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NASB | Matthew 21:12 ¶ And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 21:12 ¶ And Jesus entered the temple [grounds] and drove out [with force] all who were buying and selling [birds and animals for sacrifice] in the temple area, and He turned over the tables of the moneychangers [who made a profit exchanging foreign money for temple coinage] and the chairs of those who were selling doves [for sacrifice]. [Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:14-16] |
Bible Question: Annually, our church hosts a chicken barbeque supper to raise funds for some special project. Recently some ladies of the church had a "yard sale" at the church to raise money to purchase new bibles for the children. Additionally, one of our members plans on setting up a table to sell jewelry she makes. A portion of her profit will be given to the Church. In relation to to Matthew 21:12, I have a problem with all of this, especially the jewelry table. Please help. |
Bible Answer: Smeika: Welcome to the Forum! You ask a question that when I was a pastor, this was a subject of long study and prayer. Few churches have more than 10 percent of the members give on a regular basis. The avrage Christian gives less than 3 percent of their income to their church. So this presents a real problem for churches and how to budget their money. There always are more needs than money, and that's good, means more oppertunities for ministry. Unless someone steps up and wants to supply the Bibles as they feel the Lord directing them, then something has to be done. This seems like a real need, not just a want to do thing. Having a yard sale at the church is not forbidden, and your church is clearly is not able to increase the peoples giving. Why not allow the community of believers in other churches, and people of your town help? This could be a wonderful oppertunity to invite those who come to the church yard sale to your church. I have noticed that many of those who gripe about raising funds for the church in bake sales or yard events are often those who do not support the church in giving much money either. Ask yourself if people were so unwilling to give, so the church could have these Bibles budgeted, so no sales or money making out reaches would have been needed, why not have this fund raiser? Unless Christians will step up to the plate (offering plate that is) then God will allow Bibles or whaterver need the youth, or Missions, or church has, be taken care of this way. This situation is not unique to your church, and I hope this gives you a little more food for thought as to why this may be a good endevor. Blessings. justme |