Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Romans part 187 - Life in the Body 12

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Romans 12:13 contributing to the needs of the kedoshim, extending hospitality.

How do we live life in the body? We give generously to other parts of the body, and we all want our donations to count. I can't tell you how many prayer letters from ministries based in Israel I've received in the last 2 years, all asking for funds. I'm sure there are legitimate needs, but I can't help wondering which ones are simply using the war in Israel as their own latest fund raising campaign. Every follower of Yeshua has a calling to be generous, but not foolish. So, which are legitimate and which are not? The answer will come to each of us after much prayer and investigation.

I'm not telling you where to give, just offering my perspective. Our Scripture today specifically says "to the needs of the kedoshim." This means give so that believers will be blessed. Also, the first fruit tithe should be given to your local congregation.

Rabbi Trail: I rarely mention giving or tithing, yet Shomair Yisrael has a culture of giving with generosity. Earlier this year, Shomairians gave $10,000 to several affiliated ministries in Israel from funds that were raised during Passover (and similarly last year). Over the years, we have given more than $100,000 to our Tikkun affiliated brothers and sisters. Any of them are "safe" recipients of your gifts. We are closer to some than others, but we can whole-heartedly endorse them all. www.tikkunglobal.org/tikkunisrael End RT.

Before we finish for today, I regretfully feel compelled to speak of an organization that may not worthy of our generosity. Christians who love Israel and the Jewish people are to be commended for their giving attitudes toward Israel, but why not give to an organization that feeds both the soul and the body?

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews is exactly what they say they are, a fellowship of Christians and Jews. Look at their website from the link above. There is no evidence of a focus on sharing the gospel. They provide help with physical needs, but it is the gospel that will save a life. Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Pray about supporting those who minister to both body and soul.

I only want to point out that Christians are giving to them, and those gifts are enabling the IFCJ to stand against sharing the gospel with Jewish people. My hope and prayer is that believers will turn to put their resources into ministries that stand on the foundation of Yeshua and see fruit from sharing the Gospel. Shalom shalom.