Unemployed Christian and Tithes (The Poor in the Congregation)

Luke 18 (KJV)

18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.
20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.
21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.
22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?




Romans 12 (KJV)

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.




1 Timothy 5 (KJV)

8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel (one without faith).



James 2 (KJV)

1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect (showing favoritism)  of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile ( extremely unpleasant) raiment (clothes);

3 And ye have respect(showing favoritism) to him that weareth the gay (sparkling) clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?




2 Corinthians 9 (KJV)

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

When we give our tithes it should also help our Sisters and Brothers in Christ that are in need and it should be enough to give to the lost as well.  It should win people over to Christ.  Our generosity should be towards one another.  God will be glorified because people will be able to see him working through us via our giving with a willing heart towards one another ~ Karmen



Matthew 23 (KJV)

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. 

Tithes and Obedience to the Word of God, Go Hand in Hand.  Paying your tithes though does not take precedence over obeying the word of God is not righteous. ~ Karmen

2 Corinthians 9 (KJV)

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

When one gives, it should be from their heart willingly, not from pressure or bitterness. ~ Karmen

8 And God is able to make all grace abound (exist in large numbers or amounts.) toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound (exist in large numbers or amounts.) to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.




Galatians 6 (KJV)

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.


Do good to all especially your Sisters and Brothers in Christ ~ Karmen




Proverbs 19 (KJV)

4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.

7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.

17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.




Proverbs 22 (KJV)

2 The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

Proverbs 17 (KJV)

5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth (address someone in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.)  his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities ( an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.) shall not be unpunished.




Proverbs 27 (KJV)

24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?



Proverbs 14 (KJV)

20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth (address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.) his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.




Proverbs 18 (KJV)

23 The poor useth intreaties (beg, beseech); but the rich answereth roughly.




1 Corinthians 12 (KJV)

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

There is just no way that the poor in the congregation or the unemployed in the congregation should be treated without any regard to this scripture.  All should be in low spirits when a Brother or Sister in Christ is hurting financially.  We should be able to provide resources for our family (Fellow Christians).  No Excuses!!!  Also, when there is a loss or failure, all should take the responsibility;not just one.  And when there is a victory or win, all should be praised; not just one ~ Karmen

Below: Don't get it twisted.  The scripture did make reference to whom the poor were.      Don't forget to include your own Brother and Sister in Christ.  Those of us who practice Christianity should be convicted when reading this if we turn away our own in their time of need.  We need to repent and get humbled.  Anyone of us can be put in this situation. ~ Karmen

Matthew 25 (KJV)

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then 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:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then 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?
45 Then 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.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.




1 Peter 5 (KJV)

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre (money, esp. when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way.
"officials getting their hands grubby with filthy lucre" ,) but of a ready mind;




1 John 3 (KJV)

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?




James 2 (KJV)

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 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?




Proverbs 3 (KJV)

9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.




Proverbs 21 (KJV )

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

Job 31 (KJV)

16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;
19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;
20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;
21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate:
22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone.

Proverbs 28 (KJV)

3 A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse (stubborn) in his ways, though he be rich.

15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.

Financial prosperity or spiritual prosperity, which one? can't be both... ~ Karmen

Matthew 6 (KJV)

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon ( is material wealth or greed).

Again, not my opinion...what does the bible say....not Pastor or Deacon or Reverend. What does the bible say about financial prosperity and spiritual prosperity? You can't serve both. So when you look at this photo above...which is being served? ~ Karmen

Keep in mind: 

Matthew 6 (KJV)

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Mark 12 (KJV)

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites (A very small contribution or amount of money. A coin of very small value.), which make a farthing (a former monetary unit and coin of the UK, withdrawn in 1961, equal to a quarter of an old penny. the least possible amount.).

43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

What Is Wrong With Seeking Financial Prosperity?

Philippians 4 (KJV)

 11 Not that I speak in respect (favor) of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased (humble) , and I know how to abound (flourish): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound (flourish) and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.




Proverbs 30 (KJV)

8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.




Proverbs 23 (KJV)

4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.




1 Timothy 6 (KJV)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment (clothes) let us be therewith content.
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (eternal punishment).

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted (craved) after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.





17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Be Content (Food and Clothes are all that is needed) ~ Karmen




1 Timothy 3 (KJV)

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre (money, esp. when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way)




Titus 2 (KJV)

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;




Titus 1 (KJV)

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision (clean heart, those with God's grace, baptized anew):
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert (overturn) whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's (money, esp. when regarded as sordid or distasteful or gained in a dishonorable way) sake.





Balaam

Balaam  figures as an example of a false teacher in both 2 Peter 2:15 (15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;)  and in Jude 1:11 (Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.).  In both of these verses, Balaam is cited as an example of a false prophet motivated by greed or avarice (extreme greed for wealth or material gain.). These references harken to the Old Testament account of Balaam in Numbers 22–24 in which King Balak hires the renowned Balaam to curse his enemies (Israel). Even though God intervenes and makes Balaam deliver blessings instead of curses, it's clear that Balaam was normally a prophet for hire. The verses in 2 Peter and Jude are then warnings to the early Christians to beware of religious leaders who are enjoying financial advantages.