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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: smerka ::: During my many years as a Christian it has been my observation that budget problems in a church generally are the result of tithing problems among its members, which in turn are indicative of spiritual problems. It is these spiritual problems that cry out and need to be addressed. To the extent that the sheep are fed the temporal needs are met. In a spiritually healthy church there is no need to stage chicken barbeques and jewelry sales in order to meet the fiscal needs of the body of Christ. I am a member of a large and growing church in which Christ is exalted and the word of God is preached. It has no need to drum up schemes to raise money. It meets its internal budget with ease and has a large surplus every year that is generously and joyfully given to fund missionary work beyond its borders. Spiritual malaise may or may not be characteristic of your church, but it might very well bear looking into. Is it a prayerful, Christ-centered church where the gospel is preached in it fullness and purity every Lord's day? --Hank |