8 Sermons Tagged "Money"

Judas scolded Mary about using expensive perfume on Jesus instead of selling it and giving the money to the poor. The Bible tells us he said this because he was a thief and probably wanted to steal some of that money. However, even though Judas' motives were wrong, wasn't the principle behind it right?

Jesus used parables of scattering seeds, plants growing, and harvesting crops to describe the kingdom of God. From those parables we understand that Christ's kingdom, which is God's rule in our hearts, and the invisible church, which is made up of all believers, grow through people proclaiming the Word of God. When everyone has come to faith according to God's plan, Christ will return to "harvest" the souls of all believers. We also see that the entire world, including unbelievers, benefit from the works of the invisible church.

We are connected to Christ Jesus like branches are connected to the vine. Through that connection God blesses us and rules for our good. We not only praise him and hold him in reverent awe, but we even reflect his glory in our daily lives.

Jesus' words and actions from when he first cleansed the temple are often misunderstood. It may seem like he was being excessive, or that he was being elusive when answering those who questioned him. However, we should use this account to remind ourselves that God is serious about sin and will not have the church distracted from his saving purpose. We should also remember that the true temple is the invisible church of all believers.