The Money Changers

Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple area and began to drive out those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple grounds.   

And He began to teach and say to them, “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 11:15-17

Even today we still see some pastors and churches selling and buying.  They may be promising salvation or healing for a price or  selling faith objects that offer protection to the buyer.  It might be a special "Bible" with extra non-scriptural text which offers information no one else knows.  Or, at its worst, in my opinion, are worship events that require an admission fee.  And, then there is the matter of charging a fee for children to attend summer Bible School.  It is all about the dollars, not about reaching people with the Gospel.

Those who promote buying and selling in the church defend their actions by saying it costs a lot to operate a ministry or a church.  In my opinion, they are out to wring as much cash out of people that they can get.  They are not operating to meet the needs of people or to promote the Gospel. They are operating for profit.

So, what do we do?  We do not lend support to the money changers.  And, given the opportunity, we can call them out.  

Most of all, we can preach the the truth that salvation is the free gift of God through His Son, Jesus, and all anyone has to do to receive this gift is to acknowledge they are a sinner, ask forgiveness and accept Jesus as their Lord, Master and Savior.