The Good Samaritan

[Trevor]

The Good Samaritan



Mat:5/38-42. You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
When we read these words, we understand that we have to be there for those in need and forgive those who treat us poorly. I have followed these teachings for many years, often with damaging results. I have on many occasions invited people into my home when they have had nowhere to stay, often to my regret, as they found fault with my faith and way of life, this, on many occasions, in front of my children who I encourage in the ways of Jesus. It wasn’t until I read the story of the good Samaritan that things changed. I’d read the story many times, but on one occasion the Spirit encouraged me to look more deeply into the story, where I noticed that the good Samaritan didn’t take the one he helped home, he took him to an inn and had him taken care of. We are called to come out from among them, to be separate, because we are not of the same realm as the people of the world. We don’t believe the same things, they are worldly. We are spiritual. The two don’t mix, we are called to be the salt that the world needs, but we are also told, that if the salt loses its saltiness then it becomes worthless. I believe that if we don’t heed the call to come out from among them, then we become in danger of having our understandings watered down by worldly understandings, reducing our value as ministers. We are of the kingdom of heaven and we must never forget this.

Blessings

 

[Christ4Ever]

Thanks for sharing this Brother @Trevor
It reminds me of this Scripture "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
I think your situation would have been different had they been believers who were in need. Which isn't always available to them. We have a sister in Christ here who in seeking help from homelessness, and no coat in the winter was told by another sister at church that they would pray for her, but offered nothing else.

At times it hard to figure out what way is the right way, and when I hear stories like the one above, it saddens me greatly. The best I've figured is that I pray, and pray some more for what is best to do in these types of situations. Though I do as a preacher does, and give monies when I can to those who are with signs proclaiming their needs even if its only a dollar. If I can I will even pray for them personally as I did a month or so ago for a veteran. After doing so, he told me that it was worth more then the money he had received! All Glory and Praise to the Father, for having moved my Spirit to do so for I was on my way to my car when I felt moved to turn around and go back to him after having given him money.

If possible, when one is professing hunger. Take that extra bit of time and go and buy them something to eat. It will be a blessing for both! Again thanks for sharing brother. You have a servants heart, which is a rare one in these days and times. God bless you and yours.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Thank you for sharing the above @Trevor and @Christ4Ever

After reading your post @Trevor I found as reading Nicks I was thinking many of the same things, especially Matt 10:6

But two other situations come to mind which I feel worth sharing and fit in with the messages above.

The first is regarding a vicar, he took a young man in and gave him a roof over his head and food, the young man stopped there for a couple of months then left. After he had left the vicar realised some items were missing, later he saw the young man, not close enough to talk to, but noticed he was wearing the gentleman's coat he had stolen. Here was a good heart and a worldly heart, a spiritual being and a worldly being, we are poles apart though expected to reach out and help them, we know if we offer the other cheek the worldly person is more likely to swipe that too. But we cannot just help saved souls, we have to reach out to lost souls. Wise as serpents and harmless as doves, in His Love.

The second item I want to share is, a beggar in poor clothing sat near a supermarket, sad face and hat out front. He had done this for some time then one day someone followed him, he went a reasonable distance then got into a swanky sports car! From that day I have always said, I will never give money to a beggar, but to give water or a drink, a bar of chocolate or something to eat is more beneficial. It is sad and I am sure the person was a minority, but I feel food or clothing is better for them than money, certainly better than nothing. Again we see the message wise as serpents and harmless as doves when reaching out to worldly souls, prayer is good to offer, but even if not offered, it should always be part of what we do. Let the Spirit guide us.

Blessings

 

[Trevor]

Thanks for sharing this Brother @Trevor
It reminds me of this Scripture "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
I think your situation would have been different had they been believers who were in need. Which isn't always available to them. We have a sister in Christ here who in seeking help from homelessness, and no coat in the winter was told by another sister at church that they would pray for her, but offered nothing else.

At times it hard to figure out what way is the right way, and when I hear stories like the one above, it saddens me greatly. The best I've figured is that I pray, and pray some more for what is best to do in these types of situations. Though I do as a preacher does, and give monies when I can to those who are with signs proclaiming their needs even if its only a dollar. If I can I will even pray for them personally as I did a month or so ago for a veteran. After doing so, he told me that it was worth more then the money he had received! All Glory and Praise to the Father, for having moved my Spirit to do so for I was on my way to my car when I felt moved to turn around and go back to him after having given him money.

If possible, when one is professing hunger. Take that extra bit of time and go and buy them something to eat. It will be a blessing for both! Again thanks for sharing brother. You have a servants heart, which is a rare one in these days and times. God bless you and yours.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Hi Nick, and Hi Paul,
I believe that, as Christians, we need to involve ourselves when people are in need, lost, needing prayer, needing to be led to Jesus etc... But to do that, we need to be strong and to stay strong we need to be able to recharge our batteries, so to speak, and the best way to do this is to have a home where we are isolated from the world. A place where we can pray, meditate and feed on the word. Nick mentioned being moved on his way to his car, we should, I believe, seek the Spirit in all we do, but if we don't feel his presence when a need arises, we still have the direction of scripture. I have recently experienced a famine regarding the Spirit, that lasted for many months. Previous to that, I'd feel him most days, especially in witnessing the word. So when he ceased to move me, I began to wonder if I had grieved him. I am, after all, a sinner and sometimes the roaring lion wins a skirmish. However, recently, Helen and I were in a café and we noticed a piece of paper on our table offering healing prayer. Helen was moved to respond, as she has issues that call for prayer. It was our first time in this café and apart from the piece of paper, there were no other signs relating to this service, so we asked a waitress she said that the prayer time was a monthly service and that this day was the day of the month that it occurred and there was a room at the rear of the café if we wished to seek prayer. Well, we entered the room and two people started to pray for Helen. I sat apart and prayed silently on my own. While I was praying a word kept repeating in my mind, 'repair'. The two ministers were praying against sciatica which Helen was at the time suffering extreme pain from but she had another problem that we had been praying about for some time, a 'rectal prolapse' this word repair was insistent and so I felt I should tell the ministers about it. Well, when I opened my mouth to speak, I was so filled with the Spirit I could only sob and I couldn't get the words out. I eventually did and we prayed for repair. The reason I'm relating this experience is because their were two healings that day One was Helen and the other was me. I knew when I filled with the Spirit, that the Lord still loved me. Up until then I was doubtful. When we feel the Spirit, as well as God telling us He loves the recipient of our prayers, he is also embracing us. Bless you guys.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Bless you also brother, you and Helen

Thanks for sharing.

Jesus is Lord \o/

 

[Christ4Ever]

Bless you and Helen as well!
Praying that she is doing better, and by your words you appear to be doing well. Praise God.

With the Love of Christ Jesus Trevor.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[Trevor]

Bless you and Helen as well!
Praying that she is doing better, and by your words you appear to be doing well. Praise God.

With the Love of Christ Jesus Trevor.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Thanks guys, Helen's sciatica is on the way out the serious pain has more or less gone and she's experiencing a great deal of pain free time. Isn't our Lord wonderful. Bless you, Trevor

 

[rag4acrown1]

Greetings, what is born of the flesh is flesh, what is born of the spirit is spirit...what spirit do u hear speaking when helping them? One absorbed in the Spirit is peculiar. Amen. Yes do what we can, they need God more than the dollar; don't cast ur pearls b4 the swine to be trampled under their feet. . So they know God and fellowship has been such a blessing...help ur brother or sister with what they need. Fill my motorcycle tank up so i can continue.

The good samaritan was travelling and he had to continue on his way brother, that is why he didn't take him to his home. The good samaritan would be considered a worldly person on his way, but stopped to help. The other two passed on by, even going to the other side of street to pass him by was holy people. Go read that one again. I believe God gonna show u more. Amen

 

[Trevor]

Greetings, what is born of the flesh is flesh, what is born of the spirit is spirit...what spirit do u hear speaking when helping them? One absorbed in the Spirit is peculiar. Amen. Yes do what we can, they need God more than the dollar; don't cast ur pearls b4 the swine to be trampled under their feet. . So they know God and fellowship has been such a blessing...help ur brother or sister with what they need. Fill my motorcycle tank up so i can continue.

The good samaritan was travelling and he had to continue on his way brother, that is why he didn't take him to his home. The good samaritan would be considered a worldly person on his way, but stopped to help. The other two passed on by, even going to the other side of street to pass him by was holy people. Go read that one again. I believe God gonna show u more. Amen

Hi, rag for a crown,
thanks for expanding my understanding regarding 'the good Samaritan' I shall see it in a different light from now on. I don't believe, however that the difference detracts from main premise of my reasoning, and that is; Christians need a place where they can recuperate from the damage done from skirmishes with the enemy. As for what Spirit I hear when I seek guidance; It is the Spirit that brings to mind scriptures that diffuses spiritual voices that attack me, that lead me to scriptures that comfort those who are in distress and fills me when I need reassurance. I don't believe Satan would do that. Bless you.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greetings, what is born of the flesh is flesh, what is born of the spirit is spirit...what spirit do u hear speaking when helping them? One absorbed in the Spirit is peculiar. Amen. Yes do what we can, they need God more than the dollar; don't cast ur pearls b4 the swine to be trampled under their feet. . So they know God and fellowship has been such a blessing...help ur brother or sister with what they need. Fill my motorcycle tank up so i can continue.

The good samaritan was travelling and he had to continue on his way brother, that is why he didn't take him to his home. The good samaritan would be considered a worldly person on his way, but stopped to help. The other two passed on by, even going to the other side of street to pass him by was holy people. Go read that one again. I believe God gonna show u more. Amen

Greetings

Good point @rag4acrown1, may I add a similar situation for consideration.

Today so many people go to church buildings, once a week, some more, but pray and worship and fellowship together 'inside those walls'

Jesus went to the Temple regularly to teach, The Truth in The Word, to the misguided Jews at that time. But the majority of His teaching and ministry was not inside the walls of the Temple, it was outside the walls.

Jesus, during His Ministry, didn't go home to sleep (often), but instead stayed with disciples, Lazarus or even in the olive groves. It is therefore true to say, He also never took people home, He ministered, He healed, He taught and moved on, travelling from place to place.

As for the Samaritans, there is a little more to the message, the Samaritans were not liked by the Jews, they married different religions and the Gentiles! The Samaritans were Jews, but due to their practices were rejected and classed as unclean. John 4 comes to mind, the woman at the well was a Samaritan, she knew of the coming Christ, she was amazed how Jesus knew everything about her, the disciples were certainly taken back that Jesus was speaking as he did with a Samaritan, a Samaritan woman.

Interesting subject.


Blessings

 

[Dave M]

The Good Samaritan



Mat:5/38-42. You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
When we read these words, we understand that we have to be there for those in need and forgive those who treat us poorly. I have followed these teachings for many years, often with damaging results. I have on many occasions invited people into my home when they have had nowhere to stay, often to my regret, as they found fault with my faith and way of life, this, on many occasions, in front of my children who I encourage in the ways of Jesus. It wasn’t until I read the story of the good Samaritan that things changed. I’d read the story many times, but on one occasion the Spirit encouraged me to look more deeply into the story, where I noticed that the good Samaritan didn’t take the one he helped home, he took him to an inn and had him taken care of. We are called to come out from among them, to be separate, because we are not of the same realm as the people of the world. We don’t believe the same things, they are worldly. We are spiritual. The two don’t mix, we are called to be the salt that the world needs, but we are also told, that if the salt loses its saltiness then it becomes worthless. I believeat if we don’t heed the call to come out from among them, then we become in danger of having our understandings watered down by worldly understandings, reducing our value as ministers. We are of the kingdom of heaven and we must never forget this.

Blessings

man this is great, I have struggled with what to do with the homeless people I see on the streets for a long time when I became born again. At first I just gave them money and thought I was good, but then I thought and felt guilty of why I dont take them home, I have room, but I never could do it. As I thought more and more about this I realized I needed to offer them long term help not quick money although nothing wrong with blessing someone with a quick cash donation. So now what I do is most of the time is, I have a bag prepared that I hand then, in the bag is food, a bible tract, and Information of local ministries for the homeless that get people back on there feet the ministries are Christ centered.

Recently I saw a old lady on the corner with a sign, I went way out of my way and turned around to come and give her a bag, and she refused it saying she only wanted money, some people dont want real help.

 

[B-A-C]

Mat:5/38-42. You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

This is a great passage, and I agree with all you say here... but the story of the good Samaritan isn't in Matt 5.
It is at Luke 10:25-37;

 

[rag4acrown1]

Hi, rag for a crown,
thanks for expanding my understanding regarding 'the good Samaritan' I shall see it in a different light from now on. I don't believe, however that the difference detracts from main premise of my reasoning, and that is; Christians need a place where they can recuperate from the damage done from skirmishes with the enemy. As for what Spirit I hear when I seek guidance; It is the Spirit that brings to mind scriptures that diffuses spiritual voices that attack me, that lead me to scriptures that comfort those who are in distress and fills me when I need reassurance. I don't believe Satan would do that. Bless you.

Bless u my brother, i love the Spirit...yes. Brother, always try the Spirit that speaks. Ole Satan is a professional; he knows the Word to. But, he will not confess Jesus came in the flesh, and he likes to twist the Word a little. I encourage growth in God, and if I can help someone to not make the mistakes Ive made and now have revelation knowledge of I will speak as the Holy Spirit leads me. Amen.

 

[Trevor]

man this is great, I have struggled with what to do with the homeless people I see on the streets for a long time when I became born again. At first I just gave them money and thought I was good, but then I thought and felt guilty of why I dont take them home, I have room, but I never could do it. As I thought more and more about this I realized I needed to offer them long term help not quick money although nothing wrong with blessing someone with a quick cash donation. So now what I do is most of the time is, I have a bag prepared that I hand then, in the bag is food, a bible tract, and Information of local ministries for the homeless that get people back on there feet the ministries are Christ centered.

Recently I saw a old lady on the corner with a sign, I went way out of my way and turned around to come and give her a bag, and she refused it saying she only wanted money, some people dont want real help.

Dave, I am a street musician and I used to play outside a store in Carlisle, Cumbria, UK. Outside the store were benches where the wine drinkers used to congregate. Occasionaly one would ask me for enough money for a can of drink, I'd let them help themselves to their need from my guitar case, they never took liberties, they only took the price of their can and then continue to sit and listen to my music and call out their favourite tunes. Many of the local Christians would accuse me of encouraging these men to drink. Drink to an alcoholic is their need, if they don't get it they suffer pain, so I didn't feel bad about it. Anyway, one Christmas, I was having a bad day, I had only earned £13 and Christmas was apon us. I prayed, Lord you created everything and can even send someone to a fish to find money in its mouth, could you bless me with some money for Christmas. Within ten minutes a man came up to me and put two £50 notes into my guitar case. The man who did this was one of the wine drinkers, who's father had died, leaving him a legacy, he owned a second hand car lot. 3 months later I met him begging in London and had to help him out. I'm a street person, street people are a family and many prefer the company of their own kind, to people who, would never, or could never, understand them. However, a tenner every now and then lets them know that someone cares. Bless you Dave

 

[rag4acrown1]

Amen brother. The preacher wont go out to them. They wont help those out thats in their own congregation. Not without repaying the debt and maybe personal self gain on the side.
God said to freely give, because i have freely given it to u.
They all want they pay.
When we gonna see more of Him and His righteousness, and less of us?
Why cant love be everywhere, undeniable; after all, a church house on every corner. Sure is quiet out here.

 

[Trevor]

Amen brother. The preacher wont go out to them. They wont help those out thats in their own congregation. Not without repaying the debt and maybe personal self gain on the side.
God said to freely give, because i have freely given it to u.
They all want they pay.
When we gonna see more of Him and His righteousness, and less of us?
Why cant love be everywhere, undeniable; after all, a church house on every corner. Sure is quiet out here.
[

Thanks for sharing this Brother @Trevor
It reminds me of this Scripture "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
I think your situation would have been different had they been believers who were in need. Which isn't always available to them. We have a sister in Christ here who in seeking help from homelessness, and no coat in the winter was told by another sister at church that they would pray for her, but offered nothing else.

At times it hard to figure out what way is the right way, and when I hear stories like the one above, it saddens me greatly. The best I've figured is that I pray, and pray some more for what is best to do in these types of situations. Though I do as a preacher does, and give monies when I can to those who are with signs proclaiming their needs even if its only a dollar. If I can I will even pray for them personally as I did a month or so ago for a veteran. After doing so, he told me that it was worth more then the money he had received! All Glory and Praise to the Father, for having moved my Spirit to do so for I was on my way to my car when I felt moved to turn around and go back to him after having given him money.

If possible, when one is professing hunger. Take that extra bit of time and go and buy them something to eat. It will be a blessing for both! Again thanks for sharing brother. You have a servants heart, which is a rare one in these days and times. God bless you and yours.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

 

[Trevor]

Thanks for sharing this Brother @Trevor
It reminds me of this Scripture "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16
I think your situation would have been different had they been believers who were in need. Which isn't always available to them. We have a sister in Christ here who in seeking help from homelessness, and no coat in the winter was told by another sister at church that they would pray for her, but offered nothing else.

At times it hard to figure out what way is the right way, and when I hear stories like the one above, it saddens me greatly. The best I've figured is that I pray, and pray some more for what is best to do in these types of situations. Though I do as a preacher does, and give monies when I can to those who are with signs proclaiming their needs even if its only a dollar. If I can I will even pray for them personally as I did a month or so ago for a veteran. After doing so, he told me that it was worth more then the money he had received! All Glory and Praise to the Father, for having moved my Spirit to do so for I was on my way to my car when I felt moved to turn around and go back to him after having given him money.

If possible, when one is professing hunger. Take that extra bit of time and go and buy them something to eat. It will be a blessing for both! Again thanks for sharing brother. You have a servants heart, which is a rare one in these days and times. God bless you and yours.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

I'm sorry I haven't answered your post before Christ4ever, but I've only just figured out how to separate the post that yours was attached to. As you said you were moved to go back, that's what it's all about, following the leading of the Spirit. Would that it would happen to us more often. I live for the touch of the Spirit, He is our life, our helper, our counselor. and our proof of who we are. We should always thank and praise him for blessing us with his presence. Bless you, Trevor.

 

[Trevor]

Amen brother. The preacher wont go out to them. They wont help those out thats in their own congregation. Not without repaying the debt and maybe personal self gain on the side.
God said to freely give, because i have freely given it to u.
They all want they pay.
When we gonna see more of Him and His righteousness, and less of us?
Why cant love be everywhere, undeniable; after all, a church house on every corner. Sure is quiet out here.

I'm sorry rag4acrown, but I've only just figured out how to separate Your post from Christ4evers, The time is fast approaching when the 'living stones' spoken of in 1 Peter 2:5 will, to survive, have to separate from the abomination of denominations and bond with other 'living stones' to form the true Church, it won't be in buildings, it will more than likely be in one another's homes and in the last days, we will likely be in hiding. I believe the mark of the beast will separate he true Church from the established church who will likely label the 'living stones' some kind of cult. But that's just the way I see it. Bless you. Trevor

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greetings all

Luke 10:25-37

This section of scripture has enough in it for many, many sermons, depending which view point the reader chooses to follow.

The part that hits me most, and I am sure we will all see things from a different prospective, is the Samaritan himself. It is easy, I am sure we all agree, to point a finger at the Priest and Levite, and with good reason, but how many of us from time to time have an appointment, or are in a rush to get somewhere and that takes priority. I am sure we have all been guilty at some time, I have.

Although one would expect the Priest or Levite to be the most obvious to help, in this message they weren't, the Samaritan was. This was some Samaritan though, he has wine with him, he also has olive oil and bandages with him, was he a doctor, had he just been shopping, or probably these were for himself should something happen, should he fall, whatever the reason we know he was ready in himself and his heart to help who ever needed help and an opportunity soon arrived to test him. This was a Samaritan, which the Jews despised, that came to the aid of this poor battered, bleeding man. Jesus often used people and situations to make a point, he often used the most unlikely of people to make a point, always pointing to the Father's will and love for one another regardless of who the other person may be.

Jesus tells us, A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

This man was in a bad way, he had been stripped and beaten, he was as we read, half dead. Look at the things this Samaritan had with him, wine which was used to heal the wounds due to it's alcohol content, he had olive oil which I understand was used to easy pain and was used widely by Jews and Greeks at that time, he also had bandages, enough bandages to cover all the beating he had endured and protect the wounds of this poor man.

The Samaritan put the hurting man on his donkey and he himself walked, it must have been some way to the inn, some way to walk, as it was the next day that he gave the inn keeper money to look after the poor man. The Samaritan had a good heart, he was ready for what ever situation arose, so he could help whoever he came across who may be in need, but he also went the other mile. He was a busy man, probably with an appointment or expecting to be at a certain place at a certain time, it didn't stop him helping others, he down tools as it were and gave everything he could to help another.

Jesus never rejected any that came to him or needed help, it didn't matter who they were, or where they were from, who they thought they were or what background they belong to. Jesus never despised the Samaritans, the Jews despised them, in fact Jesus was later seen talking with a Samaritan lady at a well to the shock of His disciples. This Samaritan did everything and more, and he expected nothing in return.

Who is our neighbour? Our neighbour is who ever we meet, where ever we meet them, everyone we come in contact with, face to face or online, those are our neighbours, regardless of looks, regardless of age, sex, tongue or belief.

Blessings.