What Really is Church? (Mark 11:15-19)

January 31, 2010

I.     Anger over misuse of the temple, vv. 15-16.
A.     The temple was composed of different sections.
     1.     Courts: Gentiles, women, Israel (men), priests.
     2.     Main temple: Holy Place, Holy of Holies.
     3.     There were entrances on each side.
B.     Things Jesus saw that day.
     1.     Jerusalem was the only acceptable place for sacrifices.
     2.     Merchants had set up business in the Gentiles' court.
          a.     Provided animals and supplies for sacrifices.
          b.     Exchanged Roman or Greek money for Jewish.
     3.     Many people passed through the temple like a road.
C.     Jesus' anger was controlled and just.
     1.     He had seen the situation the evening before.
     2.     He desired to return the temple to its rightful purpose.

II.     What the temple should have been, vv. 17-19.
     A.     God intended the temple to be a place of prayer and worship.
          1.     Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7.
               a.     Prayer.
                    1)     Prayer expresses a heart that seeks God (worship).
               2.     It was meant to provide a worshipful atmosphere.
               b.     Sacrifice.
                    1)     Sacrifices had become business and duty.
                    2)     God wanted sacrifices from humble hearts.
               c.     Missions.
                    1)     The temple was for all cultures, not just Jews.
                    2)     The court of Gentiles was not fit for worship.
                    3)     It should have been a mission field.
          2.     Jesus cleared the temple with authority.
               a.     The crowds were astonished at His teaching.
               b.     The leaders were angry but afraid of the crowds.
     B.     What can we apply to the church of today?
          1.     Church is a place for all people.
               a.     Everyone is welcome.
               b.     Jesus' command is to reach all cultures.
          2.     Inner attitudes are more important than outer actions.
          3.     Everything we do should lead to deeper devotion to God.

Personal Challenges
1.     What can you do to make your church better?
     a.     Do you have negative attitudes about church? Talk with Pastor Martin to let him know your concerns.
     b.     Do you understand our vision: Developing hearts for God, each other and beyond?
     c.     Ask God to lead you to get involved in ministry.
2.     Do you know God in a personal relationship?