Young Man At Church About To Be Homeless...

[BuckeyeBukaroo]

Originally Posted by Dordrecht

He needs a good kick in his behind if he's healthy and just lazy.
That would help him a great deal.

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Does he still have his apartment? Maybe he made enough money working where he knows he can sit for a while? Has he actually asked anyone else to help him?

If the young man IS refusing to work he is committing a sin. Has the SHEPHERD counseled with him over his laziness, pointedly? It seems a bit early in this process if he hasn't even lost his place to be making firm decisions.

Suppose the Charismatic Church down the street takes him in and helps him in his time of need. The young man who apparently was a Oneness believer gets a revelation about love and helping the needy?

Then if he starts attending the Charismatic Church would the Apostolics be happy about that? At least he will no longer be around to pester them! At least the SACRED HOLY TEMPLE was not defiled by a Church member sleeping in it until he did find a job!

So then we move on rejoicing that we are the Apostolic Church.

He has made it known that he is about to lose his apartment. He might have directly asked the Pastor for funds I'm not sure. For me, the thought was not about providing funds for him, but shelter. I could do shelter pretty easily.

The same concern you are expressing about the young man backsliding is a shared concern. I feel like my hands are tied at this point.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBukaroo

He has made it known that he is about to lose his apartment. He might have directly asked the Pastor for funds I'm not sure. For me, the thought was not about providing funds for him, but shelter.

I could do shelter pretty easily.

The same concern you are expressing about the young man backsliding is a shared concern. I feel like my hands are tied at this point.

So did you pack your wife's bags yet?

[Michael The Disciple]

Would it be easier to lodge strangers than an unmotivated Church member? Are saints expected to lodge strangers?

Matt 25:41-46

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

[BuckeyeBukaroo]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

So did you pack your wife's bags yet?

That's. Not. On. The. Table. Either.

[BuckeyeBukaroo]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Would it be easier to lodge strangers than an unmotivated Church member? Are saints expected to lodge strangers?

Matt 25:41-46

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Beyond all doubt!
Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Would it be easier to lodge strangers than an unmotivated Church member? Are saints expected to lodge strangers?

Matt 25:41-46

41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: 42For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. 46And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

How much lodging strangers have you been doing? Bro, I don't live in a split level ranch but have put up a lot of people. When I was with Brother Frank Harris it was a huge amount. You are really playing with fire, and wisdom is paramount in these circumstances. Let me put it this way, it is on the same level as no eyeglasses and no dental care. I also have some stories of inviting people over where it didn't turn out so cool, and could of turned out disastrously. In these cases you could be spiritually smart or spiritually stupid. The latter could cost you all big time. So, while angels will hold you up that a foot not touch a stone, it is important that we also need not jump.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBukaroo

That's. Not. On. The. Table. Either.

Well, dig this. Your wife already let you know what she thinks. You can override that and bring Santa's helper to the house. Your wife may not pack the bags and go to MeeMaws, but she might in her heart. Why, because you brought in a situation where everyone including the pastor said no way. You and the kid will be on your own. If it turns out great, then you are Batman. If it doesn't you look like a Jerk, because you gleaned advice from a religious forum, and left your church family in the dust.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

How much lodging strangers have you been doing? Bro, I don't live in a split level ranch but have put up a lot of people. When I was with Brother Frank Harris it was a huge amount. You are really playing with fire, and wisdom is paramount in these circumstances. Let me put it this way, it is on the same level as no eyeglasses and no dental care. I also have some stories of inviting people over where it didn't turn out so cool, and could of turned out disastrously. In these cases you could be spiritually smart or spiritually stupid. The latter could cost you all big time. So, while angels will hold you up that a foot not touch a stone, it is important that we also need not jump.

You dont have a clue as to who I have took in or for how long. Or under what circumstances. I have ministered on the streets for 40 years. The doctrine of Jesus and the Apostles has its own checks and balances.

But my point is NOT to necessarily take in or even minister to every single need. But what is the need that is before you?

Now I dont know this young mans situation. I am just presenting Biblical principals. It looks to me if you have a man who is (seemingly) living for Christ, who has been faithful to the Fellowship, who is out of work, and loses his place it would be no great thing to shelter him temporarily.

How about starting with the Pastor? How many hours a week is the sacred temple being used? Is it to holy to allow a homeless believer in Jesus to stay there?

If not how about at his own house? He could be an EXAMPLE to people in the Church of helping the needy. How many households are in the Church? There is none to help?

For that matter how is it that a man is part of the Church and has NOT ONE FRIEND in the Church that could show him this kindness?

Now remember, I have said if this man is RIGHLY JUDGED to be a tare, or if he is sinning and will not repent, put him out.

If not dont claim the love of Jesus or his holiness when you turn him away from your door with only a prayer.

[Michael The Disciple]

And if saints would not take in their own, how much less would they take in strangers?

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

And if saints would not take in their own, how much less would they take in strangers?

I think its a reflection of our society, everyone is working, everyone is busy, everyone is running to and fro like Satan . . .