Hi...my husband and I are expecting our first child in about a week and I was wondering if there is any precedent in the Bible for offerings for the birth of a healthy child. I haven't seen anything specific, but the principle seems to be there with either freewill offerings or thank offerings. Your thoughts on this are invited. -- Karen (South Florida)
Well, if you're Jewish and it is not yet the year 30 AD, I would go ahead.... (!) But seriously, no, there is nothing prescribed in the New Testament. I do know of some African brothers and sisters who, in keeping with their national or tribal culture, make a financial offering to the church on the birth of a child. There is certainly nothing wrong with "giving something back" to the Lord. You are under no obligation.
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