A Divine Government Shutdown

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Gpianolf

Gpianolf

Member
Nov 1, 2025
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KY
I hope this message reaches many people, as I have a strong opinion on this matter and would appreciate your feedback.

Living in the United States, we are experiencing one of, if not the, longest government shutdowns in our history. Over the course of several decades, we have watched the government take on the responsibility of meeting needs in our communities, which on its face seems like a very good and useful thing. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of these programs were created and historically met by the church for hundreds of years. What I'm proposing is that maybe one way Yahweh is using this shutdown is to tell the church that it is now her time to step back into her proper place. Everything from food pantries and community kitchens to orphanages and adoption agencies should be provided by the local church to serve their communities and promote human flourishing and dignity among the people they serve.

That is the essence of my thinking. The short version at least. I am open to any and all thoughts.
 
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I agree, Christians should definitely step up and try to do more; however, if the economy tanks, we have less money to work with. You can't help people with resources you don't have. Unfortunately, the Donald's policies have been horrible for working class and working-poor Americans, despite his promises to bring back a "golden age."

SNAP benefits get cash moving and stimulates the economy. Higher healthcare premiums will slow the economy because people will have less to spend on other things. Unless maga Republicans come up with something that will actually benefit ordinary Americans and stimulate the economy, it is going to be rough going. People at the top don't spend, they horde. This does no one any good except themselves.

Of course we should continue to pray.
 
As a businessperson, I disagree. It is not advantageous for the "people at the top" to hoard. That would just be bad financial advice for any company or individual. And it isn't as simple as "they should give up more of their money." I'll level with you, though. The only people who truly know how to give until it hurts are true Christians, because of the convictions instilled in them by the Holy Spirit. Sinners left to their own will naturally serve themselves. However, I would argue, with great love, that you are falling into the same trap that I hope this conversation will highlight: government is never and will never be the solution. In fact, when God instituted government, it was with a type of reluctance because He knew what a sinful people would do with such a thing.

The status of our economy shouldn't change the functionality or operability of the church and its mission. No funds? You still have a duty to execute. As a veteran, I know my brothers and sisters in green are still fighting and serving even though they are not getting paid. Why can't/doesn't the church have that same zeal?

At any rate, I hope I am making sense here. I realize my posts might be short, but I am trying to keep my thoughts concise.
 
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Gpianolf said:
The status of our economy shouldn't change the functionality or operability of the church and its mission. No funds? You still have a duty to execute.
Click to expand...

I agree that regardless of the status of the economy we have a duty to try; however, I'm not convinced we have a duty to execute with what we don't have. If we're broke there are many ways to help and minister without money. And we know the Lord will provide regardless of the status of the economy.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: 'The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.' " 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

Gpianolf said:
. . . but I am trying to keep my thoughts concise.
Click to expand...

Thank you. (y)
 
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Just a thought, the first Israel, while in the wilderness, was disobedient. Their theocracy, though good for a time, resulted in total failure.
Since that first failed theocracy, there has not been another.
The true theocracy is not a theocracy at all, it is the Kingdoms to come.
Therefor we look to the Kingdom in our fellows who follow the teachings of our Savior while enduring this age for there is no one Body remaining in this age.
As foretold, we have been scattered awaiting the Return. God bless all who receive this understanding and more those who may not quite yet..
 
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ResidentAlien said:
I agree that regardless of the status of the economy we have a duty to try; however, I'm not convinced we have a duty to execute with what we don't have. If we're broke there are many ways to help and minister without money. And we know the Lord will provide regardless of the status of the economy.

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: 'The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.' " 2 Corinthians 8:12-15



Thank you. (y)
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I am saying. It's a heart posturing. We can't rely on or wait for the government to get it together. We keep going. We don't stop because we don't have money. We continue to pray and serve. I'm not speaking to stewardship here. I am specifically addressing the command to serve sacrificially. What you've brought up is a whole other topic. Related, but separate. I appreciate the reminders and the clarification.
 
I agree with your OP. The church is failing to meet its basic duties to "Feed my Sheep." We have become lazy and allowed government to meet those needs. That is why we have fallen to the disgusting low we now find ourselves in. History tells us the original founders of this nation made it very clear that government had no business being involved in charity, that was the function of the church.
 
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Seeker47 said:
I agree with your OP. The church is failing to meet its basic duties to "Feed my Sheep." We have become lazy and allowed government to meet those needs. That is why we have fallen to the disgusting low we now find ourselves in. History tells us the original founders of this nation made it very clear that government had no business being involved in charity, that was the function of the church.
Click to expand...

100% agree with this...
 
Gpianolf said:
I hope this message reaches many people, as I have a strong opinion on this matter and would appreciate your feedback.

Living in the United States, we are experiencing one of, if not the, longest government shutdowns in our history. Over the course of several decades, we have watched the government take on the responsibility of meeting needs in our communities, which on its face seems like a very good and useful thing. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of these programs were created and historically met by the church for hundreds of years. What I'm proposing is that maybe one way Yahweh is using this shutdown is to tell the church that it is now her time to step back into her proper place. Everything from food pantries and community kitchens to orphanages and adoption agencies should be provided by the local church to serve their communities and promote human flourishing and dignity among the people they serve.

That is the essence of my thinking. The short version at least. I am open to any and all thoughts.
Click to expand...
I think this is one of those things that has got to be, but God is using evil to bring it about. God can do that. Evil men hung Jesus on the cross.

I think everybody being dependent on the government is a necessary step to bring about the end of days. God is behind it, but God is letting evil do it. Evil thinks it is winning, but God's will is still being done.

As for the current government shutdown, that's just bipartisan brinksmanship. Both parties are spoiled brats who want to have their own way, and don't really care about the people they are supposed to be serving. They will get over it, pass or not pass the current bill they are arguing about, and continue on until the next time they try to use a government shutdown to force the other party to give them what they want.

As for the role of the church in welfare matters, I honestly don't believe you're going to see that reversion you are wanting to see. I could be wrong (I often am, but I survive) but I think that is part of what I believe God is allowing to happen as an end-of-time element.

Also, howdy and welcome to the forum.
 
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Lynx said:
I think this is one of those things that has got to be, but God is using evil to bring it about. God can do that. Evil men hung Jesus on the cross.

I think everybody being dependent on the government is a necessary step to bring about the end of days. God is behind it, but God is letting evil do it. Evil thinks it is winning, but God's will is still being done.

As for the current government shutdown, that's just bipartisan brinksmanship. Both parties are spoiled brats who want to have their own way, and don't really care about the people they are supposed to be serving. They will get over it, pass or not pass the current bill they are arguing about, and continue on until the next time they try to use a government shutdown to force the other party to give them what they want.

As for the role of the church in welfare matters, I honestly don't believe you're going to see that reversion you are wanting to see. I could be wrong (I often am, but I survive) but I think that is part of what I believe God is allowing to happen as an end-of-time element.

Also, howdy and welcome to the forum.
Click to expand...

Oh my gosh!!!
Lynx said something political..
It really is the end times! 🤦🤦🤦
 
Unfortunately, churches are not able to provide benefits like SNAP and housing, which cost billions of dollars per year, on the same scale as the government especially longer term assistance. Without these government programs, most of the assistance will have to come from families instead of the church which I believe the Bible encourages. Without the government, the responsibility still lies first with family, perhaps even extended family. This means helping out poor/er siblings and elderly relatives like the elderly aunt or uncle, etc. I think people would rather the government help out first if they are being honest. Without the government, family helps first such as offering the spare bedroom or providing money for bills and groceries, and then the church where family is unable to do so.
 
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MsMediator said:
Unfortunately, churches are not able to provide benefits like SNAP and housing, which cost billions of dollars per year, on the same scale as the government especially longer term assistance. Without these government programs, most of the assistance will have to come from families instead of the church which I believe the Bible encourages. Without the government, the responsibility still lies first with family, perhaps even extended family. This means helping out poor/er siblings and elderly relatives like the elderly aunt or uncle, etc. I think people would rather the government help out first if they are being honest. Without the government, family helps first such as offering the spare bedroom or providing money for bills and groceries, and then the church where family is unable to do so.
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Well thought out and presented, thank you. God bless you always.
 
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I've always believed the Donald and maga were installed by God. Not to bring about a golden age, but to deceive. God's separating his sheep from the goats. To the extent that makes us stronger and more aware of our true purpose, that's a very good thing.
 
ResidentAlien said:
I agree, Christians should definitely step up and try to do more; however, if the economy tanks, we have less money to work with. You can't help people with resources you don't have. Unfortunately, the Donald's policies have been horrible for working class and working-poor Americans, despite his promises to bring back a "golden age."

SNAP benefits get cash moving and stimulates the economy. Higher healthcare premiums will slow the economy because people will have less to spend on other things. Unless maga Republicans come up with something that will actually benefit ordinary Americans and stimulate the economy, it is going to be rough going. People at the top don't spend, they horde. This does no one any good except themselves.

Of course we should continue to pray.
Click to expand...
snap benefits get nonworking brats more money a month than honest people who have a 9-5 job.
 
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ResidentAlien said:
I agree, Christians should definitely step up and try to do more; however, if the economy tanks, we have less money to work with. You can't help people with resources you don't have. Unfortunately, the Donald's policies have been horrible for working class and working-poor Americans, despite his promises to bring back a "golden age."

SNAP benefits get cash moving and stimulates the economy. Higher healthcare premiums will slow the economy because people will have less to spend on other things. Unless maga Republicans come up with something that will actually benefit ordinary Americans and stimulate the economy, it is going to be rough going. People at the top don't spend, they horde. This does no one any good except themselves.

Of course we should continue to pray.
Click to expand...
"the Donald" has actually been halping the economy in major ways with the tarrifs. if he makes a mistake, or several, hes literally a HUMAN. and would you rathe have the democrats taking money from the working and working poor to give to the nonworking brats? of course there are flaws. if there werent flaws, it would be suspicious.

THE LITERAL REASON THAT HEALTHCARE IS SO HIGH IS BECAUSE THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS ARE LOSING MONEY ON MEDICAID PEOPLE.
BILL: $8000 INSCURANCE: PAYS 1500. YOU: PAYS 250. 6250: JUST DIAPPEARS SOMEWHERE.

people at the top... like... historically, especially where im from, democrats are the rich.
 
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ResidentAlien said:
I've always believed the Donald and maga were installed by God. Not to bring about a golden age, but to deceive. God's separating his sheep from the goats. To the extent that makes us stronger and more aware of our true purpose, that's a very good thing.
Click to expand...
eh, they ain't christian if thats what you mean. but I don't think that they are trying to decieve. if you do, please send me a link to articles or something, as I am quite willing to try to understand.
 
enril said:
eh, they ain't christian if thats what you mean. but I don't think that they are trying to decieve. if you do, please send me a link to articles or something, as I am quite willing to try to understand.
Click to expand...

Just my opinions. Why would I try to convince someone who just said, "but I AM correct."
 
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ResidentAlien said:
Just my opinions. Why would I try to convince someone who just said, "but I AM correct."
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you are correct, that is a good bit too prideful, and, in fact, re-reading it, I am, like trump, correct in some areas, (nonworking brats) and not proven correct in others (rich demos, healthcare)
 
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