What Kind of Church is This Church Going to Be?
Pastor Stephan Kirby Ekklesia Christian Life
Matthew 16:13-20
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
They were in a Mixed Region – Caesar and Phillip – Different Rules, Different Lifestyles, and Different Opinions
The difference between listening and hearing
An Important Question – “Who do people think I am?” Are you listening to the opinions of others while trying to hear from God?
There they heard Mixed Reaction Their Reply of Peoples Opinions
Many people think they know God, but don’t recognize him when they see him
Personal Belief – “Who do you say I am?” I have been close to you, done things for you…What do you believe?
Simon Peter (One who hears) I believe you are the Christ, The Son of the Living God! I don’t care what people think!
1. Listening springs opinions, hearing brings the Blessing
Blessed are you! Not Flesh and Blood, but God!
2. Blessing brings about Change
I say you are Peter (Rock) Foundation. Now that you are a foundation I can build
Upon this Rock, I will build my Church (Ekklesia) - Strong Church – Gates of Hell can’t even prevail
3. Change brings about Authority
Keys to the Kingdom the ability to bind and to loose. Stop waiting for others to open your doors
God has given you everything you need!
4. Authority Brings about Responsibility
Don’t tell anybody! – Why? God’s plan was not yet complete…. But on Calvary! “it is finished!” Because of Calvary we can tell everybody!
Now what kind of church will you be?
