Turning Over Temples

2015.03.08 - Kevin Makins - The Church Calendar

Turning Over Temples

John 2:13-22

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

What was the Temple all about and why did Jesus cause such a scene?

The text:

John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

Repent / Believe / Follow

2015.01.25 - Kevin Makins - The Church Calendar

Repent / Believe / Follow

Mark 1:14-20

Click here to listen (right click and “save link as…” to download)

In the first century Jesus and his followers took a massive risk, and God used them to change the world FOREVER.

In 2015 we go to church on Sunday.

How did Christianity get so… boring? And how can God shake us up again?

It all begins with three simple challenges: repent, believe, follow.

The text:

Mark 1:14-20

14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

Liturgy: Why We Gather and Why It Matters - Liturgy

liturgy2012.09.09 - Kevin Makins - Liturgy: Why We Gather and Why It Matters

Liturgy

Hebrews 10, Matthew 22, James 2, Matthew 7

Eucharist Church meets Sunday afternoons. Sunday afternoons are PRIME real estate for being lazy and relaxing. But week after week, dozens of people bike, bus, drive and walk to join together in worship… why?

What’s the point of gathering as a church every week? In an age of podcasts and audio lectures and books, aren’t their better ways to learn about God?

Why do we gather? And does it really matter?

Music starts 32 minutes in.

(Additional resources, see James K. A. Smith - Desiring the Kingdom, and also Gideon Strauss’ lectures Wonder, Heartbreak and Hope)