[305 words]
In our country, there are varied views when it comes to beggars. Some people are sympathetic, desiring to help the beggar in some way and would like to attempt to alleviate their suffering. Others view the beggar with contempt and cynicism, believing that they are lazy scam artists. It is now commonplace to see beggars and panhandlers at local, busy intersections in town. But beggars on street corners with cardboard signs are not the only kind of beggars.
Another type of beggar is the begging preacher. Instead of begging and taking from others, the begging preacher pleads that others will take and receive the gifts of God. The Apostle Paul, as well as the other writers of the New Testament were begging preachers. Many times, they wrote begging and pleading to the Christians to be obedient to the Lord and live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Phil 1:27) Modern day preachers are begging preachers. Note the following:
• We Beg You to Listen to the Gospel Message (Acts 26:3)
• We Beg You to Repent or Spiritually Perish (Acts 8:22)
• We Beg You to be Baptized, Washing Away Your Sins (Acts 22:16)
• We Beg You to Study the Scriptures Daily (Acts 17:11)
• We Beg You to Abstain from Fleshly Desires (1 Peter 2:11)
• We Beg You to Attend Every Meeting of the Church (Heb. 10:25)
• We Beg You to Have a Benevolent and Giving Heart (Luke 3:11)
• We Beg You to Love One Another (2 John 5)
• We Beg You Not to Be Divided (1 Cor. 1:10)
• We Beg You Not to Receive God’s Grace in Vain (2 Cor. 6:1)
• We Beg You to be Reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20)
• We Beg You to Respond to the Lord’s Invitation (Matt 11:28-30)
Jay Launius
Maud Church of Christ
Maud, TX