What actions can prevent our churches from becoming a "den of robbers"? Seeing What Troubled Jesus “Then He began to teach them and declared, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’” (Mark 11:17) In Jeremiah’s day (Jeremiah 7:8-11) and again in Jesus’ day, God’s people let greed, showmanship, and hypocrisy hollow out worship. The same drift threatens any congregation that lowers its guard. Warning Lights to Watch For • Sermons trimmed to avoid offending big givers (2 Timothy 4:3) • Fund-raising that eclipses prayer and Scripture (John 2:16) • Leadership perks and salaries kept secret (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Ministry used as a platform for personal brand-building (3 John 9) • Neglect of the poor while facilities grow ever grander (James 2:1-4) Core Actions That Keep the Church a House of Prayer 1. Keep Christ at the center of every gathering • “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). • Evaluate songs, announcements, and programs: do they spotlight Him or us? 2. Guard financial integrity with radical transparency • “We are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21) • Publish budgets, require dual signatures, rotate counters, and invite audits. 3. Prioritize corporate prayer • The early church “devoted themselves to…the prayers” (Acts 2:42). • Schedule prayer meetings as prominently as the preaching schedule. • Celebrate answered prayer so the congregation links giving to gospel advance, not self-promotion. 4. Teach the whole counsel of God, including hard texts on money and holiness • Paul said, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole will of God.” (Acts 20:27) • Include passages such as Malachi 3:8-10; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Luke 12:15. 5. Practice biblical church discipline • “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” (1 Corinthians 5:6) • Open, gracious correction discourages scams, immorality, and false teaching. 6. Elevate servant leadership • Jesus: “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26) • Leaders model modest lifestyles, accountability, and generosity. 7. Cultivate generosity toward the needy • “Remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). • Set aside a benevolence fund; partner with local ministries; encourage hands-on service. Practical Safeguards for Every Ministry Team • Adopt a conflict-of-interest policy for staff and elders. • Refuse to rent platform time to outside vendors or political causes. • Limit merchandise tables; never pressure people to buy. • Build annual “ministry reviews” where members hear reports, ask questions, and pray. • Rotate preaching voices to avoid personality cults. Each Member’s Role • Give joyfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Ask questions when finances or teaching seem unclear. • Serve somewhere small and unseen; it checks the heart. • Intercede weekly for leaders—that they love Christ more than applause. A Fresh Promise to Hold “If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Walking in the light—financially, morally, doctrinally—keeps the church a house where Jesus is pleased to dwell, rather than a den where robbers hide. |
    |