I have always been a Christian, but I am not a regular church-goer. I work a lot on Sundays and this keeps me from being able to attend. Over the past few weeks, I have had some hardships in my life and because of this I am completely broke and alone and I don't know where I can turn other than to God. I want to take my children to church today, but I have no money for the offering plate. I do not want to go and not put anything in the basket if this is wrong. What do you think?
2007-06-03 02:54:53 · 17 answers · asked by i_just_wondering 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not at all. Go!
I'll put more in my envelope for you.
2007-06-03 02:59:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two points.
First, any congregation that's worth spending your Sunday morning with ought to be happy to have you and your family, whether you put money in the offering plate or not. There is no admission fee to church - to think that you would be made to feel unwelcome by Christians because you have nothing to give them seems horrendously out of place.
That said, it was demonstrated time and again in Scripture that giving when it is most painful reaps the greatest spiritual rewards. Whether it was the woman who made bread for Elijah using the last of her flour or the woman who dropped two pennies in the collection box with Jesus watching, a major point of Scripture is the idea that giving in faithfulness - especially when it is difficult to do so - is blessed by God.
So, by all means, go - soak up knowledge of the Word, commune and fellowship with other believers - but think about whether this difficult time in your life is a trial of faith, and consider how you should respond.
2007-06-03 03:09:38 · answer #2 · answered by jimbob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people have come to think of the offering plate as the entry fee to church. churches need the money to pay bills and fund projects and maintain the grounds, but God will understand if you have nothing to offer. He will be satisfied that you finally found some time to attend!
2007-06-03 03:01:47 · answer #3 · answered by Navy Wife 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Putting money in the collection plate is not a requirement. Go to church, have your spiritual needs met, and have faith that God will take care of you. Jesus reminds us in scripture that the sparrows do not stockpile food, but know that God will provide it for them, and surely we are worth more than sparrows! Also, it is so improtant for your children to attend church, as well, and to see that it is a priority for you.
2007-06-03 03:00:27 · answer #4 · answered by milmomo3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that the Lord knows your heart.Go to church the rest will take care of its self.You tithe is not just about money to the church.You could help by mowing the lawn,cleaning the church,or there may be some elderly in your church who need help.Do what you can to ease your pastors burdens so he can devote more time to scriptures and prayer.This would help your church prosper more than money.
2007-06-05 07:54:55 · answer #5 · answered by cale11 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The intent of the collection plate is to support the church. It is not
a statement of your devotion to your religion.
Give what you can give. If that is nothing, then, as the song says,
"If you haven't got a penny than a hay penny will do. If you haven't
got a hay penny then ... God Bless You."
Get your spiritual comfort where you can. Baby, its cold out there.
2007-06-03 03:00:18 · answer #6 · answered by Elana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus observed the contributions from a rich man who dropped a lot of gold and a widow dropping 2 coins of little value. He valued her gift as much more than the rich man.
Primarily, the husbands duty is to Godly things but, the Bible points out if he doesn't take care of his own family, he can't take care of God's. Your heavenly Father knows your heart. He is the only one you need worry about. What does He need with money?
2007-06-03 04:40:30 · answer #7 · answered by grnlow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you remember the story of the woman in the Bible who only gave a few pennies. It was more in God's eyes than the rich people who put in larger amounts.
Don't worry about what people think of you. God knows whats in your heart. He wouldn't like you teaching your children that you can't hear God's word if you don't pay.
2007-06-03 03:05:41 · answer #8 · answered by Me 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to church - God wants you there. Don't worry about the collection plate.
Peace to you.
2007-06-03 02:58:54 · answer #9 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I HAVE HEARD IT SAID THAT THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS!!! SO DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, YOU SEE IT IS JUST AN ATTACK TO KEEP YOU FROM GOING,,, ONE OTHER THING YOU REALLY HAVE TO EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, IT SEEMS THAT YOU ARE GOING B/C YOU ARE HAVING HARD TIMES WHICH IS THE RIGHT TIME TO GO,,,HOWEVER YOU NEED TO BE THERE IN THE BEST OF TIMES AS WELL, ALSO I HAVE NEVER HEARD A PASTOR SAY TO THEIR PEOPLE QUIT YOUR JOB OR CHANGE CAREERS B/C IT CONFLICTS WITH THE CHURCH,,,,BUT THEY SHOULD I MEAN IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN THEN DEMAND TO BE OFF ON SUNDAY,,,,DO YOU SEE ANY JEWS WORKING ON SATURDAY NO!! BE ENCOURAGED!!!!!
2007-06-03 03:06:59 · answer #10 · answered by pantspulledup 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should go to church and ask for help. If they refuse then you know your at the wrong church. If others refuse then you should re think your religion.
2007-06-03 03:17:27 · answer #11 · answered by letfreedomring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋