Jon writes:
A couple questions for the Christians on the board: How do you interpret these instructions (the ones quoted so far)? When Jesus says to 'sell what you have, and give to the poor', and 'do not worry about tomorrow', how do you take his message?
First, yes, the evidence shows that the early Christians were an apocalyptic cult that did expect an end, but not "the end of the world" type but rather a revolution. It's likely that at least during the period when the earlier texts that make up the new testament were written, the folk expected the revolution to come during their lifetime. As they grew older, both the timing and the very nature of the New World Order they imagined changed, first from being the rise of a New World Power that would be centered among the Jews in Jerusalem, to the over throw of Rome, then finally to some heavenly kingdom.
The second question is one I have always taken to heart. Don't worry about tomorrow, prepare and see each new day as a challenge, a chance to start afresh, a new beginning. Use the resources you acquire wisely, not just for your comfort but hopefully to help others.
Anyone so limited that they can only spell a word one way is severely handicapped!