Bible Questions and Answers

Browse all the questions that have been asked at thisisyourbible.com and see their answers, read the most recent questions and answers, or have a look at some prepared questions and answers on key Bible themes.

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(All quotations from the King James Version unless stated otherwise).

‘Charity begins at home’ is not a phrase found in scripture. I assume that the question is based on Governments giving large sums in Foreign Aid that many believe should be spent on ‘worthy causes’ at home. What this world’s Governments do with money raised by taxation is of no concern to one who has believed the gospel and been baptised into Christ.

Mark 12:17... Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s...

God is in control of this world’s governments and they will do whatever is necessary in the outworking of his plan and purpose. Foreign Aid may well play an important part in this. It is generally politically motivated.

Daniel 4:17... the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.

Those in Christ should be subject to the government’s decisions where they do not require us to disobey his commandments.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

In Christ we are baptised into one body and our nationality becomes irrelevant; we have our future inheritance in the promise made to Abraham.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles...

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Our kingdom is not of this present world.

John 18:36... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

We are to be in the world but not of it.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We seek the kingdom of God which is to come when Christ returns.

Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

We are commanded not to be ‘yoked’ with unbelievers but to come out from among them and be separate.

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

The charity spoken of in the Bible is the translation of the Greek word ‘agape’ which means ‘love’ that is divorced from emotion. ‘Charity’ is the love that God requires individuals in Christ to show to their fellow men, including those with whom there can be no emotional bond.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

The instruction to those in Christ is to do good to all men as we find opportunity.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Governments are free to do what they want to do with the money. We are bound by the love of Christ to express "charity" at every opportunity not just "at home."

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I hope you have found this helpful.

God bless you,

Glenn,