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NASB | John 2:13 ¶ The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 2:13 ¶ Now the Passover of the Jews was approaching, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. |
Subject: is selling in a church building fine? |
Bible Note: Remember a lot of the ministry that is done is funded by the things that are sold. People who choose to buy them do so to allow the ministry (music, video or book)to continue. In the people I've seen, it's not just a preacher or choir trying to hock something but an avenue that allows them to continue sharing their gifts and inspirational word of God. You can look at it two ways. 1: God gave them a gift, a way to spread His word and a venue (CD, video etc) to fund the ministry. 2)Discernment may tell you this person is not annointed and he or she is in it to make a buck. In that case Jesus will someday overturn the tables of the moneychangers once again. As for Auctions or other events. God gave us the brains and critical thinking skills that allow us to raise funds. If we don't use them when they are placed before us, we may be foolish. We want to have faith but not blind faith. Remember God empowers us. Not all good things from God are Supernatural, spur of the moment donations and miracles. Some of his miracles appear in the everday empowerment of faithful human beings who are courageous enough to act in His will. If we see that an auction may raise money for the church while allowing someone to purchase something at a lesser price that they can afford...is that not God creating a victory for Himself in all things? If someone who is wealthy pays in excess for an item at an Auction that goes to the church to spread his Word, is that not too evidence of God creating something Good. We live in a free society where capitalism is the system. Render unto Caesar what is his...but should the church sit by, not trying to do His will because they're waiting for a miracle? Kind of like the flood victim who died faithful that God would save him. When He gets to heaven, he doesn't understand why he drowned. God said..I sent you a jeep a boat and a helicopter. The man refused all three, trusting God would deliver him from the flood. I agree that begging for the youth is not the answer. Teach them a work ethic, sacrifice and a little sweat. Anything worth getting should involve some type of sacrifice, time, money, effort) panhandling for youth camp is lazy, not service to God. |