What Does The Book Say? Why A House of Prayer? Matt. 21:12-14

I. The Church is Not A Place of Money vs. 12, 13b

A. The religious people had turned the temple into a money making scheme. The temple had it’s own currency, unclean Roman currency wasn’t allowed, but the exchange rate was exuberant. They sold animals inside the temple for a high price as well.

B. It is not wrong for a Christian or a church to have money. It is a sin for a church to have the want to make themselves rich or do nothing with their money. (Parable of the talents ex) Matt. 25:14-30.

C. If we invest, and give we will be doing well.

D. Jesus quotes Jer. 7:11. When you read 8-14, you see that this fits the religious people Jeremiah’s day, Jesus’ day, and our day! Because people think money equals power, and money talks, if that’s your attitude you’ll never hear the voice of Yahweh!

II. The Church is Place of Prayer/Worship vs. 13a

A. Jesus quotes Isaiah 57:7. When you read vs. 2-8, you see that God isn’t excluding the outcast, but bringing them in! Talking about the New Covenant, grace.

B. Prayer is the outlet where our power comes from, because this is where we submit to God, and start to depend on His power.

C. This is where worship begins, it prepares us for a lifestyle of worship!

D. The house of worship/prayer should be a reset, and where we feel the unique presence of God, when we gather together.

III. The Church is A Place of Healing vs. 14

A. Jesus healed people physically, and He heals us spiritually.

B. He gives us spiritual sight, where we see our sinfulness, and how to repent.

C. Jesus carries us, when we can’t go ourselves, and teaches us to walk with Him.

D. All this stems from our prayer life, but you have to listen when you pray. And be honest when you pray.