The Foundation Of The Church

Introduction

Today, we’re going to look at a passage of Scripture that reveals the foundation of the church and the assurance we have in Jesus’ promise. Let’s open our Bibles to Matthew 16:18. In this verse, Jesus makes a declaration: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

The Confession of Peter (Matthew 16:15-17)

Before we get too deep into verse 18, let's look at some context. In verses 15-17, Jesus asks His disciples a crucial question: "Who do you say I am?" Peter says, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This confession is the cornerstone of our faith, a revelation from God, not just a conclusion reached by our own human wisdom. How do we know this? Because in verse 17 Jesus affirms the answer that Peter has given, He says “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. This moment is what sets the stage for the powerful declaration that is found in verse 18.

The Declaration of Jesus (Matthew 16:18)

“And I tell you that you are Peter (Petros) and on this rock (Petra)I will build my church”

Jesus uses a little wordplay between "Peter" (Petros) and "rock" (petra). Once known as Simon, Peter is now called "Rock," symbolizing stability and strength. But remember Peter's significance comes from his faith in Jesus, not from his own doings.

Interpretations of this encounter vary, some see Peter as the rock, some see Peter’s confession of faith as the rock, and others believe Christ Himself is the rock. I think this can be cleared up by what Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:11, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Certainly, Peter plays a foundational role, but the ultimate foundation is Jesus and the revelation that He is the Messiah.

Jesus said “I will build my church”!!!

Jesus takes ownership of the church; it is His creation and His possession. He is the master builder & the Cornerstone... That is all the assurance I need… That tells us that the church’s growth and endurance don’t depend on human efforts alone but on the sovereign will of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is going to build it and He says “The gates of Hades will not overcome it”

Jesus is saying that not even death can defeat His church. Think of it this way… the church is not just on the defensive but is on the offensive advancing against the forces of evil.

The Mission and Authority of the Church is found in (Matthew 16:19) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Jesus says I’m going to give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. That means that He is giving us authority in His name. The church also has the responsibility of proclaiming the gospel, the responsibility of making disciples, and the responsibility to establish sound doctrine. "Binding and loosing" states the church's authority to declare what is permitted or forbidden based on God’s Word.

The Church’s has stood the test of time.

History gives testimony to the endurance of the church through persecution, through heresies, and through internal strife. In spite of all the challenges, the church has grown and thrived. From the early martyrs to the Reformation, to modern-day revivals, the church continues to stand firm on the solid foundation of Christ.

Conclusion

When we look at Matthew 16:18, it reminds us of the solid foundation that our faith rests upon. Peter's confession, Jesus’ declaration, and the enduring nature of the church all point to the steadfastness of our Lord. The church belongs to Christ, and you can believe He is committed to its growth and victory.

Who do you say Jesus is?

Are you committed to the church? Ask yourself …Am I actively engaged in the life and mission of our church? We need to Support each other, serve diligently, and share the gospel boldly.

We need to be praying for the global church that it would stand strong and advance despite its challenges. We need to Pray for our brothers and sisters that are facing persecution and pray for the spread of the gospel worldwide.

May God deepen our faith, strengthen our resolve, and empower us to be His witnesses in the world.

AMEN…