Benevolence

How Christians Help

Hurricane Michael

Recent Hurricane is a reminder of how much the world needs Christian help. Augustine’s City of God was written about how the Romans turned to Christians when their empire was imploding around them. The first benevolent people were Christian people. They took care of the helpless. They took care of babies left to exposure. They rushed in to plague ridden areas of London to help when everyone else had abandoned the sick.

Galatians Commands Benevolence

reminds us to “do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” We should be thankful that we have benevolent groups that help us fulfill the command to be helpful.

Benevolence to Help the Lost?

There are some who say benevolence is limited to those who are already saved. This leads to all sorts of pragmatic difficulties. It is also an unnecessary command imposed upon God’s people. commands we do benevolence for all men. In , Paul brought alms to those of his own nation. These were the funds to be distributed amongst the poor in Jerusalem which the congregations had sent.

Can Congregation Cooperate?

There are some who say that congregations cannot cooperate with groups to fulfill God’s commands. However, the New Testament records how many congregations assisted Paul and his group of missionaries to fulfill the command to be benevolent and the command to be evangelistic. was written to the churches of Galatia. Therefore the command to do good is extended, not only to individuals, but also to congregations.

The command was therefore for all the congregations in Galatia and all the congregations could fulfill those commands together.The Apostle Paul had a group of missionaries which worked together and was funded together by various congregations. “I robbed other churches.” famous preacher was “appointed by the churches” to travel and preach with Paul. “messengers of the churches.”

What is the difference in church cooperation and the Missionary Society?

The congregations choose to cooperate and how much they want to contribute in a Biblical system. In the Missionary Society, which in 1901 caused the division between churches of Christ and what is now the Independent Christian Church, there was a system of authority in the society. That authoritative system exercised authority over the congregations. They were becoming in charge of who would preach where. This extra-Biblical hierarchy caused the division.

Benevolence is “The grace of God”

, “We make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia.”

Benevolence is the Practice of Godliness

, “During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”

Benevolence is a Sacrifice Empowered Godly Love

, “For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints.”

Benevolence is Natural for God’s People—

“first, they gave themselves to the Lord.”

“Then, by the will of God to us.”

Benevolence Must Be Continued

, “So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete among you this act of grace.”

Christians are helpful people who have been helped.