| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Personal Responsibility” Our Bible verse for today: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV) Our thought for today: “God is not a socialist” In his excellent book, “Where Do We Go from Here?”, Dr. David Jeremiah demonstrates how the creeping acceptance of socialism could be an indication we are approaching the End Times. In 2020 a poll showed that 40% of Americans had a favorable view of socialism, and that number goes up to 61% in the age group 18-24 years-old. But socialism is all about control, and taking away God-given freedoms. The history of socialism proves over-and-over again that it ruins initiative, diminishes productivity, and destroys economies. All of that is unbiblical. Dr. Albert Mohler is the President of Southern Seminary and one of the most influential thought-leaders in evangelical Christianity today. About socialism he wrote: “The Bible reveals several important economic principles. Scripture affirms the dignity of work (Ephesians 4:28) and the fact that those who refuse to work should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). The Bible clearly affirms private property (Exodus 22:7) and condemns theft (Exodus 20:15) and covetousness (Exodus 20:17). Saving (Proverbs 13:22), thrift (Proverbs 21:20), land ownership (Acts 4:34-37), and investment (Matthew 25:27) are all honored in Scripture, and the Bible teaches that the laborer is worthy of his wages (Luke 10:7). Socialism contradicts or subverts every one of those principles.” Socialism is unbiblical. So, as it continues to gain in popularity how should we, as Great Commission Christians on-mission with Jesus in this troubled world, confront it? First, we need to be careful that we ourselves do not fall into socialistic patterns of behavior by being takers instead of givers. We need to carry our own water, do our own work, support ourselves and our families, and not become de facto socialists ourselves by being overly reliant on government and social programs. Second, once we are not acting like socialists in our own behaviors, we need to preach, teach, and model Biblical truth about personal responsibility in such matters to others. We must also show that Christian charity is a better answer to helping needy people than are endless and wasteful government programs. The Bible doesn’t call for the government to use authoritarian power to take from those who have and redistribute it to those who have less. Instead, the Bible teaches and models charity based on the kindness, compassion, and generosity of God’s people. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have to pay taxes, or that there shouldn’t be some basic social safety nets to provide assistance to the neediest in society (a hand up rather than a hand out). But socialism always goes far beyond that. It creeps and grows and quickly becomes a massive government intrusion and overreach. The fact is that God is not a socialist, and therefore we shouldn’t be one either. God bless, Pastor Jim |
| Copyright © 2022 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. |
-
Follow
Following
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Oak Hill Baptist Church 