Scripture: Matthew 21:13–16 (KJV)
If we’re going to fix what’s broken to build back better, the true, authentic Church must be free to be who and what she was intended to be. The word “church” comes from the Greek Ekklesia—the called-out ones.
But, let’s be honest: you and I can’t see hearts. In its deepest reality—the fellowship of all genuine, born-again believers—the Church is invisible. Yet, she is also visible in gathered worship, sacrificial love, and transformed lives.
Only God sees the heart. “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). The Church is not a building—“God… dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). She is a people being built together—“an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). And God cares deeply about His Church— Revelation 2:7.
Since God knows the heart, and the Church is His people, then the Church also has God-given responsibilities: “for the perfecting of the saints… for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). We’re called to be set apart: “Come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
In Matthew 21, Jesus enters Jerusalem on His way to the cross and stops at the Temple—His Father’s house. He drives out the buyers and sellers and overturns the tables of the moneychangers. Then He declares, “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13).
Wrong things must be driven out, so the Church can return to her pure state. God’s Spirit will not dwell in an unclean temple (1 Corinthians 3:16–17). If we desire His presence, purging must take place—personally and corporately.
Remember when you first came to Christ? There were things you simply wouldn’t do. It’s time to clean house again.
Somebody has to take responsibility for the health of the house. Throughout Scripture, God used people who stepped up: Nehemiah rebuilt the walls (Nehemiah 2), David faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm (Daniel 3), Peter stepped out in the storm (Matthew 14:29–31), and Jairus begged Jesus for his daughter (Mark 5:22–24, 35–43). Faith takes ownership—it moves from somebody ought to to Lord, send me.
Our strength is not carnal, but spiritual: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds” (2 Corinthians 10:3–4).
When the Church is clean and courageous, she is also powerful—strong in prayer, bold in witness, steadfast in love, and uncompromising in truth.
After Jesus cleansed the Temple, “the blind and the lame came to him… and he healed them,” and the children cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:14–16). Purging made room for power—and power erupted in praise. We don’t praise Him for what we lack; we praise Him for who He is and for what He can do with what we already have.
Beloved, let the Church be the Church—cleansed, courageous, powerful, and praising. As we continue our series, “Fixing What’s Broken to Build Back Better,” let’s recommit to being the people God intended: a house of prayer for all nations, a holy temple filled with His presence, and a witness that points the world to Calvary.
Join us this Sunday at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church—come ready to purge what doesn’t belong, possess the mission, walk in power, and lift up praise to our King.
Scripture References:
Matthew 21:13–16 •
2 Timothy 2:19 •
Acts 17:24 •
Ephesians 2:21 •
Revelation 2:7 •
Ephesians 4:12 •
2 Corinthians 6:17 •
1 Corinthians 3:16–17 •
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 •
Nehemiah 2 •
1 Samuel 17 •
Daniel 3 •
Matthew 14:29–31 •
Mark 5:22–24,
35–43
