Matthew 16:13-19 "Thanksgiving for Christ’s Promise to Build His Church"

Thanksgiving for Christ’s Promise to Build His Church June 24, 2018

Jesus’ ministry began with great popularity as He healed the sick and preached with great wisdom. But over time, the hostility against Jesus grew. The crowds were disappointed thinking that He would deliver them from Roman rule and taxes. He did not overthrow the Romans. He took His disciples far away from Jerusalem to the north on today’s Syrian border about 147 miles from Jerusalem and 43 miles from Capernaum His base home. The town of Caesarea Philippi was built by Philip one of Herod the Great’s

sons and named for Augustus Caesar. Because of the springs of water bubbling up, it was a place of superstition. Jesus questions, “who do men say that I am?” The answer is someone miraculous who came back from the dead – John, Elijah, Jeremiah. “Who do you say that I am?”

I. The Messiah, the Son of God –

A. Priests were anointed

1. To represent the people to God through sacrificial offerings

2. Christ cleansed our conscience by His death on the cross –

3. He lives to intercede for His people – ;

B. King –

1. We are transferred from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son –

C. He is a Prophet

1. To reveal the Father – ,

D. The Son of the living God –

II. Confession –

A. Based on the Holy Spirit’s revelation

1. Confession is essential to our salvation –

2. There must be an inward faith in the resurrection

B. Martha confessed Christ at Lazarus’ grave –

1. Jesus confessed Himself –

2. Confession is essential –

III. The Foundation Stone –

A. Christ is the rock upon which the church is built

1. The confession not Peter is the foundation stone: Peter testified –

2. He does not claim to be the chief elder but a fellow elder –

B. Church

1. I will build my church –

2. The church is to be militant not passive attacking the gates of hades – the opposition chooses death

C. The gospel is the keys of the kingdom –

1. Preach the truth

2. Hear testimonies

3. Receive those who are submissive to Christ

4. Accept accountability, discipline and authority of the church –

Christ is building His church through New Life Korean Church and New Life in Christ Church and with our sister churches that together as His church, we bear testimony to our community for Christ –