One of the reasons Jesus might have cleansed the temple was because roadblocks had been thrown in the doorway of entering the temple. The mere idea of entering the temple might have become a burden and distraction for many. Moneychangers were in the temple court to help foreigners exchange their money for the acceptable currency. ...
Ask any attorney who practices criminal defense and they are likely to express that their highest and most sacred objective is to protect the innocent man from false accusation; and in doing so, establish hope that the truly guilty party might meet justice. In the case of Christ, we see this model flipped completely on its head. Let us examine some of those who played a role in the horrific and unjust plot to kill Jesus....
I still remember the first time dressing up my daughter in her Easter Sunday dress and the pride I felt as I watched her wave her palm branch as she strolled through the church aisles. The tradition of reenacting the celebration is handed down to my daughter, helping her understand and know her king is on His throne. We have a king and today we celebrate His triumphant entry to Jerusalem, just as Israel did so long ago....
“…without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). The faith in the person and work of God by Abraham, is the same faith in Christ, his death and resurrection, that saves us today!...
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). The path of temptation is well-trodden. The wake of death sin leaves behind is full of personal devastation and relational trauma. No matter the sin, the process and resulting death remain constant. James is clear the source of temptation lies within the desire of the heart....
Fellow believers, does our congregational worship reflect a people who have seen the King of Glory? Who is the King of Glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle!… The LORD of Hosts, he is the King of Glory!” (Psalm 24) At Northwest we value worship. The ultimate act of worship is to love the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew ...
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In the Law of Moses, Israel was instructed, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart…” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Unfortunately, this proved to be an impossible task for Israel and for us. Jeremiah described the dilemma, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick…” (Jeremiah 17:9). The idea conveyed by the prophet is deliberate duplic...
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