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MATTHEW
25
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This Site
 Probably
one of the most misunderstood and ignored chapters in the
Bible, the latter part of this scripture clearly addresses the question
of "What should I be doing in my life as a Christian?" Taught directly
by Jesus, this chapter covers a number of theological issues
pertaining to the Kingdom of God. It then goes on to give us a direct, concise answer to what
a Christian's life should include. There
are four basic sections to this chapter, which Christ taught to
His disciples, not to the masses (therefore it was not
an allegory or parable).
Dr. Martin has written extensively on
the first "Ten
Virgins" section in Matthew 25:1-13, involving
Jesus' return.
The
next section is on the subject of 'talents' and 'positions' within the Kingdom of God
and are described
in Matthew 25:14-30.
The
last
section, Matthew 25:41-46, deals with Christ's
judgments on nations - and their eventual correction.
But
right before that, in
Matthew 25:31–40,
we find Christ's admonition for us (individually) today. From
Dr. Martin's article on tithing:
In
summing up this chapter on giving monies to Christ for the
spreading of the Gospel to the world (that all of us
should be active in doing), I wish to give a final method
by which anyone can be assured that what money or
contribution is given goes directly to Christ. This
is a sure way that no one who loves the New Testament
teaching can argue with. The teaching comes from Christ
himself. Christ told people this certain way to give
things directly to Him,
"When
the son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy
angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of
his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations:
and he shall separate them one from another, as a
shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats ... then
shall the King say unto them on the right hand, Come, ye
blessed of my father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for
you from the foundation of the world: for I was an
hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty and ye gave
me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked and
ye clothed me: I was in prison and ye came unto
me."
•
Matthew 25:31–40
Christ
went on to say that the righteous might be puzzled over
this, because none of them ever gave Christ these things
personally. But Christ went on to say: If you have "done
it unto one of the least of these my brethren, YE HAVE
DONE IT UNTO ME" (Matthew 25:40).
There
we have it! This is the assured manner to give something
to Christ. If you help out the unfortunate brother in
Christ, you have given something directly to Christ. "Ye
have done it unto me."
What
is significant about Jesus' description is the fact that none of these categories are
ones that the average person would normally come in contact with in his or
her daily life. Since these people are out of sight, they are
also out
of mind. That is why Jesus is reminding us that there are
people suffering, even though we don't see or think
about them in our daily routine. But they are in need of our help
just the same. And it obviously takes some time, effort and
expense to find them and do what we can for them. But the
rewards will bring us true happiness
- and a fulfillment of Jesus' command. And, does Jesus'
directive also factor into our acceptance into the Kingdom
of God?
Most
local communities have many worthwhile organizations that one
could volunteer for. One could also help out on a one-to-one
basis with those you might happen to come in contact with on a personal
basis. It should involve a certain amount of your time and
effort, not just writing a check to someone to get your
obligation "out of the way".
It
should be noted that most of us live in what is termed a
"welfare state" and we often think that everyone is
already being taken care of; even to the point of those of us
who do work being resentful of those who don't. But the fact
is that despite the enormous handouts our government provides
(justified or not), there are still many people that fall
through the cracks in many different areas of need. To say
that one doesn't need to be involved with helping others in
this day and age is a grave mistake.
Below are some
links that we have come across that would appear to be
worthwhile causes. Please let
us know if you find any others that also might be
appropriate. Here are some more "giving"
scriptures; James
2:14-19
and 1
Timothy 6:18.
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Don't
Have the Time - Don't Have the Money?
Why
not improve your lot in life - just to help others? It
can be done. Just go to our Self-Improvement
section and click on the appropriate links. What you
earn in a year could be what you earn in a month. How
far would that go to fulfilling
Matthew 25:31–40? |
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Be A Light
to the World
Ye
are the light of the world. A city that is set on an
hill cannot be hid.
Neither
do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but
on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that
are in the house.
Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven.
Matthew
5:14-16 |
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