Learning to say no to help those who ask for help!
A. Say no to help may turn out to be better for the one who ask!
About 40 years ago when I finished my Master degree program my 1st choice
was to ask a church of Christ to support me to preach in Hong Kong.
Not one church was willing to help.
I had to settle for the 2nd Choice! Find a job in America.
Then in September 1974 my family and I came to Flushing, N.Y.C.
In 1988 I started visiting China to help people in that part of the world
to know the truth in the Bible! This church, God helped us to establish is able
to help do this work! I believe this is better for all concern!
B. We can only give what God provides! Include emotional & physical condition!
1. 1 Peter 4:11 is our declaration in doing the Lord’s work on this earth!
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,…
a. The 1st part of the verse is that we must preach what is recorded in the Bible.
Because we believe words from the mouth of God is in the Bible!
b. The 2nd part of the verse is about serving others!
“If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides!c.
If it is God’s assignment to us, God will provide us whatever it takes
to do this job!
Such as our last sermon on May 8, 2011!
God assigned Mary to be Jesus’ mother! God provided everything needed for her!
2. Acts 3:2-8
A certain man that was lame from his mother's womb was carried,
whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful,
to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John
about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms. And Peter, fastening
his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them,
expecting to receive something from them.
But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee.
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.
And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up:
and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.
And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk;
and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping,
and praising God.
3. Matthew 10:8
Jesus said: Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
4. Acts 11:29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide
help for the brothers living in Judea.
C. Watch out for people who quote these to force you to help!
1. Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work
we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:
`It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
2. Titus 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities,
to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, to speak evil of no man,
not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.
3. 2 Cor.9:8
God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency
in everything, may abound unto every good work.
D. Recent personal experiences to share!
1. Someone asked me to help someone! As he mentioned the name!
I remember he had helped so many others in the past!
Without a 2nd thought, I said, how much do you help?
He said, $1000 U.S. I said, I match yours!
2. Someone else asked for help!
Immediately these followings messages pop up in the screen of my mind:
where the money is, who can be in charge of this help…
Therefore, yes, we will provide whatever is needed in this matter!
3. Someone asked me to help pick up a sister in Christ who is going to teach
English in China at 1:30 a.m. and put her in a hotel so she can go on to
Europe then to China the next day! My mind is blank! Nothing show up in the
screen of my mind!
I said, God did not provide what is needed to help!
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on May 15, 2011.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuJi5JHceZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FchkS_dGKao
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URzM21vfBdc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9srzyOvc5zo