June 8, 2025
I love This Church – Week #3
Connected to the Head and the Body
Matthew 16:13-19
- There is nothing that has the potential to bring change to the world like the local church
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” -Matthew 16:13
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” -Matthew 16:14
- The strength of our nation is not necessarily who is in Washington, but more specifically who is in our churches
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” -Matthew 16:15
- Jesus always makes it personal
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” -Matthew 16:16
- Messiah = Savior
- When Jesus died on the cross, He gave us power over sin
- Sin is too big to take on by ourselves
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. -Matthew 16:17
- We need the help of God and the help of others
How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up? -Deuteronomy 32:30
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
-Matthew 16:18-19