January 22, 2017
Morning Service

Matt. 16:13-19

 

            This morning we will begin a study that will start at the beginning, and hopefully build our faith to an unshakable position in Jesus Christ.  Greg mentioned the other evening that we are studying 4 books of the Bible at the same time.  Beginning this morning we will start in the Book of Matthew, and be all over examining the GLORIOUS CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST.  Sunday evening Revelations, Wednesday evenings Joshua, and when Sam fills in James.  All the Bible builds our faith that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  Peter commented, “all things have been given unto us that pertain to life, and godliness.”  And these are found within the pages of our Holy Bible.

            I encourage you to read ahead, and as you do, meditate on what you read.  Ask God to quicken the truths that will build your faith that Jesus of Nazareth is very God, and very man.  Certain truths I want us to recognize, and to apply to our lives, for the building of an unshakeable faith.  I want us to see the importance of the church, and the purpose for it’s building.  God has chosen to replace the law, and the prophets, with this glorious church.  This was God’s plan from the foundation of the world, and He has given us the ability to know this glorious truth.  We want to begin this morning with Matt. 16:13-19.

 

            As we come to this particular scripture Jesus has already been accepted as the Messiah by His immediate followers.  He called them Apostles (one that had been sent).  There were twelve of them.  He has been pointed to as the Messiah by His cousin John the Baptist.  God spoke at His baptism, “this is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”   Soon to be acknowledged by His Heavenly Father as having all authority.  At the Mount of Transfiguration there appeared Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, and the voice of God came forth from the heavens saying “this is my beloved Son, hear ye Him.”  Peter, James, and John were there to witness this wonderful event.  Jesus has proven Himself to be the anointed of God with full authority from His Heavenly Father.  His life, the many miracles, the gracious words, and soon to be, His resurrection from the dead.  THIS JESUS OF NAZARETH, BORN OF A VIRGIN, IN THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, IS THE CHRIST OF GOD, THE MESSIAH, THE VERY SON OF GOD ALMIGHTY.

·         In the midst of His going to and fro, healing, and teaching we come to this portion of Scripture.

Mat 16:13-19  When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi,

·         This city is not to be confused with Caesarea, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  This city is located in the Northern part of Palestine, above the Lake of Galilee. 

he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?  (14)  And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 

·         This would give indication that they believed in a resurrection.  These men were all dead, and they were great men of God.  If this Elias is Elijah, then he never died, but was taken away.

(15)  He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?  (16)  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  (17)  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.  (18)  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

 

·         Peter spoke for the twelve. 

·         Jesus tells Peter that God had revealed this to him.

·         When Jesus said “upon this rock,”  He didn’t mean Peter, but the statement Peter had made, that “He was the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  This is confession of faith that all Christians must have to be His disciples.

·         And Jesus says, “that on this statement, I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  AND HE DID, AND IT IS STILL IN EXISTENCE TODAY.

·         Jesus goes on and gives Peter, a man that will deny Him in the immediate future, the power and authority in this glorious church.  The keys of heaven.

(19)  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

·         Peter will go on and use these keys to give access into this glorious church for the Jews, and then the Gentiles.  Acts 2; and Acts 10.

·         You see this glorious church is for all mankind, not just the Jews, and this has always been in God’s divine plan for mankind.

What is the significance of the church?  This is God’s means of collecting His faithful followers for the Kingdom that He has prepared for those who love Him.  The Law (Moses), and the Prophets (Elijah), have yielded way to this glorious event, the beginning of the Lord’s church, or the called out ones.

Now we jump to where Jesus has died, been buried, and has resurrected, and even returned to heaven.  It’s been 50 days since His resurrection, and returning to heaven, and the disciples are tarrying in the city of Jerusalem as they had been instructed by Jesus.  It is the day of Pentecost, and thousands of Jews are gathered from all over the world for this feast.  Then we are given this account in the book of Acts;

 

ACTS CHAPTER TWO:

You need to take time to read this whole chapter;  read it, meditate on it; and listen to God speak to your heart on the truth of His word.

1.       At the beginning of this chapter it tells of the disciples, all 120, being Filled with the Holy Ghost.  Endued with power from on high.

2.     Peter preaches his first sermon, convincing them that this Jesus is the Messiah.

3.     Then the listeners ask the very important question, “men, and brethren what shall we do?”

4.     Then Peter uses the keys of authority he had been given to open the door of salvation to the Jews.

5.     Then after 3000 had been baptized this is what was said:

Act 2:42-47  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (43)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  (44)  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  (45)  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  (46)  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

      You see, the disciples were the first called out ones (the church), but now God is adding to them those that were being saved.  Just as people who believe the gospel message, and want to be followers of Jesus are added to the church by God, through the waters of baptism.

ALMIGHTY GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, QUICKEN TO OUR HEARTS THE TRUTH CONCERNING YOUR CHURCH, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVING IN IT.  AMEN.