(Read Matthew 16:13-20)
This morning continue our overarching series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. We have been studying the life of the Apostle Peter and our study brought us to Matthew chapter 16. We have looked at this passage for over a week and we will go back to it today.
The Bible says, “Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. He said to his followers, “Who do people say I am?” They answered, “Some people say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah. And some say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then Jesus said to his followers, “And who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah. No one taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. So I tell you, you are Peter. And I will build my church on this rock. The power of death will not be able to defeat my church. I will give you the keys to God’s kingdom. When you speak judgment here on earth, that judgment will be God’s judgment. When you promise forgiveness here on earth, that forgiveness will be God’s forgiveness.” Then Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone he was the Messiah.”
Today I am going to focus in on the words, “I will build my church on this rock.” I have already explained what the “rock” is that the church is built upon: it is the revelation of who Jesus is. Now I will focus on the fact that part of Jesus’ assignment was to build HIS church.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Jesus did not come establish the Kingdom of God, because it had already been established.
a) God’s Kingdom was established in the earth back in the Garden of Eden. Adam’s fall helped usher in the kingdom of darkness. Adam’s folly may have diminished the role of God’s Kingdom for a time, but it was still there nonetheless.
b) When Jesus started His ministry He had one message He preached over and over again. Jesus preached, “The Kingdom of God is at hand”. Jesus was announcing a “shift” in time. Jesus ushered us into a dispensation of time where the Kingdom of God would advance, without end, until His return.
2. Jesus did come to establish a church.
a) While Jesus did not come to establish His Kingdom (because it was already established), Jesus did come to establish His church.
b) The Church is built on the revelation of who Jesus is.
c) The Church is not the Kingdom. The Church is where you go to learn about the King of the Kingdom… His name is Jesus!
3. The Church is built on the revelation of who Jesus is and that should always remain the focus.
a) Along the way the Church has learned to major on the minors and minor on the majors.
b) Many “churches” today argue over how water baptisms are performed, whether or not tongues are for today, what titles leaders should have, what music should be played, what clothes should be worn, and a laundry list of other things. I wonder what Jesus thinks as He looks down on all of this?
c) Denominations may be part of the Lord’s church, but they are not THEE church. Whether the church you attend says Catholic or Baptist, Methodist or Anglican, Church of God or Church of Christ or Church of God in Christ, at the end of the day, Jesus came to establish HIS CHURCH!
d) While “churchgoers” may think denominations have major differences, at the end of the day we have more IN COMMON than UNCOMMON. Let’s just focus on the major common denominator and His name is Jesus!
*** By the way, there is no such thing as a Black Church or a White Church, unless you are talking about the color of the building. Jesus came to establish His church and it has nothing to do with skin color.
*** The Lord’s church is built on the revelation of who Jesus is. We must preach Christ and Him crucified; and we must never stop!
*** Jesus came to establish HIS church, therefore the church should be about Him!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. You established Your Kingdom at the beginning of time. Adam’s fall led to the establishment of the kingdom of darkness. Jesus came to take the keys and the power of the Kingdom back. Jesus ushered us into a dispensation where Your Kingdom operates in Your power. That time is now. Your Kingdom has come and You will is being done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Jesus also established Your church. The church is not the Kingdom. The church is where I go to learn about the King of the Kingdom. Jesus established His church on the revelation of who He is. Therefore, when I go to church, my focus is on Jesus. I go to be built up in Jesus. I am in Christ and Christ is IN me. I am in the Kingdom and the Kingdom is IN me. I refuse to waste time arguing about things that don’t advance Your Kingdom. I embrace my brothers and sisters in Christ. I accept all who have accepted You. I don’t focus on the name of their denomination, I only care about the name of their Lord! I don’t focus on titles, skin color, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. I focus on JESUS! He is my Lord and the church is HIS CHURCH! I enter this day with the right focus. My life is ALL ABOUT JESUS! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
