When Jesus Comes To Church

John 2:12-17

We say we want the Lord, but do we?

The Lord’s presence can be here in a manifested way, but do we really want that?

Here are some ACTIONS the Lord takes when He comes to a church where He previously was not invited:

I. He Removes The People of God. v.15a

“he drove them all out…the sheep”

Why do Christian people stay in a church where the Lord is not welcome?

They are clinging to buildings

They are clinging to history

They are clinging to pride

They are clinging to graveyards

When do Christian people leave a church where the Lord is not welcome?

The Lord can’t lead them, He has to drive them out!

II. He Removes The Power of God. v.15b

“he drove them out…the oxen”

There is no conviction from the Spirit.

No one is moved to change things that are wrong.

No one is moved to do things that are right.

There is no correction from the Scripture.

No messages of rebuke.

No messages of reproof.

III. He Leaves The Presence of God. vs.14-15

(v.14) “doves”; (v.15) no mention of the doves leaving or being driven out

There are three ways the presence of the Holy Ghost is taught in the Bible.

The essential presence of the Holy Ghost.

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

The manifest presence of the Holy Ghost.

John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

The cultivated presence of the Holy Ghost.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

His essential presence serves as a testimony. vs.15-16

Conclusion:

Do you want the Lord in this church?