| Target Audiences and 5 Star Hotels |
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Whom should we reach with the announcement of the Gospel? Some today pick a certain demographic - perhaps young people, or families, or business people. What was Jesus' target audience for the first proclamation of the Gospel by his first disciples? It was the spiritually, mentally and physically unwell. Those who were to be reached were physically and/or spiritually dead. As they went about announcing the Gospel, encouraging people to repent and turn to God, Jesus did not encourage them to stay at the equivalent of a five star hotel, but rather to stay with those who offered them hospitality. He also encouraged them to rely upon the hearers of the Gospel for their food. It is perfectly appropriate for a preacher of the Gospel to live off of the proceeds of that message.
10:8 Make well those who are ill, give life to the dead, make lepers clean, send evil spirits out of men; freely it has been given to you, freely give. 10:9 Take no gold or silver or copper in your pockets; 10:10 Take no bag for your journey and do not take two coats or shoes or a stick: for the workman has a right to his food.
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MartyD |
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January 26, 2008 at 4:28am |
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Good point Grant!
Its too often we see preachers going around the world preaching the gospel, living the high life in decadent hotels, when all they really need as Jesus said is the heartfelt hospitiality of those who recieve the message. Jesus would not have told his disciples to take no money or extra clothes if God didn't have a way of providing for them. There is a leson to be learned for all of usI can't give ur blog 5 stars but I shall give it one.
Grace be with you |
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MartyD |
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January 26, 2008 at 4:37am |
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grant feel free to delete some of m comments. My net kept stuffing up and i didn't think it was actually posting. Cheers
And Happy Australia Day!!! |
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Gene |
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January 29, 2008 at 7:15pm |
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Jesus said that the servants were to go into the streets and invite "all the people" to the bridegroom's feast. I think He means "all."
Thanks, Grant/ |
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Kathy |
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January 29, 2008 at 7:25pm |
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| Good word, Grant! It seems we are are more likely to target those who have something to offer - networking, status, friendship, tithes, etc. Jesus' ministry seems to have targeted those who were in need, not those who could meet His needs. As Gene said, if we are in His service, we should be out in the streets inviting all to come in! |
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When I first heard of this targeting issue, it stank to me. It still does. I have not seen any mention of it in my Bible.
It is so sad to see such excesses ! It truly is !
But let us not forget.......................... Our Lord is still the worker of miracles !!
God Bless You................... |
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Grant |
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February 01, 2008 at 6:27pm |
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Gene: thanks for the good comment.
Kathy: yes, greed drives too many of us.
Paul: I agree that REAL miracles do happen. Maybe that should be our new counter-Forrest-Gump rule. Instead of shiite happens, miracles happen. :) |
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Gene |
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February 01, 2008 at 7:07pm |
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| Life happens! |
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