National Fine Arts 2011!

This year at district fine arts in the category of short sermon Sr. I received a scoring of 37.33 a superior with invitation.

At national fine arts in the same category, with the same sermon I received a scoring of 35.33 an excellent.

I hope it challenges you, and you can find some encouragement in the word God gave me for this years competition.

Mark 2

If Mark 2 were a gold mine you wouldn’t have to dig very deep to find the gems. During the dig you encounter many details, which answer many questions.

Three to be specific, the first is this: How Can You Know Your Faith in Jesus is Real?

Mark 2:1-4 “When Jesus had come back home many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.

They came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.

Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.”

We don’t know who these four men are. But I tell you this; they’re some of the most faithful examples of what it looks like to love someone.

I want to point out a key phrase in vs3 “And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd“ -“they were unable to get to him.”

That’s the greatest frustration for every person who knows there is a God. Their inability to feel connected to him.

From the moment the Garden of Eden closed to the moment when Jesus arrived on earth, mankind continued to struggle with getting close to God.

He was there, and they were trying to get to him. And they had a friend who had a need.

Sometimes faith will compel us to care about other people more then we care about ourselves.

Out of love they were compelled with faith.

Their love for their friend and belief that Jesus was the answer compelled them to use their hands and feet.

They carried him to the house, it’s so full they cant get to the door.

But they knew Jesus was inside.

So they created this hole in the roof to drop their friend down to Jesus.

Faith produces actions that are geared on getting to Jesus NOW,

“…I will show you my faith by my works."

They didn’t quit. They had to carry him to Jesus. Because getting to Jesus is the only thing that matters when you’re broken.

The second question is this: What Is Jesus Reaction To Our Faith?

In that moment he noticed them. Mark 2:5 “seeing their faith he said to the paralytic my son your sins are forgiven.”

In the room were the Pharisees and Scribes who were monitoring everything Jesus did to find out if it was kosher, if it was Old Testament savvy. And Jesus says, your sins are forgiven.

This is the only place in the gospels where Jesus deals with the spiritual need before the physical. Every other time he feeds them, or heals them, and then challenges them spiritually, in this case he goes right to the sin.

The Pharisees were on fire because here is this guy, who claims to be the Son of God, going around forgive people of their sin.

See Jesus was being surrounded by logic when he was looking for faith.

Vs. 8 “Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them…Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'?” What Jesus was posing is, you wont believe in my authority in till I show you the visible action, but by doing so your going to realize I’m exactly who you don’t want to believe I am.

So what happens when faith and Jesus meet?

Vs. 10-11"But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic, "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home."

Jesus said, “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home” What has this guy wanted to do since the day his legs stopped working? He wanted to stand up and walk home.

You think it took just a bit of faith to think it would work now when it’s never worked before?

Do you know how many people in the church tried one time and think that God isn’t competent because their one effort didn’t match their expectations.

Jesus looked at a man who spent years on a pallet and he said, “get up and walk” that guy had tried to get up and walk everyday of his life. It’s his hearts desire, but the key was that he believed that Jesus fixed him. Jesus never touched him, but he saw his faith.

When God sees your faith he’s going to give you power. Vs12, “the man arose immediately took up his pallet and went out… they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this”

My last question is this: Are You a Carrier of Faith or Are You a Critic?

If you’ve been saved by Jesus Christ, is it not your objective to see those laying around broken and hurting and take them to Jesus?

See when God sent his son to earth, he sent him with power, with authority. And when Christ died on the cross for you and I. The Holy Spirit came to give us, that authority.

The Pharisees had that authority, but instead of using it to benefit others, they were only using it benefit themselves.

Now we can go to church every Sunday, go down to the alter; get filled with the presence of God. But what if he did more than that?

What if you allowed God to give you the opportunity to use that authority he has given you?

Are we carriers or critics? Because when we walk out of this room we are going to encounter people who have lain broken for far too long.

God has given us the authority to use every moment as an opportunity to be compelled by love, to bind up the broken hearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, to bring dead to life.

If we live in this authority the world will see and begin glorify God saying, “We have never seen anything like this”

Desert Wandering

Numbers 10-15

The importance of Israel’s actual departure from the mountain is underscored by the date in 10:11 (“on the twentieth day of the second month of the second year” since their rescue from Egypt). The divine cloud rose over the tabernacle and Israel set out. Moses was overjoyed at the scene and prayed (vs.35). But unfortunately this is only a prelude to failure.

The Israelites had trouble all along the way. Chapter 11 sets the unfortunate tone for the next several chapter “Now when the people complained in hearing the Lord about their misfortunes, the Lord heard it and his anger was kindled”
The Israelites had complained from the moment they left Egypt about lack of food in the desert. So God had miraculously provided, but their rebellious attitude resulted in desert fires and plagues.
There is something ironic about the Israelites complaining over their desert diet and longing for the food of Egypt.
Had they forgotten they were slaves in Egypt? Is it possible they had so quickly forgotten how God had rescued them from severe pain and suffering? How could they rebuff his guidance? Their complaints were far more serious than merely whining about food.
The Israelites had inner attitude of rebellion, they were prone to reject God’s provisions and leadership for their lives, even after his miracles and deliverance from Egypt and provisions for their needs along the way.
As the Israelites left Hazaroth and moved farther into the desert of Paran, it was obvious they were not willingly following the Lord. Their destination was the Promised Land. But were they capable of following the promise?

Lord, is there any hidden rebellion in my life? Am I capable of following your will?

Israel’s ultimate failure was her refusal to enter the Promised Land when God offered it. When God commanded Moses to send spies into the Promised Land, he intended this reconnaissance mission to prepare Israel for conquering the land. God was already in the process of “giving” the land to his people.
But the spies brought back mixed report. The majority opinion was the task was impossible (apparently Joshua and Caleb were the only ones to demur, 14:6-8). When they heard report, incredibly, the Israelites regretted ever leaving Egypt.
Disaster was narrowly averted when God appeared at the tabernacle in all of His glory and Moses interceded for the people.
As punishment for their distrust and disobedience, the Lord declared that everyone 20yrs and older would die in the desert. They would never see the Promised Land!

Lord, am I accepting all you have to give me?

The next chapters tell us little about events of those years.
They don’t relate the course of the Israelites travels nor any particular timetable for traveling, as the author did for the rest of the book.
Instead, these chapters contain laws the Israelites were to obey once they were in Canaan and a few selected stories of failure and disobedience.
The location of the laws on offering to be observed in Canaan is curious.
The movement from the previous chapter to these cultic and ritualistic laws seems abrupt, and I wonder why they are here instead of Leviticus. But coming immediately after the revolt in Kadash these laws may be intended as a striking statement that God’s purposes would continue, with or without Moses’ generation of Israelites. They had refused to obey God’s direction to enter and occupy the land. They were going to die in the desert. But God intended these laws for worship, and their children were to learn them in anticipation of that future day when they would live in Canaan-a day that would certainly come.

Lord, I know your plan is going to happen with or without me. Give me a heart of obedience and willingness to follow your call on my life. Whatever it may be. Amen

National Fine Arts 2010!

What a trip! It was really a blessing being able to go to NFAF in Detroit this year. Not only was it a great time of ministering and developing our God given gifts. But as a group we all became a lot closer. And some much needed healing took place between friendships. It was a powerful week. And I cant wait for Phoenix next year!

At districts in 2010 I got a 39 out of 40
At Nationals with the same sermon I got 36 out of 40

A lot better then last year lol What do you think?





Galatians: How are you saved?

Galatians is the earliest letter we have from the apostle Paul.
And it holds the two most important key arguments for the entire first century church and today.

Galatians 1:6-8 &10 (New American Standard Bible)

6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

The first important key on top of the table is simply this:
1. How are we saved?

Paul is quick to call out the Galatians on how they are saved, verse 6 says;
6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel.

Paul asking the Galatians the same question that we need to ask today. Does the cross of Christ alone save you? Or are you saved by the cross PLUS something else.
It’s a huge question, and most churches at some point will add something else to the cross, some obligation that you have to fulfill.

Some people come from a tradition that says. You are saved by the cross, plus not using instrumental music. Some say, you are saved by the cross, plus not drinking or smoking, and going to church every Sunday and giving tithes. Some come from the tradition that says you are saved be the cross plus rosary beads.
Something always seems to be added.

See, Paul went to the regions of Galatia on his first missionary journey, and the names of the churches he’s writing to are Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derby.

We know this because Acts 13-14 tells the story of Paul planting churches in these areas, we even have recorded part of Paul’s first public sermon, you can read it yourself, but pretty much what happens was the Jews were trying to add circumcision to the cross and the people of Antioch are going crazy over how Paul was trying to correct them.

He goes in to the synagogue and says to the Jews “The Messiah has come” and they all went “YEYY!!!” And then he comes back the next week and the place is packed with people and there saying “Tell us more, tell us more” so he says “ok, last week I said the messiah has come” and all the Jews are like “YEY!!!” and then he’s say “This week I’m telling you the messiah is not just for Jews, he’s for ALL people!” and all the gentiles in the crowed went “YEY!!” and all the Jews went “Say what?!”

Whenever the church gets too big that we don’t all look alike problems begin to take place just like the controversy between the Jews and Gentiles.
So the first key argument on top of the table is “how are we saved” and the second key argument underneath the table is

2. “Who gets to run the church?”

Too many times we begin to think we are more fit to run the church then the Holy Spirit.

After Paul left, the Jewish rabies were going in and saying, we are saved by the cross plus circumcision.

Look, whenever some one starts adding something to the cross, it’s for them. So that they can maintain control.

When Paul goes back a second week to Antioch and they ran him out of town. He continues to travel around, but the political power keeps having him thrown out of the towns. At one point he even gets stoned and nursed back to health by some local Christians. One thing after another keeps happening. But he continues to reach out to these people.

When we go back to Galatians ch. 1, where later Paul gives his testimony, he sounds a little angry. He’s telling them, you know me; I was a persecutor of the church. I was heading to Damascus; I had letters of extradition in my hand. I had beat up men and women, thrown them in jail. I had killed people!
And then I took a 180. Why? Because Jesus appeared to me.
Paul says my own life is my testimony!
Have these Judaizers suffered for you? Did these Judaizers get stoned for you? Did these Judaizers risk their lives for you? I’m telling you, I gave my life for you people.

He says in chapter 6:17
“17From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.”
He had been beaten with rods, he had been thrown in prison, he had been stoned, he had all kinds of scares for these churches. He’s saying, I love you church. And the reason Paul sounds so angry here is because, he loved the church so much there and felt betrayed. And some guy coming in trying to change the gospel because it’s convenient for them. That’s not gonna fly with Paul.

He summarizes the core of the gospel as early as chapter 1 vs. 4. Starting in vs. 3 it says:
“3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.”

Paul says you can lose your salvation, and if you do it will be because of your attempt to save yourself. Rather trusting in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Don’t get me wrong, its good to have goals, and try to live your life to glorify God.
But those actions are not what saves you.
You cannot pay for your sins. All the legalism, all the self-righteousness, all the earning and points to God, all that heresy will kill you.
Christ CHANGED EVERYTHING when he died on the cross for us.
Lets stop being part of the problem.
Lets grab a hold of his truths, and start letting our lives glorify Christ instead of ourselves.

Fine Arts Short Sermon Extraordinary

Sunday I will be leaving for Detroit Michigan for Nation Fine Arts Festival.

I’m doing a Short sermon.

When I get back and know my score and stuff I will post it.

But for now I thought it would be fun to look at my sermon from last year.

This is the Scoring Scale for Fine Arts

-27 Excellent

28-35 Superior

36-40 Superior with Invitation to Nationals

My score was 33.67

What do you think about it?

Changing Humility into Extraordinary

1. One of God’s primary requirements for his people is for us to be humble.

Micah 6:8 says “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God.”

· The definition of humility is the state of being humble, and free from pride.

· I think it takes an extraordinary person to have humility in this day in age. And I’m pretty sure we can all agree that the greatest example of humility is the extraordinary person Christ is. None of us deserve the sacrifice Christ made for us. Humbling himself to a sinner’s death on the cross. Humility is more than just being free from pride. Humility is being completely unaware of yourself because you’re consumed by thoughts of serving God and others.

Philippians 2:3-4 says “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others.”

2. Our humility before God is tested in or humility before others

· “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

· People today need more than a sermon, they need someone to come alongside them and lend a helping hand that reflects the love of Christ. There can be a lot of sacrifice that goes into humility; Christ sacrificed being separated from the father to living an earth life.

· Sacrifice looks different for each person, it could be sacrificing your time, or your money, it might even mean getting out of your comfort zone and speaking to people you wouldn’t usually speak to. It could be any number of things.

· When I think of people who sacrifice things everyday and humble themselves, I think of the leaders in our churches. For example I think of my youth pastor, Pastor Jason. He sacrifices so much time to spend with us crazy teenagers, sometimes he thinks he still is one. He and Amy both sacrifice so much time and effort in making sure that we’re taken care of.

3. We must find joy in humility

Philippians 4:4 says “ rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

· A lot of people don’t really think about the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion or feeling. Joy is a perspective and attitude of a lifestyle. Someone who is able to find joy in humility is unshakably optimistic. No matter what comes their way.

The end of Nehemiah 8:10 “…do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”

· When we see others facing tough times and yet holding on to their joy, it’s a powerful example of how true and unshakable the joy of the Lord can be found in our relationship with God.

· Someone who practice humility and yet is still joyful can be considered extraordinary.

4. The extraordinary acts of Christ

John 13:4-5 says “So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

· Through Christ’s acts of service, he humbled himself to wash the disciples feet. Jesus clearly states that we are to serve; we are to show humility in our walk with Christ. We are not to boast about what we have done, but we should practice humility in everything we do.

· Everyday we are challenged in some way to be more like Christ. And if one of Christ’s greatest attributes was to be a servant then why should ours be any different? Humility teaches us servant hood, and with that we see how extraordinary we can be by humbling ourselves just as Christ did.

Dear Jesus,

You gave us the ultimate example of service. Even though you’re the Son of God, you stooped down to help those in need.

Help us to have your eyes, that we might see the need.

Help us to have your hands, that we might meet the need. And help us to have your heart, that our love would be an extension of your heart.

God, I want to carry out your will in my life. I want to make a difference for you.

But I realize that I am powerless without your help. On my own, my attempts will always fall short.

Empower me, empower your church by your Holy Spirit. That we might hear your voice and do your will. Amen.

Your Job as a Stranger

In Matthew 25 Jesus lists 6 types of people, the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison. We are obligated to love them if we are going to heaven with him.

Lets get practical, If we are going live like strangers in this world. We have to come to 3 realizations. Ask yourself this, what are you about? Lets not create a moment, but a lifestyle.
You have to come to 3 realizations.

#1. We think that those that have, have because of what they do. After all, you go to work and if you advance its because you work hard.
Those that have money. Imagine they have money because they are wise stewards. Those that have nice houses. Put hard work into them.
And there is enough truth to allow you to live in that mirage for the rest of your life. But here’s the truth. You have what you have because of when and where you where born. And you have nothing to do with that. I would guess that 90% is because you had good parents. And you were born in an extraordinary time and place. You can’t brag about that.
You can’t say that what you have is primarily because of your good effort. Its because of a gift form God. And if you begin to understand that, that its not from what you earned, but a gift that which you are a steward. It will change the way you handle it. It becomes an opportunity to you, to reach out to other people.

#2. Those who have not, have not, not because of their choices, but because of the hand they’ve been dealt. Now I’m going be the last person to take away personally responsibility from an individual. You have to take responsibility for your actions. In till you live up to your choices you will never conquer your addictions.
But I also know this, and I’ve said it before… Most of the time when I judge someone its because I don’t know their story. And people, who are unlovely, are not unlovely because they are unlovable, but because they are unloved…Benevolence is worth it!

God’s perfection in the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison is shown in and through love. Our job as strangers in this world, as God’s children, is to show His love and bring glory to His name in everything that we do.

Who can you show a little extra love to this week?

Comfort for the Stranger

According to Scripture, God's people, should always feel somewhat out of place in this world. They ought to feel like strangers, pilgrims, aliens, like "ducks out of water," out of their proper environment. The Psalmist said, "I am a stranger on earth" (Psalm 119:19a). The phrase, "wherever I lodge," in verse 54, literally means: "in my temporary house." According to Hebrews 11, the "heroes of the faith" "admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth" (verse 13).

As strangers in the world, we are disturbed by many things. Our own mortality can be distressing. Children grow up and parents grow old. Life is going by rapidly. Also distressing is the fact that bad things happen to basically good people, to God's people.

The Psalmist was well aware of his weakness and frailty. In the Psalms we read of both high and low points in the life of faith. Like the Psalmist, there are times when, spiritually speaking, we feel like we could "soar with the eagles." And a short time later, Our own instability can be distressing.

Whether we observe it or experience it, we know that life is simply unfair. Injustice occurs every day, in all aspects of human life. The problems of the world seem so overwhelming that we are tempted to just throw up our hands in despair.

But strangers in the world are not alone in the world. In one Bible version, Psalm 119:49-56 is entitled: "God's Word is my comfort and guide whatever the circumstances." The Psalmist wrote, "My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life" (119:50). "I remember your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them" (verse 52). He found comfort not only in Scripture, but in Scripture's Author: "You have given me hope" (verse 49).

in an imperfect world filled with imperfect people problems are inevitable, so don't expect too much.

There are times in your lives when bruised knees or broken dreams have brought tears to your eyes. You have probably experienced how some people can be downright nasty or unkind. Maybe you yourselves said or did something that made you feel bad, that gave you a guilty conscience. Life simply isn't fair. Some people have great beauty or brains, health or wealth, while our portion seems rather small. Diseases and accidents happen to both believers and unbelievers. The Bible reminds us that while life may be unfair at times and people might be unkind,

God is always just and loving.

Peter reminds his readers that they are "God's elect, strangers in the world...who have been chosen" (I Peter 1:1, 2). Being God's chosen people does not keep us from life's storms, but it is our security in life's storms. Another Psalmist reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." When we are in the midst of a "storm," we usually ask God to calm it. The sea around us might be raging but in our hearts there can be the peace of God.

Psalm 4 says: "Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him" (verse 3). We need to know that we are children of God. The awareness of God's presence helped Jacob on his way (Genesis 28:12ff). Once he was alone under the stars, running for his life, when he saw a stairway with angels on it. He woke up and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.... How awesome is this place!" Then he continued his journey.

If only we could live each moment of every day with that awareness, thinking: "Surely the Lord is in this place and in my life. Because of that, How awesome is this place, and how awesome is life itself and eternal life!" Even though you might feel out of place at times, feel as though you don't belong, you do belong to your Savior.

Because you belong to him, live for him. Peter writes: "I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul" (I Peter 2:11). Abstaining is not a very popular concept. But it’s your God, your Savior, who says: "Abstain from sinful desires." He does not want us to lose the battle for our souls.

It is hard enough to abstain from sinful words and actions, how can we abstain from sinful desires? Perhaps we can't keep inappropriate thoughts from crossing our minds from time to time, but we can keep them from staying there. We can't prevent them from using the road, but we can put up "No Parking" signs, and we can enforce that rule.

Peter urges us to live good lives among those who don't believe (I Peter 2:12). Many people are concerned about treasures on earth, God’s children should desire spiritual riches. We should be thankful for what we have, not angry or bitter about what we do not have. We should confess and repent of our faults, but not be obsessed with them. We know we have physical, mental, emotional, financial limitations. We accept God's love and forgiveness, and do our best.

Hopefully we, God's children, never waste our time wishing for things that others have, Hopefully we realize how beautiful and special we are in the eyes of God and in the eyes of those who love us. Hopefully we enjoy ourselves, our lives, our Lord, and develop the unique gifts he has given us. Hopefully we seek first God's kingdom and God's will for our lives. Hopefully we will be the best that we can be, for God's glory and for our own good.

Abraham was a great man of faith, who interceded for Sodom and rescued Lot. Like Abraham, Peter urges believers to make a difference in this world. All of us are called to fulfill our part of the Great Commission. Many of us have been strangers at some time in our lives, newcomers to a certain city or community. After living for awhile in a place, people usually become more and more comfortable. They adjust, and may even adopt some of the customs and traditions of their new home. In time, they no longer feel like strangers.

Yet Scripture warns us not to become too comfortable here on earth. The Bible does not promise us comfortable lives. It teaches us that our lives on earth are temporary, and that, spiritually speaking, even when we are in the world we are not of it. It informs us of the comfort that comes from knowing that we belong to Jesus.

Who's A Stranger?

We look at strangers as the awkward weird kid a school. Or that homeless woman living on the streets. Jesus had read the word stranger over 100 times in the OT or its cousin Alien.
And all those passages had one of two emphases on them.

#1 If you have an alien living among you they need to live like you.
So if a group of Jewish people stop working come Friday night, if your living with them your supposed to stop working too.
If you get to the temple and the Jews are making sacrifice in a particular way. You’ve got to follow the pattern.
If you are going to live among us, you better live like us. Only exception is you can eat bacon. We don’t care about that. Your a Gentile, oy vey!

#2 God kept saying you’ve got to care for the aliens among you. And out of the dozens of passages we could turn to, I just want to leave you with one
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”

Three categories of people are mentioned in this text. Orphans, widows, and aliens. This trilogy is consistent throughout the old testiment that Jesus read.
Even Jesus’ Half brother James wrote a little book in the NT In James chapter 1:26 he says pour and undefiled religion is ministering to orphans and widows in there distress. And keeping on with stand from the world.
Now He only mentioned two. Where did the strangers go for James? Was it like, Oh were Christians we don’t take care of strangers anymore? I think not! Put that in your pocket and save it for later.

James is missing one third of the trilogy. Vs.18 in Deuteronomy 24 “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.”

why did Jews take care of the aliens? God is saying you people where
strangers, you know what it was like to be put in slavery.
Your people where strangers, you know what its like to not be able to find a job, don’t do that to other people. You know what its like to be hungry, you know what its like to be naked, you know what its like to be abused, don’t do that to other people. Sound familiar?
Like “Do unto others like you would have them do unto you.”

So Jesus comes along and says look, you’ve got to take care of strangers. That’s as kosher as a dill pickle. He didn’t make that up. That’s Jewish.
How did they take care of strangers? Lets look at vs. 19”When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands”

Take a look at how many times the trilogy comes up. vs. 21”When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow.” Chapter26:13 “Then say to the LORD your God: "I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them.”
Its right to support the clergy. And the trilogy has just as much right o it as the Levites. Vs 11 “And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.”
If the trilogy keeps coming up, even in the sacred tithes, why does James miss one third of the trilogy. How come he says to take care of widows and orphans but doesn’t talk about the stranger? I think the clue is actually in Peter. 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.”
You need to understand who James was speaking to, and who peter was speaking to. these where Christians living in a roman world. They were the strangers and aliens.
To the Jews who came into there own land. You could say, do you remember where you lived? Who you used to be? If you remember that don’t treat the current strangers like that.
But in Peters world and in James world they where the aliens. They were the ones getting beat up, run out of town. They where the ones who couldn’t find a job.
And I would suggest, we fuss when we go a little bit without electricity, but we can go out and by a generator. We fuss a little bit when we don’t have running water, but we can still go buy bottled water. And even so, do you ever feel like your a stranger in this place?
I watch the news and I’m going “Am I really one of these people? Is this the world that I’m really leaving in?” Look we are described as Christians, aliens, and foreigners to this world.
So if someone else also fits that category, they belong. A homeless person belongs. Though they might not live like us (yet). They understand what its like to have people stare at them as they walk by. A prostitute belongs, because they know what its like to be used abused and lie’d too. They know what its like to be treated inappropriately by a culture that pushes them off to the margins. These people may not agree with you theologically (yet). They may not live like you morally (yet). But they understand something of what its like to be a Christian already, because they live counter culturally where they are. That’s theology.