Being Found Useful

Mar 8, 2026    Pastor James Epperly

In today’s “Who Is Jesus?” message, we open Matthew 21:10–13 (ESV) and see Jesus in a way many people overlook: Jesus is the Lord of His House. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city asked, “Who is this?”—and then Jesus walked straight into the temple and exposed what didn’t belong.

This sermon is a call to examine our hearts and our church life through one urgent question: Are we useful to God? Jesus cleanses the temple because His house was meant to be a house of prayer, not a place of empty religion, entitlement, or spiritual robbery. If you’ve ever felt spiritually “out of place,” distracted, numb, or stuck in a season where God feels distant—this message will challenge and awaken you.

You’ll also hear Jesus’ repeated warnings from Scripture about the danger of being blessed but useless, and why God blesses His people: not for self-centered comfort, but to love others and advance His Kingdom. This message closes with the powerful reminder that God specializes in taking what feels “useless” and making it useful—the miracle of dirt.

📖 Main Text: Matthew 21:10–13 (ESV)

🔥 Themes: Who is Jesus, temple cleansing, house of prayer, usefulness, stewardship, entitlement, serving, spiritual drift, discipleship, revival, church purpose

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