Christianity / Charity or Socialism

In a recent debate, one political party is trying to change how healthcare is managed; another is trying to protect Capitalism nonsense. Why are we even debating whether we should provide healthcare to everyone or not? Are we not civilized and wealthy enough as a nation? A civilized and wealthy nation such as the United States should not only provide military services and good roads to her people. A civilized society advanced for that matter, must provide military and many more basic services for her people. A civilized society should expand her reach and do other things without seeking profit. A civilized society such as the United States must endeavor to provide services such as healthcare to her people. How much did Jesus charge those He healed? Zero! Can Christianity live alongside Capitalism? Yes! After all, the Christian lifestyle is about freedom. However, if your meaning of Capitalism is capitalizing on the helpless – taking advantage of others, you are not a Christian. The Christian lifestyle is not about capitalizing on the weak or the fatherless or the motherless, but to care for them. You must open your home to the homeless and feed the hungry. You must protect those that are weak.

Carefully consider the two major political parties (Republicans and Democrats) in the United States, who is more Christian-like? Which party has the characteristics of the Christian body? The Republican Party will easily accuse the Democrats of raising taxes; meanwhile, the only economics the Republican Party knows is cutting taxes – bring any Republican and ask him/her, how are you going to balance the budget? The first answer you will get is ‘tax cuts’. Granted, each party looks for ways to entice voters; the only thing the Republican Party will promise is to cut taxes and accuse the Democrats for raising taxes. While the Democrats will not proclaim that they will raise taxes, they are also not reluctant to mention the great things that they will do in the society with tax collections. How do you cut taxes and still able to do the necessary social services that will benefit the least in the society? It is obvious that such move will abandon the least among us. This is not the Christian lifestyle and it is not the Christian view of the future – a future that looks for the oneness of everything. A future that no one is claiming this is mine or that is mine (read the life of the early Christians in Acts below). The argument that no one wants their taxes to be raised is valid; however, is this not what the Church supposed to do? To collect and meet the needs of those people who are in need of help? I mean, which of the two parties is into the Christian business? We all know that in a society, there are the haves and the have-nots. Forget about the Christian view for a moment, as a civilized society, are we not supposed to provide for the have-nots? Republicans have so deceived the Christian body about looking at other peoples faults, judging others on what they are doing wrong rather than loving them or showing them love. Is it not through love that we can win a soul? Or can we win souls by judging them? Oh, the Democrats do not care about what someone does with his/her life and the Republicans are against abortion, homosexuality and so on and so forth. Is that what should be the guiding principle for Christians? Are we not supposed to love, provide for those who are weak among us so that we may win them over in love regardless of their fault? Can we save them by judging them? Can we save them by criticizing them? It is time for the Christian body to find its mission and start partnering with those who are in the business of loving and caring for those in need and those who are weak among us. It is time for the Body of Truth to start partnering with those who can effectively do the collection and meet the needs of the have-nots among us.

A civilized society such as the United States should provide health care for her people without seeking profit. What good is there in a civilized society where someone is seeking profit from a dying patient? I have even seen and heard some of our so called Christian ministers asking people to pay or do offering of specific amount before they can receive their healing. If Jesus charged zero, then, why are some ministers asking people to give a $1,000 or various amounts as offering before they can receive their healing? Going back to the collection business, what type of Christian are you if you have to be forced (in a form of tax) before you give up something for the need of another? Have you not read in the Bible that a given without the heart is worthless? Are we to be reminded on when we should give? If so, we are not Christians our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is coming to meet. Jesus said that He is coming to meet a Church in oneness. Is it not through the caring and loving of one another that we will get to that level of maturity? Or can we have oneness with just a few people? Who did the Bible instruct to “Sell your possessions and give to the poor?” Is it not the one who chose to follow Jesus Christ?

I am not advocating that Christians should now become Democrats. A Christian must be independent of any party. A Christian must make his/herself available to the best candidate there maybe. Don’t you know that as you are an elect of God, so also those in authority are chosen by God? Being independent of any party will allow the Spirit of God to reveal to your spirit the best or God appointed candidate to vote for in a democratic system. Your independence of any party allows you to listen and hear from the Spirit of Truth. But your lack thereof denies you this right. You chose a candidate but your choice of candidate did not win. Doesn’t that tell you something about yourself? That you have abandoned your guide, the Spirit of Truth; which supposed to guide you into all truth. I should have blamed the Church leaders of today; but why blame just a few when the same Spirit that has been given to them have also been given to all believers? As a believer, you have allowed yourself to be deceived if you only listen to your Church leader and not the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of Truth dwelling on the inside of you.

The Character of a Christian

So, what is the character of a Christian? Let’s look at what the Bible says…

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.” Acts 4:32-37 (NIV).

“No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” To me, this sounds more like the definition of socialism with individual willingness to generously share their belonging with one another. However, this was the first and clearest characteristics of the early Christian body. So why are we not partnering with those that are doing the same today? I want to raise the alarm for my Christian brothers and sisters in the Lord! What is the primary function of the Christian body? Is it not first to spread the good News and secondly to care for those in need – the fatherless, motherless, homeless, the least among us? And what did James say about those who store up for themselves and is careless about other’s wellbeing?

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” James 5:1-6 (NIV)

Paul said the same thing when he wrote to Timothy the faithful servant of God.

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

The Lord Jesus, the King of glory said the very same thing:

“…"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."” Luke 12:14-21. Not rich toward God, meaning not caring for others in need.

Brothers and sisters, I am not naive of Luke 12:31 that says, “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” I bring this up to remind you that it is not all Christians that fall in this greedy and self centered lifestyle. If you have sought God first, God will add to you. This addition however, is also for you to reach out.

So, why has the United States Christian body been so deceived by the Republican Party? Why has the Christian body in love with the Republican Party – the children of all deceit? The Republican Party has deceived the Church into the business of judging others instead of loving and caring for them. Let me remind us, “"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV). We are supposed to love and show love to others and not judge.

It has become evident that the leadership in the Christian body is leading the body astray from its primary purpose. Again, what is the primary function of the Christian body? Is it not to spread the Good News and care for those in need? Is it not to be the father of the fatherless? Is it not to be the mother of the motherless? Is it not to love those who lack love? Read the character of the early Christian Body in the Book of Acts. Don’t you know that it is the pagan world that runs after the things of this world?

If you are storing up for yourself and your neighbor is hungry, have you loved your neighbor as yourself? Jesus said to a rich young man, “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Those who call themselves Christians and cannot even share their possessions and care for those in need are not Jesus’ followers – they are followers of themselves – their own belly – corrupt they are – liars they are – deceivers they are – children of the devil, they are – they collect offering to satisfy their own lust – the lust of every desirable thing in this world; forgetting what the scripture says about those who love this world and everything thereof – they will all perish while the word of truth remain standing. I am not saying it is not good for a Christian to desire good things. Why spend $250,000.00 to buy one car when that money could have been used to buy 10 or more cars for ten or more people in need of the least car? Why live in a mansion of 50 rooms with only two occupants and there are homeless people right across your very home? What benefit is there on the word you preach about giving when the collection you take is not extended to those who need it most? One can be justified if he/she display wealth and there is no one lacking within his/her reach. Otherwise, do not show your wealth – it stinks, it is the harvest of greed and the evidence of your greediness and selfishness.

If our politicians, opinionist, and commentators cannot differentiate when to play politics and when not to, and Christians are being deceived, we as a country is set for failure. Christians must not participate in the acts of foolishness.

I leave you with this scripture about the parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 (NIV). On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[d]" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

I say to all of you today, go and do likewise!

PRINCE AREMI AMACHREE is the author of “The Acts of God: The good, the bad, and the ugly”, he’s a member of Living Stone Bible Church and a rotating Coordinator at the Church’s “School of Wisdom” located in Union, NJ where he inspires other believers. As a Bible scholar, he spends much of his time studying the Word of God in order to better understand the things and ways of God.

If you’d like more inspiring perspectives about these topics, or to schedule an interview with Prince Aremi Amachree, please call (201) 203-9004 or email: PressRelations@ChristElite.com. Copyright 2009 ChristElite.com.

Christianity or Socialism?

And

The Purpose of the Christian Body

This is a true saying, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it.” John 1:1-5 (NIV).

In the beginning of the Christian life (the life inspired and being led by Jesus Christ), the early Church found the ultimate truth in the message that was given to them by the Word. It is a life led by love – love that has no boundaries or limits; love that judge not; love that discriminate not; love that is not self seeking or self centered; a love that cares. These Christians lived a selfless lifestyle as was recorded in the book of Acts (see below: The Character of a Christian). Today, we are in the middle of a crossroad where innovation, capitalism, profit, greed, and the pursuit of self perseverance have been confused with the Christian faith and the lifestyle thereof. Is Christianity dead? Can politics, profit seekers, greediness, and selfishness overcome the Christian faith and lifestyle? Why are my Christian brothers and sisters following corrupted politicians, capitalist greeds, and selfish individuals and living as though they have abandoned the faith?

A long time ago, I heard and knew of a political party that claimed to share the Christian values – the Republican Party; they sought and benefited from the Christian vote and enjoyed seasons of power. Today, the party is led by politicians like John Boehner who is like a tattoo in a black skin – disgusting. The party is revealed to be deceptive, full of lies and destructions. Never in the history of the Republican Party has anyone exposed them in this magnitude – filled with destructive agenda. They have befriended the Christian body only for the vote – not for the purpose of the Christian agenda which is meeting the needs of those that are needy among us. The body of Christ (the Church) must not have a partnership with such party or institution. There is no willingness in supporting any domestic agenda from the Republican Party; regardless of what is being proposed domestically, the Republicans will oppose it for one reason or another.

Republican long heads like Sean Hannity; that fox thinks he can deceive everyone and get away with it. His co-conspirators like Rush Limbaugh the noise maker, and the rest of the clowns – among them is the low level demon, Bill O’Reilly and Ben Stein, the foul spirit. Another one of them is Bill Crystal who is only driven by greed. There are many like him – very intelligent; however, their motives are always driven by greed. There are some I don’t even consider having the human intellect – Social parasites like Glenn Beck and many others – they talk without knowledge. They spread false rumors and lies like wild fire. Those who hire them know they are worth nothing – they can be fired without any lose; however, it is worth keeping them for short term gains. These are the children of destruction; they get in the way of progress; they are enemies of society; and their father is the devil – the devil came to steal and to destroy. They are sent to do their father’s work; they lie and mislead their followers and listeners for short term political gains which will come to nothing and will end even before them. Such are the people who are feeding my brothers and sisters in the Lord. Are these the people Christians want to follow or listen to? We must break the curse. Let me raise the alarm for my Christian brothers and sisters, stay away from destructive Republicans, they are like wolves in sheep’s clothing. Christians are the last audience standing with this party. I said Christians are the last hope for the Republican Party. If Christians cannot recognize this exposed wolf at this time, I’m not sure which wolf they will recognize.