you well know how a quick down-turn (the 9/11 attacks???) can cause MAJOR financial upheaval.
Our lending institutions are teetering on the point of bankruptcy (e.g. Countrywide lending losing money due to the scary adjustable rate mortgages), we are strapped for cash as a nation, and our political process does little to foster INTELLIGENT debate.
I think that Christians must stand UNITED around the GOSPEL first and then dictate to BOTH political parties what SHOULD happen (i.e. Pro-Life, no 'special rights' for gays/lesbians, help for the poor, a just living wage for every American, etc.).
Love & blessings in Jesus Christ,
Rob
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