by Rick Marin | Sep 26, 2019 | Helping the Needy
Is God’s true church made up only of believers?
(Ex. 32:1-14, 32; Eph. 2:19; Phil. 2:15; Heb. 10:23-25)
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. The
Bible teaches that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger should be helped
by those who are able. All our good works earn us no merit or salvation but
they are our response to God’s saving work for us in Christ. Our hope that God
will eventually make all things right should not hinder our efforts in helping
others, but rather we should maintain an attitude of generosity, peacemaking,
and defending the rights of others rather than our own.
God’s church on earth (Exodus 32:1-14, 32; Mat. 10:7-8Gal. 6:9-10; )
1. What is the church? The church is a community
of people called out of the world to serve God & others.
2. Is God’s true church made up only of
believers? No, God’s church contains both wheat & tares – believers &
unbelievers.
3. Besides helping those outside the church and
preaching the Gospel to them what other responsibility does the church have? The
church also has the responsibility of preaching the Gospel to & helping
those inside the church.
4. In all its actions who is the church to
represent? Jesus.
5. When many see corruption in God’s church what
are they tempted to do? They are tempted to abandon God’s church & ask God
to make of themselves a new church.
6. What great man of God refused the temptation
to let God destroy his people and make of himself a new people? Moses.
7. What demonstrates the extreme commitment that
Moses had to God’s corrupt people? He asked God to remove him from God’s Book
of Life if God refused to forgive the sins of his corrupt people.
8. Are you, like Daniel, asking God to forgive
the sins of his corrupt church? I hope so, or restoration will not come.
The outreach of the church (Acts
6:7; Phil. 2:15; Titus 2:14)
9. How does Paul describe the influence of
church members in the world? As lights that shine, brightening earth’s
darkness.
10. What aspect of the church makes its outreach
more effective? Its organization.
11. Why do you think many priests joined the
early church when it reorganized forming the office of deacon? Probably because
they saw that the early Christian church was doing everything decently & in
order — & because of the testimony of Stephen.
12. When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples
what did he include in their commission? Jesus told the twelve to go, to preach,
to heal, to cleanse, to raise the dead, & to cast out devils.
13. According to Titus 2:14 how should God’s
people be characterized in the community? As zealous of good works.
14. What advantage does the church have over
secular organizations that seek to help the needy? The church has the Holy
Spirit & angels helping them as well as the integrity of its members.
The
in-reach of the church (John 13:34-35;
Rom. 12:3-6; Gal. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:11-13; Heb. 10:23-25)
15.
What internal aspect of God’s church demonstrates to the world that it is God’s
true church? The love one for another that its members have.
16.
Why were gifts given to the members of God’s church? For the perfecting of the
saints so that they might come into perfect unity.
17. In Hebrews 10 what things does Paul say should be happening in the church as it sees
the Marriage of the Lamb approaching? Its members should remain strong in
faith, encouraging one another to love & good works, & they should be
gathering together, not only on earth but to heaven’s Most Holy Place.
by Rick Marin | Sep 21, 2019 | Helping the Needy
For whom did Lemuel’s mother say he should speak up?
(Psa.
140:12; Isa. 52:7; Matt. 6:25-33; 2 Cor. 5:18-20; 6:1-10; 1 John 3:16-18) Blog 15-21 Sep.
2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. The Bible teaches that the
poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger should be helped by those who are able.
All our good works earn us no merit or salvation but they are our response to
God’s saving work for us in Christ. Our hope that God will eventually make all
things right should not hinder our efforts in helping others.
Generosity (Lev. 25:35-37; Matt. 6:25-33; 2 Cor. 8:12-15; 1 Tim.
6:17-19; 1 John 3:16-18)
1. What is true generosity? An attitude.
2. If true generosity is an attitude how will it
reveal itself? In helping others.
3. What is the true motivation for generosity? Love
that is inspired & guided by the love of God for us.
4. According to 2 Corinthians from where are we
to get what we give to others? From the abundance that God has given us.
5. What counsel does Paul give to the rich in 1
Timothy? That they should not trust in their riches but rather give generously
knowing that God will reward them & that it will direct their focus on
eternal life.
6. What practice does God condemn in Leviticus
25? That of lending at high interest rates — usury.
7. Besides giving financial help in what other
ways can we be generous? We can be generous with our time, with our words of
encouragement, & with our hospitality.
8. Towards what principle of living should we
always point the poor so that God will meet their needs? Towards the principle
found in Matthew 6:33 – that of seeking first the kingdom of God.
Peacemaking (Isa. 52:7; Matt. 5:9; 2
Cor. 5:18-20; 6:1-10; Col. 1:20)
9. How did Jesus describe peacemakers? As
children of God.
10. How did Isaiah describe peacemakers? As
having beautiful feet.
11. How does Colossians say that God made peace
between himself and sinful humanity? By the death of Jesus.
12. According to 2 Corinthians 5 what does God
expect of those who accept the peace he brought for humanity in Jesus? God
expects those who have accepted his peace to offer the same to others.
13. If making peace was not easy for God nor for
the apostle Paul (see 2 Cor. 6) what should we expect the role of peacemaker
will involve? It will involve diligent effort & great sacrifice.
Defending (Psalms 140:12; Prov. 31:1-8;
Isa. 10:1-2; 1 Pet. 3:17)
14. Who does Psalm 140 say God will defend? God
will defend the afflicted, the poor, & the needy.
15. In Proverbs 31 why did Lemuel’s mother tell
him he should not drink strong drink? Because it would make him forget the law
& pervert his judgment so that the rights of the afflicted would be
overlooked.
16. For whom did Lemuel’s mother say he should
speak up? For those who could not speak up for themselves, for the defenseless,
for the poor, & for the needy.
17. According to Isaiah what is God’s attitude
towards those who make laws that deprive the poor and needy of justice? God
pronounces a curse upon them.
18. What often happens to those who defend the
rights of others? They are evil-spoken of, misjudged, & afflicted.
19. Why do we refer to generosity, peacemaking,
and defending as “attitudes of mercy”? Because true generosity, peacemaking,
& defending are continual mind sets & not just occasional acts or
impulses – they are dispositions of mercy towards those who may not deserve
mercy & they involve personal loss to those who have these attitudes –
others take precedence over oneself.
by Rick Marin | Sep 14, 2019 | Helping the Needy
For what hope did Paul say he was being judged?
(Eccl. 12:13-14; Matt.
24:45-51; Luke 18:1-8; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 15:12-19;
Rev. 21:1-22:5) Blog Sep. 8-14, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament
God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be
cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this.
When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was
poor, needy, homeless and mistreated. The early church was diligent in caring
for the needy and attentive to apostolic instruction in this regard. All our
good works earn us no merit or salvation but rather are our response to God’s
saving work for us in Christ.
For judgment (Eccl. 8:14; 12:13-14; Rom. 2:1-16; 2 Cor. 5:9-10; 1 John 2:1; Jude 1:6)
1. How is the word “hope” generally used in the
Bible? In the Bible the word “hope” generally refers to a future expectation
that is sure to happen, not to some nebulous desire that may or may not take
place.
2. Of what kinds of judgment does the Bible
speak? The Bible speaks of investigative and executive judgment.
3. What is an “investigative judgment? An investigative
judgment is an inquiry into the facts concerning a case & usually includes
witnesses & an examination of evidence in comparison with a standard,
resulting in a judicial decision.
4. What is an “executive judgment? An executive
judgment is the meting out of the penalty or rewards of the judge’s decision in
an investigative judgment.
5. Where does the Bible teach that God will
judge everyone according to his divine standard? Primarily in Ecclesiastes 12,
Romans 2, & 2 Corinthians 5.
6.Why would the Christian look forward to God’s
promised judgment? Because all the wrongs committed in history will be made
right & God will deliver & reward all who trust in him.
6. What word would characterize all the judges
in the book by that name? Deliverer.
7. If God is going to settle all accounts justly
why should we bother to bring help and justice to the needy and mistreated? We
should do these things because we act Godlike & because God dislikes
suffering and destitution.
For resurrection (Job 19:25-26; Psa.
16:9; Prov. 14:32; Rom. 5:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:12-26; Acts 23:6;
Heb. 9:27-28)
8. According to Romans 5 what did Adam choose
for all his offspring? Death.
9. What hope did Job, David, and Solomon see in
death? That they would rise again.
10. When Paul considered the Christian life what
truth did he say made it worth living? The truth that Jesus rose from the dead
which proved that resurrection was possible.
11. For what hope did Paul say he was being
judged? For the hope of the resurrection.
12. When does resurrection occur in relation to
death and judgment? Judgment follows death & precedes resurrection at
Christ’s second coming.
13. What is the last enemy God will destroy? Death.
For eternal life (Psa. 43:5; Lam.
3:26; Joel 3:16; Luke 18:1-8; Rev. 21:1-5; 22:1-5)
14. What hope does the Bible promise beyond
resurrection? The hope of a new heavens & a new earth without sin, sorrow,
pain, or sadness.
15. What, in reality, is the hope of the saints?
God himself is the hope of the saints.
16. Where should all the afflicted, homeless,
sick, and needy put their hope? In God for he is the only sure hope.
17. What does the Bible tell us about the length
of the life of peace and joy in God’s presence that the saints will enjoy? That
it will be endless, everlasting.
18. What story did Jesus tell to encourage us to
keep on praying in faith for the fulfillment of our hopes? The story of the
unjust judge.
19. How should we live now if our hope is that God
will make all things new and good? We should live helping others in renewal for
good & not in neglecting to do this because God will eventually do it.
20. What will be the culmination of all our
efforts to help others? God will bring all our efforts to perfect fulfillment
for those who put their trust in him.
by Rick Marin | Sep 7, 2019 | Helping the Needy
Will any of our good works contribute to our salvation?
(John 3:16-17; Rom. 8:18-23; Eph. 2:8-10;
1 Tim. 6:17-19) Blog: Sep. 01-07, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament
God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be
cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this.
When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was
poor, needy, homeless and mistreated. The early church was diligent in caring
for the needy and attentive to apostolic instruction in this regard.
The Gospel (Matt. 19:17; Mark 1:1; John 3:16-17;
; 1 Cor. 15:1-8; Eph. 2:8-10)
1. Who is the Gospel about? The Gospel is about
Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God.
2. What did the Gospel accomplish? The Gospel accomplished
the salvation of everyone found in Jesus.
3. How can a person be found in Jesus? A person
can be found in Jesus by accepting him as their personal Lord & Savior
& remaining in this dependent faith.
4. If Jesus said that a person must keep the commandments
in order to be saved, who then can be saved? The only people who can be saved
are those who find in Jesus, their Substitute, the obedience that the Law
requires.
5. What are we shown in the Gospel? In the
Gospel we are shown the perfectly obedient life of a human being who was
counted sin for us that we might be counted as having the righteousness of God in him.
Good Works (Matt. 5:16; 26:10-11; 2 Cor. 9:8; Eph. 2:8-10; Col. 1:10;
1 Tim. 6:17-19; Tit. 2:14; 3:8; Heb. 10:24)
6. If we are saved by faith alone is there any
reason we should do good works? Yes, we should do good works in order to give
glory to God & to show our love for him who has done so much for us.
7. Will any of our good works contribute to our
salvation? No, not a single one of our good deeds will contribute to our
salvation.
8. What place does Paul give to good works in
Ephesians 2? Paul says that our good works don’t bring us salvation but that we
are placed into Christ by faith so that we can do good works.
9. According to 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Colossians
1:10 with God’s grace how many good works should be manifest in our lives? God
desires us to abound in every good work.
10. In his letters to Titus and the Hebrews what
else does Paul tell us about good works? Paul tells us to be zealous in doing
good works & to stimulate one another to do good works.
11. What good work did Mary do for Jesus that he
commended? Mary poured perfume on Jesus as her gift of love for him.
Balancing Faith and Works (Rom. 7:15; 8:18-23)
12. What universal condition hinders us in doing
good works? The sinfulness of our nature opposes us in doing good works.
13. When will the sinfulness of our natures be
removed? The sinfulness of our natures will be removed at glorification when
the voice of God pronounces the everlasting covenant at the time of the seventh
plague (Rev. 16:17).
14. Are “the needy” restricted to those with
physical needs? No, “the needy” we are to help include also those with
spiritual needs.
15. How are we to help the spiritually needy? We
are to help the spiritually needy by giving them the Gospel & spiritual
guidance from God’s Word.
16. What is the goal of all our efforts to help
the poor and the needy? To reveal to people the gospel of their salvation is
the goal of all our efforts to help the poor and the needy.
by Rick Marin | Aug 31, 2019 | Helping the Needy
What was the result of the generosity of the members of the early church?
(Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 9:36; Rom. 12:1-18; 2 Cor. 8:7-15; James 1:27; 2:1-9) Blog Aug. 25-31, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament
God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be
cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this.
When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was
poor, needy, homeless and mistreated.
According to the book of
Acts (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 6:1-4; 9:36)
1. What characteristics stand out about the
early church? Those of unity & generosity.
2. Did the early church contain both rich and
poor people? Yes, some had property & others were needy. 3. Was the early
church organized like a communist society in which everyone was given an equal
share of the wealth? No, those who gave of their possessions did so voluntarily
from their abundance while those who were needy received provisions according
to their need – not equally.
4. What was the result of the generosity of the
members of the early church? None of its members lacked.
5. What remedy was instituted when division over
the distribution of wealth arose in the early church? The leaders proposed
& effected a reorganization of the early church to include a group of
deacons who would administer the financial needs of the community so that the
leaders could dedicate themselves to prayer & ministering the Word of God.
6. Was business skill the requirement desired in
a deacon? No, they were to be honest & full of the Holy Spirit & wisdom
(the fear of God).
7. For what was the disciple Dorcas known? For
being full of good works, almsdeeds, & making clothes for widows.
According to Paul (Romans
12:1, 8, 13, 20; 2 Cor. 8:7-15)
8. What does Paul say that giving for the
support of needy saints proves? The sincerity of ones love.
9. What does Paul say should come before giving
for the support of needy saints? A willing mind.
10. What example does Paul give to inspire
church members to give for the support of needy saints? The example of Jesus
who was rich but became poor for our sakes.
11. According to what standard does Paul say
that God expects us to give for the support of needy saints? According to what
we have.
12. In Romans 12:1 what reason does Paul give
for offering ourselves in service to God? That mercies of God.
13. In Romans 12 how does Paul say that giving
should be done? In a very simple way.
14. In Romans 12:13 what does Paul include in
brotherly love? Giving for the needs of the saints.
15. In Romans 12 what does Paul say we should do
for a hungry enemy of ours? We should feed him.
According to James (James
1:27; 2:1-9)
16. What important components does James place
in true religion? Those of caring for the afflicted fatherless & widows
while keeping oneself unspotted from the world.
17. What attitude does James say should not be
found among church members? The attitude of favoritism.
18. When visitors come to our church what
difference should we make on how we treat the those that are rich? None; we
should treat all visitors alike with courtesy & love.
by Rick Marin | Aug 24, 2019 | Helping the Needy
Who should be our first priority in extending assistance?
(Matt. 5:1-16, 38-48; 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-27ñ
12:13-21; 16:19-31ñ
Rom. 12:20-21) Blog Aug. 18-24, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Human beings were created to work. Our work became more difficult when sin entered. Since then
no fruit is produced without diligent
human effort and the resistance of
nature. God has made ample provision for all our needs so that out of
our abundance we may supply the needs of others. Throughout the Old Testament
God emphasized his desire that the poor, the unfortunate, and the stranger be
cared for and that he despised the worship of those who neglected to do this.
When Jesus came he spent his time helping those in need even though he also was
poor, needy, homeless and mistreated.
On the Mount (Matt. 5:1-16)
1. What kind of people does Jesus call blessed
in the first four beatitudes that he gave on the mount? The meek, the poor in
spirit, the mourners, & those hungry for righteousness.
2. What kind of people does Jesus call blessed
in the eighth and ninth beatitudes? The persecuted & reviled.
3. If the poor in spirit, meek, sorrowful,
hungry for righteousness, and persecuted are blessed by God what should that
tell us about God’s kingdom? That God’s kingdom includes people of low degree
who fall short of God’s perfect standard of righteousness.
4. According to the fifth, sixth, and seventh
beatitude what characteristics are also blessed by God? Those of purity, mercy,
& peacemaking.
5. When we with pure motives are merciful to
others and bring them peace and comfort what does Jesus say we are doing? Jesus
says we are letting our light shine.
6. Does Jesus expect those who make up his
kingdom to bring glory to God by doing good works? He most certainly does.
Whom should we
help? (Luke 10:25-27; 16:19-31; Gal. 6:10; Matt. 5:38-48; Mark 14:7; Rom. 12:20-21)
7. In Luke 10 how does Jesus illustrate the kind
of people we should help? Jesus illustrates the kind of people we should help
as anyone we meet who has needs.
8. In Luke 10 how does Jesus describe an appropriate
kind of help for the wounded man? Jesus describes the appropriate kind of help
as treating the man’s wounds, taking him to a safe lodging, & paying for
his care.
9. In Jesus’ parable of the rich man in Luke 16
where were the needy that the rich man should have helped? Just outside the
rich man’s gate.
10. Who should be our first priority in
extending assistance? Those of the household of faith.
11. According to Jesus, when will there be no
more poor people to help? That time will never come in this life.
12. What unexpected group of people does Jesus
include among those we should help? Our enemies & those that persecute us.
Who are we helping? (Matt. 25:31-46)
13. According to Matthew 25, when Jesus comes in
his glory what will he do? He will separate the righteous from the wicked.
14. What evidence does Jesus give that the
righteous were true believers in him? He refers to their good works of
kindness, charity,& hospitality shown to insignificant people in their
lives.
15. From Jesus’ account in Matthew 25 what shows
that both the righteous and the wicked did what they did by habit? The fact
that both groups were unconscious of their good deeds or lack of them shows
that their actions were habits.
16. In this story is Jesus teaching that our
final salvation is based on our good deeds? No, he is showing that the faith
that saves us always produces good deeds so that what is easily observable shows
whether a person has faith in Jesus or not.
17. With what segment of society does Jesus
identify as representing his needs? With the unnoticed, insignificant yet needy
members of society.
18. Give Old Testament examples of people who
helped strangers, the poor, and the needy: Lot when angels came to Sodom,
Rebecca when Abraham’s servant came to town, Job who continually helped the
needy & widows, David who helped Saul against Goliath, Boaz who helped Ruth
in the field, Daniel who helped Nebuchadnezzar with his dreams, Jonah who
helped the Ninevites see their need of repentance, & others.
