231. Clearing the Temple
All Christians agree that a building devoted to worship ought to be a house of prayer, not merchandising (Matthew 21:12-16; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-16).
232. A Grain of Wheat Dies
All Christians agree that Jesus was glorified because of the cross. “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:23-24)
233. Believe in the Light
All Christians agree that we should believe in the light of Christ. “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” (John 12:36)
234. Put out of the Synagogue
All Christians believe that early Jewish Christians were eventually put out of the synagogue because of faith in Jesus. “Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn't confess it, so that they wouldn't be put out of the synagogue, for they loved men's praise more than God's praise.” (John 12:42-43)
235. Not Remain in Darkness
All Christians believe that those who believe in Jesus do not remain in darkness, as He said, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.” (John 12:46)
236. Believe and Receive
All Christians believe that faith to receive what we pray for is vital. “All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22 cf. Mark 11:24)
237. First and Last to Believe
All Christians believe that being among the last to believe is not as important as being among those who believe. Jesus told the religious leaders who refused to believe Him or John, “Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31b)
238. Beaten Servants
All Christians believe that the servants of God will sometimes be beaten, killed or stoned, as God’s Son was murdered by those who were supposed to be in charge of God’s vineyard. (Matthew 21:33-42; Mark 12:1-10; Luke 20:9-17) “Then what is this that is written, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the chief cornerstone?’ ” (Luke 20:17) Speaking to the religious leaders, Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation bringing forth its fruit.” (Matthew 21:43)
239. A Widow Seven Times
All Christians agree that marriage is for this life only, not eternity. In answering a riddle about a seven times widow, Jesus clearly stated, “The children of this age marry, and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.” (Luke 20:34-35 cf. Matthew 22:23-30; Mark 12:18-25; Luke 20:27-36)
240. God of the Living
All Christians believe that God is not was, “‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him.” (Luke 20:37-38 cf. Matthew 22:31-32; Mark 12:26-27)
