Title: The Church – A House of Prayer
Text:
Matthew 21:13 (ESV)
He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers."
Observation:
In this verse, Jesus says that the temple, which is God's house, should be a house of prayer. This is a citation of two Old Testament scriptures.
Isaiah 56:7 (ESV)
these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."
Jeremiah 7:11 (ESV)
Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I myself have seen it, declares the Lord.
What Jesus said about the temple is also true of the house of God in the New Testament, which is the church.
Jesus said two things about the house of God. First, it should be a place where all people can worship and commune with God. Secondly, it should not be a place of commercial enterprise. There should be no buying and selling, or lying and cheating in the house of God.
Psalm 23:6 (ESV)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 84:10 (ESV)
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I pray that Your Church today may truly become a house of prayer; a Church that is pleasing in Your eyes. Father, I thank You that the Church is alive, and that Jesus is Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
My Soul Sings:
The Church Triumphant (Bill & Gloria Gaither):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtCV_ysZC04
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Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
My blog: Sharing the Word of God Daily:
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