Last Sunday we acknowledged the Sanctity of Human Life. Our discussion concerned the respect and significance that must be given to every creation of God. As we normally do, we focused the majority of our attention on the killing of the unborn through abortion. Today we ask God to direct our attention to another way we fail to offer sanctity to all by ignoring the cry of those who die because of poverty and hunger.
Somebody should do something!
I. The Biblical Summons
Luke 3:11, James 2:15-17, Psalm 41:1, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 28:27, Isaiah 58:10, Matthew 6:2-6:3, Mark 10:21, Luke 14:13,
Luke 18:22
II. The Common Response to the Problem -
The Rich Man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Jesus' story is a warning against two things in us.
1. Apathy
This guy is what s called a "practical atheist."
There is a big step between concern and compassion.
2. Acceptance
World hunger will not yield to an occasional guerilla attack. Only a long and sustained response will do.
III. Storing Grain and Starving People -
The Rich Fool - Luke 12:13-21
God has spread His resource throughout all His people so everyone can have a part.
Jesus calls the man a fool because the man thinks it is all his and not God’s.
IV. God Wants All We Have –
The Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-22
Did anyone mention to you when you were invited to Christ that part of the deal was to give up everything you have?
A Christian is a “Little Christ” or a replication of Jesus.
V. The Gospel and the Poor and Hungry
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25:31-46
According to Jesus those who don’t care for the poor have missed the gospel.
The faces of hunger are the faces of children.
The faces of hunger are the faces of mothers.
The faces of hunger are old.
Quit worrying so much about who is getting in your pocketbook as who is influencing your heart.
