When we left the second chapter of John, Jesus had just turned water into wine. Although we know that God often manifested His glory by doing signs, isn't it interesting that Moses' first public sign was turning water into blood (Ex. 7:20) and Jesus' first sign was turning water into wine? Today, we're going to finish up the rest of John 2:13 - 23. Jesus poured out the coins of the money changers and turned over their  tables. And to those who were selling the doves, He said, "Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a place of business."

Sources: IVP Bible Background Commentary, Keener; NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible; https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-second-temple-at-the-time-of-jesus;

Jerusalem Temple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQQyNVw8Pf4

Sources: https://biblia.com/books/esv/Jn1.1

I came across a conversation this week on Facebook that I want to share with you. Although I'm teaching you scripture and explaining to you how theologians (who have way more education than me) explain them, I'm reminded everyday that no one knows everything. Yes, we should stay humble and yet Paul admonishes us to be prepared to make a defense of the Gospel. Let's look at I Peter 3:13-17.

This month, we are celebrating our 45th church anniversary.  We have been going back in time, posting throw back photos on Facebook and Instagram,  sharing "did you know," facts from our church history, reminiscing about past anniversaries and remembering those we've lost. We also have a lot of great speakers lined up from the DMV to share God's Word with us each Sunday.  All are welcome to join us! Since we are celebrating the founding of our church, we thought it would be educational to learn more about the foundation of the early church. During this podcast, we too will go back in time. We're going back in time to experience the world of the first century church. What was it like living under Roman rule? What kind of societal or cultural challenges did they face? How did they endure persecution? I have a lot of respect for these sisters and brothers who endured so much so we could be here today.

SOURCES: 200 Years of Christ's Power, Volume 1, The Age of the Early Church Fathers (1st - 6th century), Nick Needham.