Diligently Remembering the Poor
Joe Slater
	Zealous evangelism, one of the outstanding characteristics of the early church, was complemented by genuine care for the poor and needy. Peter, James, and John evangelized primarily among the Jews, while Paul and Barnabas concentrated on the Gentiles. As they discussed their fellowship in the Lord, one of the concerns that arose was “that we should remember the poor.” Paul said he was eager (diligent) to do that very thing (Galatians 2:9, 10).
	Paul demonstrated his diligence by organizing a collection to help the poor saints in Judea (see Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9). Just how much work went into this project becomes evident from reading the second letter to Corinth. The fact that these were predominantly Gentile churches sending aid to Jewish brethren made it even more notable.
	Later in his life, Paul became a recipient of assistance from a faithful brother who diligently remembered him in his hour of need. Oh, how Paul the prisoner must have rejoiced to see Onesiphorus! “He often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, sought me out very diligently and found me” (2 Timothy 1:16, 17).
	How diligent are we about serving the poor and needy? Hear these disturbing words from Jesus: “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12-14). When is the last time you did this? Do you know anyone who has actually done this? Can we honestly say we take the Lord and His word seriously?
	This isn’t just a “church” obligation; it is individual too. Putting a check in the plate on Sunday morning is a good start, but it doesn’t fulfill our responsibility to be diligent in supplying the needs of the poor. Remember that Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40).
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Interpreting “Scientific” Evidence
	Having dug to a depth of ten meters, Scottish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years, and concluded that their ancestors had a telephone network over 100 years ago.
	Not to be outdone by the Scots, English scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters and found more traces of copper wire. English newspapers read: “English ancestors had advanced high-tech communications 100 years earlier than the Scots!”
	One week later an Irish newspaper reported the following: “After digging as deep as 30 meters in a bog, Paddy O’Droll, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Paddy has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Ireland had already gone wireless.”
	--via Jacksonville, AL
[Think about this tongue-in-cheek story the next time you read about “scientific proof” of Darwinian evolution.]
How Do We Address God?
	 "Then Moses said to God, 'Behold I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you.”  Now they may say to me, “What is His name?”  What shall I say to them?’" (Exodus 3:13).
	People argue whether God's name is Jehovah or YHWH, God, Lord, or some other name. Legal-minded people don't believe in addressing God as Father. To them He is the Judge, the taskmaster, and the Lawgiver. How shall we address the awesome Creator of the universe?
	In the Imager series, L. E. Modesitt, Jr. weaves a story where the supreme being is the Nameless. The philosophy is that names limit whoever is named, and God is limitless. Therefore, to name God is to limit our understanding of Him. According to scholars, there are approximately 88 names for God in the Old Testament and around 26 in the New Testament. So, how do we address this awesome majesty?
	Jesus, the Son of the Most High, revealed the way we are to address God. Jesus addressed God as, "The Father," "My Father," and "Your Father." Isaiah also addressed God as Father in Isaiah 64:8.
	Father is a simple designation for the Most High, yet it speaks volumes. It speaks of an intimate family relationship, of creation, of caring love, of protection and training, and of wanting the best for your children. It makes God more personal to each one of us. There are one hundred fourteen names for God in Scripture, yet one says it all.
	We were so marred in sin, so degenerate that the Father was ashamed of us. He had every right to come down upon us with His full wraith. Even though we had turned our backs to Him, the Father's love was so great that He sent Jesus our elder Brother to bring us back home.
	-- Ed Wittlif (Denver, CO)