This is the 18th sermon in a series of sermons through 1 & 2 Timothy. The following was recorded at Island Baptist Church in Beach Haven, NJ. Visit us on the web at www.hopeoflbi.com.

Opening your heart to charity in an age of deception can certainly complicate one's choices. Not all who claim to be needy are truly without means. A simple YouTube search produces a plethora of undercover videos exposing fraudulent claims of homelessness, helplessness, widowhood, and poverty. Your local church is uniquely positioned for abuse because we who follow Jesus are charged to be a source of benevolence to those who are truly in need. But what exactly is a church's responsibility toward orphans, widows and other vulnerable segments in our communities? Would it surprise you to know that the Apostle Paul wrote very explicit instructions to a young Pastor named Timothy about caring for the verifiably vulnerable? This message will shed light on a subject of major confusion for many believers.