Matthew 16:18-19 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. 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.
Jesus did not build his church on the authority of the man Peter, but on the confession that Peter had made.
Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus continues to build his church on the confession of men and women who are born again.
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
This is the first mention of the church in the New Testament. Jesus promised us that he would build his church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. How wonderful to know that his building plans will be successful! The church will be a mighty force that will break down the gates of hell. Not only that, but the church has the keys to the kingdom of heaven. As followers of Jesus Christ, we can open wide the gates of heaven for others to come in. Do you know how to loose something on earth? You prayerfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ! That is the key that opens heaven’s gate. It is sad when believers have the keys to heaven and by keeping our mouths shut, we keep the doors locked.
Are you a part of the church? If you are a believer, then you are a part of the worldwide church. But I mean the local church. Are you actively involved with a loving, Bible preaching, soul winning church? Jesus said that is what he would build. Are you a part of the army that is storming the gates of hell? Are you throwing wide the gates of heaven with the keys that you have? The church is important. It is built by Jesus Christ himself.
In Christ,
Rody
