RMTR Christianity

A few years ago the slogan WWJD (what would Jesus do) became very popular. In that spirit, I call this lesson: RMTR Christianity.... RMTR = Rubber Meets the Road!

VERSE: Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44-45)

QUESTION: Have any of us done that? Or would be willing to?

ANSWER: 1) Jesus said, "the poor you have with you always" (John 12:8). The Scripture also teaches that there were prosperous Christians as well (examples: Lydia (Acts 16) & the "prominent women" of Acts 17:12). This shows that there were both poor and well off then just as there are now, so we cannot claim cultural or situational differences. 2) The Scripture says, "as they had need"...it did not provide any other clarification (like we are exempt from helping out those who can't manage money), though we are to be wise stewards and teach others the same.

VERSE: Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger, and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick or in prison and come to you?" (Matthew 25:31-46)

QUESTION: Are we involved with every work of the Church that we can?

ANSWER: Christianity is not like an all-you-can-eat buffet....take a little of this that you like, and a little of that. We must be involved with everything that our time and ability permit! If it were Jesus, wouldn't we do all those things for Him in addition to what we already do? Well, Matthew 25 says it is Jesus!

VERSE: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)

QUESTION: If we already have trouble doing good to those who are in the Body, what about those outside?

ANSWER: 1) That may well be so, and whereas we are to be wise stewards of our talents (clearly when someone refuses a gift, etc.) yet, we are not to be judges (Acts 10:34, 1 Samuel 16:7, James 2:1-13). First of all, even drug addicts and prostitutes need to eat. Jesus understood this, for He invited them to eat with Him. Secondly, where do we get the notion that taking someone to McDonald's fulfills this? When was the last time you invited someone like this to your home? 2) Luke 12:4-5 makes our obligation clear. If we were in the military, and our commanding officer gave us an order, would we say, "But, sir?" No! We would say, "Sir! Yes, Sir!" The Scripture commands that we be a "light to the world" and a "peculiar (different) people".

• Assist an elderly brother or sister who needed personal care (adult diapers, bathing)?
• Clean house for someone no longer able to and whose home may have fallen into serious disrepair (rodents/pests, smelly, work requiring elbow grease and gloves)?
• Take another Christian into your home (who may not be able to support themselves or contribute financially, leaving the fiscal burden for you to bear)?