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3:11-14, John the Baptist commands the crowds: John answered, „The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.‟ Tax collectors also came to be baptized. „Teacher,‟ they asked, „what should we do?‟ „Don‟t collect any more than you are required to,‟ he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, „And what should we do?‟ He replied, „Don‟t extort money and don‟t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.‟ John‟s first answer to the crowds seems to confirm the principle of almsgiving, though the second and third answers relate to individual financial circumstances. 125 In this instance, Luke is concerned with including a clear statement of how one should treat those of lesser means regarding both aiding those in need and in handling one‟s own finances in a way that does not abuse others. As Pilgrim states, throughout Luke‟s writings, he “attempts to define and encourage a discipleship of one‟s material gifts in the service of love.” 126 Stories such as the ones previously discussed in Luke 14, 16, and 19 and evidence of the Church following these examples in Acts exist as specific confirmations regarding the obligation of providing for people in need. Luke reveals that possessions are blessings from God and good gifts when used correctly. 127 Proper use of possessions occurs in the service of Christian discipleship and “agape-love” when “caring for the poor, sharing with those in need, and doing good even to one‟s enemies receive the highest priority.” 128 Basically, Luke challenges believers to change their selfish ways by sharing their wealth with others. 129 18 Conclusion Analysis of the Lukan text in both his Gospel and in Acts reveals a clear message regarding the poor. Not only does the author confirm that Jesus brings the good news of the gospel message specifically to the poor in order to save their souls, but He also comes to aid them in economic and social ways. Luke also emphasizes the responsibility of believers to handle their own wealth correctly, while warning them of the vast dangers associated with riches. He consistently encourages giving to those in need. The Church has a heavy responsibility to aid those living in poverty, as well as making sure that its own finances are being handled wisely. While economic crisis might instill a sense of fear, discouraging one from Christian financial duties, recognizing the importance of Jesus‟ emphasis on the poor and what it means for the modern-day Christian remains essential. Applying the Lukan concepts to the present day, one must conclude that the Church has an obligation to recognize the issue of poverty and address it in an effective way through outreach. A correct understanding of Lukan theology indicates that the Christian community is not only responsible for the salvation of souls, but also for participating in the social and economic aspects of those in need. While the Church must obviously beware of those who might try to take advantage of this concept, it should not neglect the poor as burdens or outcasts. Handling one‟s own finances, in light of a Lukan understanding, involves recognizing God as the provider of all possessions; it also involves recognizing the correct utilization of these possessions and caring for those in need. As the National Council of the Churches of Christ states, “Thus, the
expression of our love for God is inextricably linked to the quality of our relation with others. Care for the neighbor is a means by which we testify to the power of the resurrection of the Lord among us.” 130 19 According to Luke‟s teaching, the believing community‟s responsibility rests in its ability to handle finances in a manner pleasing to God while exhibiting care for others.
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Encounter: Journal for Pentecostal
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2 changed the very fabric o
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people in the world) could
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loans to poor individuals c
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poor, to proclaim release t
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10 pastoral ministry could ad
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Huntington, S. P. The Clash o
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8 “Pentecostalism’s Rise,”
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The Apostolic Mandate 2 Gospel Chu
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Everyone has warned me not to tell
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Apostolic Praxis: Driven by the Win
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ministry, and provide for their own
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a connection to the broader body of
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SOURCES CITED Anderson, Ray S., ed.
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In the years to follow, Alta began
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First and foremost, Washburn was wi
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Historically, Native Americans have
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missionaries from Arizona, Washingt
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35 Having myself served for fourtee
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them 8 because women were not educa
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correspondence provides noteworthy
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methods Christ exemplified remain c
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1 Susan C. Hyatt, In the Spirit We
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40 Ibid. 41 Hyatt, 30. 42 Brown, 15
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motivated to work even more so they
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earth, the sea, and all that is in
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order to counter the cultural tempt
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2000), 25. 264. 6 Schor, 11. 7 Ibid
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God is indeed “already, but not y
Page 69 and 70: necessary, and limited agent to pro
Page 71 and 72: Bibliography Amjad-Ali, Charles W.,
Page 73 and 74: Wolterstorff , Nicholas. “Forewor
Page 75 and 76: 16 Ibid., 238. 17 The task is unden
Page 77 and 78: 39 Ibid., 152. 40 This section admi
Page 79 and 80: Peter Bolt notes the allusion to Ps
Page 81 and 82: ole in the action of bringing all G
Page 83 and 84: 23 Moltmann, The Trinity and the Ki
Page 85 and 86: Prayerful Pilgrims Although convers
Page 87 and 88: Encounter: Journal for Pentecostal
Page 89 and 90: The only promise of God not conting
Page 91 and 92: Abraham‟s heart. God had to dethr
Page 95 and 96: ecause only with trust in Him can w
Page 97 and 98: Chad told me of his days as a succe
Page 101 and 102: 3 Epistles, Paul evidences al
Page 105 and 106: In his article, “Why Has the Chur
Page 107 and 108: segments of the population lived in
Page 109 and 110: lessing in her lowly state (v. 48),
Page 111 and 112: poor results in the eschatological
Page 113 and 114: encouraging the rich to give alms t
Page 115 and 116: the community, “this actually hap
Page 117 and 118: 5. Human rights are the minimum con
Page 119: challenged with the need to struggl
Page 123 and 124: Pilgrim, Walter E. Good News to the
Page 125 and 126: 24 C. McCown, “Palestine, Geograp
Page 127 and 128: 73 I. Howard Marshall and David Pet
Page 129 and 130: 122 Pilgrim, 124. 123 Ibid. 122. 12
Page 131 and 132: In his final chapter, Alexander tur
Page 133 and 134: credence to internal evidence. Less
Page 135 and 136: On a practical side, the book inclu
Page 143 and 144: thought. Surely Jesus will physical
Page 145 and 146: promises. I agree with her about an
Page 147: The understanding of the cross, the
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