Is there a positive purpose to poverty? Marty Martin shares his thoughts on the purpose of the poor, which he says is “the elevation of all humanity.”

The story of Lazarus and the rich man, told by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31, illuminates the idea that the opportunity to respond to people in poverty is actually an invitation from God.

Marty also responds to these other common questions.

• Can we use the story of Lazarus and the rich man to determine who is going to heaven?
• Are rich people forbidden from going to heaven?
• How are the poor elevated through their poverty?

Marty Martin serves with Food for the Hungry as Chief Operating Officer for the Global Service Center, Phoenix. Marty has over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, relief and development operations, and corporate management in Africa, Asia and North America. Trained as an Air Force pilot he also possesses a Masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Humanities degree from Colorado Christian University. Marty has been with Food for the Hungry since 2005.

In the message, Marty challenges listeners to become involved with Food for the Hungry. Check out some of the opportunities for involvement: church partnerships, sponsoring a child, running with FH World Sports, Hunger Corps (long-term service), and careers.

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When we walk with people living in poverty, communicating God’s love is one of the most important messages we bear. For those who feel forgotten by God and devalued by the world, the truth of God’s love can transform everything.

A beautiful truth about mankind is that God made us in His image. Genesis 1:26-27 puts it simply.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Being made in the image of God is good news! It’s a profound statement of the value of each person, and of God’s love for each of us.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be made in God’s image. Listen and find unexpected ways to say “I love you”–and surprising ways we might be undermining the message.

Mentioned in this episode:
A sermon from John Piper
Child sponsorship

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Get the tools you need for outreach with our free Theology of Poverty audio series. Start listening now.

This episode is the second in a series called “Laying the Foundation,” an update on the introductory episodes of Poverty Unlocked.

“’I just brought you the kingdom of God, and it’s a size 7 pair of shoes. But don’t thank me! Thank God…’ Does that strike anybody else as a pretty shallow kingdom?”

There is a difference between converts and disciples. Missional living is connected to wholistic ministry, but we need to make one step beyond living missionally. We discuss handing out food and shoes, and how to share Christ without undermining our message.

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This episode is the first in a series called “Laying the Foundation,” an update on the introductory episodes of Poverty Unlocked.

Poverty started in Genesis. It was solved by the Christ’s work on our behalf. Because of Christ’s work, poverty can be overcome today, and it will be completely solved when God brings about a new heaven and earth. Understanding the Biblical story of poverty helps us to understand how Christians should respond to injustice and worldwide needs.

Read Walking with the Poor by Bryant Myers to learn more about these foundational concepts.

Contact Wendy to request the new Poverty Unlocked 4-week curriculum for small groups and Sunday School classes.

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Isaiah prophesied of a Messiah who would rescue the poor. At Christmas, we celebrate this Messiah… or do we?

Scripture references in this episode

• Isaiah 9
• Psalm 23
• Matthew 11:28-30
• Isaiah 11:1-5
• Luke 4:16-21

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Ideas for getting past selfishness and self-absorption with our children.

God wants His people to “do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with (their) God.” (Micah 6:8) These principles are the opposite of our culture’s reality, where value is placed on possessions and exalting oneself. This episode offers principles and practical ideas for training up children with God’s heart for the poor.

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Dr. Amy Sherman shares “The Whole Truth, The Whole Gospel: Holistic Ministry in Your Community.” Recorded at Making All Things New 2007.

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Three New Year’s resolutions that will change the world – really.

Incorporate the end of world poverty into your list of New Year’s resolutions. Today’s broadcast covers three New Year’s resolutions you can make that will change the world.

1. Get involved with one family in poverty around you. (Proverbs 19:17)
2. Get to know God by defending the cause of the poor and needy.  (Jeremiah 22:13-16)
3. Advocate for the poor.  (Proverbs 31:8, 9)

Millennium Development Goals
How to keep your New Year’s resolutions

1. Make a declaration on paper
2. Set a deadline
3. Ask someone to keep you accountable

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In Isaiah 58, God promises to bless and guide those who serve the poor.

• Sins of commission vs. sins of omission
• Personal blessings and community blessings
• Answered prayer and guidance
• The spiritual discipline of fasting

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