Obligation to Give to the Poor

[presidente]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

 

[ResidentAlien]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

Agree 100%

The righteous considers the cause of the poor,
But the wicked does not understand such knowledge. Proverbs 29:7

 

[MsMediator]

Yes, support for the poor varies widely among Christians. There is a fine line between helping someone versus enabling them to continue living on assistance. There is also the question of how much and/or for how long we should help. I believe many conservative Christians struggle with this. Conservative Christians put a lot of importance on individual responsibility.

 

[kaylagrl]

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

Well, here's the issue, there's also something called "panhandling". In the city next to us a news crew followed these people standing at the lights and proved they were running a scam. They have told people do not give to panhandlers. The police have said the same thing. No, I don't want to give money to a scam artist, I want it to go to people who are in need. And yes some will spend it on drugs and alcohol, that's why you offer to buy a meal or give in a way that they can't misuse the money.

Heard a well known preacher say one day that a man came into his church begging for money, said he needed it for his family. The preacher had a suspicion but he took money out of his own pocket and handed to the man saying " If you are truly in need of this money, I pray it will bless you and your family and it will double. But... if you don't need this money and are playing false with me, I pray everything you touch will fail and nothing you do will succeed. The guy gave him the money back and walked out the door. Apparently he was suspicious enough not to take the chance.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

Supporting preachers, nah, only the ones that promise blessings if you vow a thousand dollars, otherwise, no. Evangelicals are big givers to those in need. Americans in general are big givers. They give more than any other country when a disaster occurs and they are first on the scene. Israel is usually second.

 

[kaylagrl]

Yes, support for the poor varies widely among Christians. There is a fine line between helping someone versus enabling them to continue living on assistance. There is also the question of how much and/or for how long we should help. I believe many conservative Christians struggle with this. Conservative Christians put a lot of importance on individual responsibility.

My grandmother raised 5 boys on her own, no gov't help. Salvation Army gave a few gifts at Christmas one year, my father never forgot it.

 

[Runningman]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

Maybe it’s better to provide people with food and clothing nowadays. Or better yet, try to teach people the skills they need to support themselves. There are many panhandlers who look able bodied. Gotta wonder why they are not working. I think there are some people who are down on their luck, others who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, some who are mentally ill. However, professional organized panhandling is a real thing.

People in panhandling rings get picked up by a van and dropped off at various locations every day on their circuit. They ask for anything they can get, preferring cash, then they give it to their employer who then gives them a cut of the profit.

 

[maxwel]

If we read the entire Bible, we find that we are called to possess the attribute of compassion... but in harmony with many other attributes.

We are called to be good stewards; we are called to be prudent; we are called to be wise; we are called to be discerning.

All of these attributes keep the other attributes in a sort of balance, a sort of tension... and that is what it means to be wise.



We will never balance these things perfectly... but we are to try.


.

 

[Live4Him3]

Well, here's the issue, there's also something called "panhandling". In the city next to us a news crew followed these people standing at the lights and proved they were running a scam. They have told people do not give to panhandlers. The police have said the same thing. No, I don't want to give money to a scam artist, I want it to go to people who are in need. And yes some will spend it on drugs and alcohol, that's why you offer to buy a meal or give in a way that they can't misuse the money.

I'm all for helping the poor, but we do need discernment as well.

At a church I used to attend in New York City, there were certain panhandlers who sat outside the church every week while begging for handouts. They all had their cardboard signs with them which indicated what was allegedly wrong with them. One week they had AIDS. The next week they had cancer. The next week they were suffering from Agent Orange. Etc., etc., etc. The pastors from the church actually offered these people jobs doing work around/for the church, and they all refused the offer.

I'm also reminded of a story that my uncle in Florida told me. One day, my uncle was at the airport, and a panhandler asked him for money. My uncle offered to buy the man something to eat and drink, and the man laughed in his face. When my uncle asked him why he laughed, the man told him that he made $500 a day panhandling at the airport, and he told my uncle that he could keep his food and drink.

Anyhow, there are plenty of people out there in true need. In fact, I've been one of them myself at different stages in my life.

 

[Blade]

one is always blessed to give be it the Church the preacher what the lord leads you to do.. there is no guilt with Christ He died for that so this is always was between the giver and the lord. Now I am 100% sure everything they did with that money was not written.

So giving to the poor.. ok so what the world does this and nothing changes. Now if were talking about the word then when you help the "poor" you keep helping till they are back on there feet. Not this hand them some money and ack like your doing some good. I have known many that like where they are and do not want to change. There are originations that believe in Christ that really truly help the poor get back on there feet. Many Churches do this. So give as the lord directs you.. if you give praise God if not..if you can't praise God.. He will never say a word not condemn you. We do that

 

[montana123]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil and that is because it neglects the poor and the needy which love is the fulfilling of the law which includes caring about their needs.

Paul said that he could have all faith so that he could remove mountains but if he did not have charity then he is nothing which charity is love in action.

James points out doing works to care about the poor and needy with food and clothing and if a person has the ability to do so but does not do it then their faith is dead.

Paul said that charity, love in action, is greater than faith and faith works by love.

Love is the greatest attribute a Christian.

We are supposed to care about the poor and needy and should be a priority because the money that is given to the Church is supposed to help the poor and the needy like the early Church that sold all they had that was not a necessity and laid it at the apostles feet and they distributed the money to all the people that had need.

Revelation 3:14-17 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

A lot of people who claim Christianity have this attitude where they are hypocritical and love money and material things.

 

[joecoten]

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil and that is because it neglects the poor and the needy which love is the fulfilling of the law which includes caring about their needs.

Paul said that he could have all faith so that he could remove mountains but if he did not have charity then he is nothing which charity is love in action.

James points out doing works to care about the poor and needy with food and clothing and if a person has the ability to do so but does not do it then their faith is dead.

Paul said that charity, love in action, is greater than faith and faith works by love.

Love is the greatest attribute a Christian.

We are supposed to care about the poor and needy and should be a priority because the money that is given to the Church is supposed to help the poor and the needy like the early Church that sold all they had that was not a necessity and laid it at the apostles feet and they distributed the money to all the people that had need.

Revelation 3:14-17 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

A lot of people who claim Christianity have this attitude where they are hypocritical and love money and material things.

Yeah, but what about my best life now?

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

Two examples from the apostles epistles support the concept of your post precisely regarding first real godly love that gives us compassion upon the needy among us

“But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭

if we have move towards others like brothers and sisters we are t going to be fine with seeing them in need when we have plenty compassion moves us to actually act upon the feeling that’s assurance of Gods love

and the other principle is true faith that doesn’t teach us not to do anything because we have faith

note the same example of daily brotherly need and love meeting it

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. …Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:15-

saying we care about others isn’t going to benefit anyone if we refuse to help then when we can. There is no bar sitting above our heads we need to reach , Jesus is simply teaching believers how to treat ( actually treat ) other people with his love.

mercy , forgiveness and indeed your op points to just another aspect “ of someone we really did love had no food and we had plenty enough to help them get food , what are we actually going to do ? As we live our lives each day there are opportunities to share Gods love in deed and truth and then speak of Jesus name rather than us saying we’re gonna pray for every one man needs , what is we can answer thier need ?

Jesus is simply teaching us how eternal life is going to be mercy , truth , helping each other like a family does it’s sort of where “the rubber meets the road “ it’s very easy to talk about Jesus and salvation to talk about how we care and love everyone but what about when it requires action and sacrifice from us ?

We see our example the light of our hope of life eternal


“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭

 

[tourist]

We will never balance these things perfectly... but we are to try.


.

It's really all that we can do.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

As for giving to the poor, those in need, Jesus never commands He only asks. Review Matthew's 'Judgement of Nations', whenever you give to those in need, you are giving to Jesus Himself.

You are correct, the very earlist Christians generally met in their homes. It wasn't until the 2d and 3d centuries when actual 'Church buildings' were constructed. And these buildings definitely required contributions of money and effort from their congregation.

 

[arthurfleminger]

As for giving to the poor, those in need, Jesus never commands He only asks. Review Matthew's 'Judgement of Nations', whenever you give to those in need, you are giving to Jesus Himself.

You are correct, the very earlist Christians generally met in their homes. It wasn't until the 2d and 3d centuries when actual 'Church buildings' were constructed. And these buildings definitely required contributions of money and effort from their congregation.

And, yes, there are many scammers out there who choose to 'beg for money' rather than work. A common scam today is for a person to get on Government disability. Once they do this they cannot go out and get a job, otherwise they will lose their Goverment free ride, housing/medical/food. So what they do, they find a busy street corner and just sit out there with a sign asking for money. You can often see the same person sitting on the same corner, day after day.

Scammers shouldn't be poor and giving to them is a mistake.

 

[presidente]

Yes, support for the poor varies widely among Christians. There is a fine line between helping someone versus enabling them to continue living on assistance. There is also the question of how much and/or for how long we should help. I believe many conservative Christians struggle with this. Conservative Christians put a lot of importance on individual responsibility.

I've heard Christians say if you go where the homeless are, don't take money, only food. I've done that before, but one man working with the homeless gave them each a couple of dollars after a church meeting. When I had no money, one homeless man was trying to get money to wash his clothes.

I don't see any warnings in the Bible against enabling the poor by giving them money. Back then they had lower alcoholic beverages, and now there are hard drugs. But even so, I can't think of any scripture that say snot to give because it might enable them to harm themselves, but plenty about giving to the poor.

 

[presidente]

I'm also reminded of a story that my uncle in Florida told me. One day, my uncle was at the airport, and a panhandler asked him for money. My uncle offered to buy the man something to eat and drink, and the man laughed in his face. When my uncle asked him why he laughed, the man told him that he made $500 a day panhandling at the airport, and he told my uncle that he could keep his food and drink.

I don't like being lied to. A long time ago when I was either a college student with little cash or just out of college and not working full-time, a man approached me in the town I went to school. He started talking about his car being out of gas.

I said, "Is it that car over there on Clarke Street, with the hazard lights on?"
He said, "Yes it is."
I said, "That's funny. I was just over there on Clarke Street and I didn't see a car with it's hazard lights on."
He said, "Oh man...." I don't think he even asked me for a dime after that.

 

[Lanolin]

can you explain what a 'panhandler' is. Do they hold out pans to put money in.

I think the thing with money is that its not really needed. If someone needs to wash their clothes, if I had a washing machine they could use mine.

If they are hungry I would give them something to eat

If they need clothes I would clothe them

but if they needed money, well I dont have that. They would need to go to the bank like everyone else does to get credit, a loan or an overdraft.

 

[Lanolin]

my dictionary says alms is 'money or food given to poor people as charitable donations'

I just give food
I suppose you could give money like food vouchers? But you cant eat money when you hungry.

If a charity set up if a good one, they might use money to buy food and distribute it. But most foodbanks get food donated from supermarkets etc that is surplus and they need to donate it or it would just get chucked away.

 

[Evmur]

Jesus said when you give your alms, do not let your right hand know what your left hand does. The implication is that Christians are to give alms. Some of us don't hear that word much-- alms. But back then, there were beggars asking for money. Peter had no silver or gold with him in the temple, but pulled a crippled man up on his feet declaring him healed in the name of Jesus.

Job cursed his arm to fall off if he had denied the desire of the poor, hand not shared his bread with the fatherless, or let any of the needy perish for lack of clothing. I John3:17, “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”

The Lord Jesus also spoke of giving to the poor.

But I heard and read the attitude from some American Christians-- don't give to him. He'll spend it all on liquor. He makes more money begging that you and me both. I have heard the idea that you shouldn't give money to the homeless.

There are churches that give a lot to the poor. But there are other churches, while they will give to missionaries, even missionaries doing some giving to the poor, they don't have so much as a benevolence fund for the poor among themselves. When I look in the Bible, the earlier church used money and other gifts for these causes:

- distributing to each one as he had need.
- feeding widows.
- 'Honoring' widows
- 'Honoring' elders
- supporting those who preached the gospel.
- Gentiles sending money to poor saints in Judea from whence the Gospel had come.

It seems like honoring elders and supporting preachers gets a lot of emphasis among evangelicals, but support for the poor varies widely.

There is an emphasis on giving to the poor. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) delivered money for the poor from Antioch to Jerusalem. Paul was involved with fund raising for poor saints in Judea mentioned in epistles like Romans and I Corinthians.

I do not see any evidence that the first century church used any money it collected on church buildings.

The Bible also says to do good to all men, especially them that believe. Very early believers in Jerusalem had all things in common, giving to each man as he had need. The implication is that there should be some kind of emphasis on supporting poor believers.

keep giving, keep receiving. If the church had followed Paul's teaching concerning giving in Corinthians poverty could have been banished from the earth.