Helping the Impoverished

Series: Unstuck

Helping the Impoverished

Various

The Unstuck series is designed to help the church engage people trapped in circumstances that make it hard to hear the gospel.

Poverty is complex, and there are not quick fixes.  

why is there poverty?

·      Misfortune

·      Generational/Cultural

·      Injustice

·      Lack of Essential Resources

Wealth and Poverty

Identifying with poverty is difficult because we are so rich.   

If your household makes 25,000 a year, you are in the top 10% of the world.  If you make 50,000 a year you are in the top 1%.  93% of the families of the world do not have a car.    

In 1820 rich nations had four times the amount of wealth that poor nations had.  In 2020 rich nations have 75 times as much. 

 (Richard Stearns,  The Hole in our Gospel)

Prosperity theology and poverty theology are both incorrect views of God’s gifts to us.  A proper theology of wealth is one of stewardship.

Your resources have been entrusted to you for His purposes.    

The struggle to engage poverty

1. “The problem is too big”

2.  “Most of the poor are too far away”

3.  “It is the government’s job”

4.  “I am concerned about people’s souls more than social ills.”

Mercy ministries and gospel proclamation should be partners not adversaries. 

Why should we be involved?

1.  God cares

2.  Image bearers are in need of help

3.  It could be us.

4.  Fellow Christians are in need of help

5.  Faith requires action

6.  Mercy ministry is an effective gospel platform

How can we help?

1.  Open your eyes to the needs of others

2.  Actively pray for those in need

3.  Budget some money to help others locally

4.  Model mercy ministry for your children 

5. Partner with those who are actively engaging

Today’s Takeaways: