Matthew 16:13-19

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."  My Format

Understanding Why Jesus Came & What He Did Various answers, most all are related to why He came Jesus’ answer found in Luke 19:10 The salvation is found at the cross How was the “seeking” done? What did He do to seek the lost? Look at the text—Matt. 16:18 He established the church, his kingdom Three years spent in preparation

Preparation for Establishing the Church Selected twelve men to continue His new work Taught them lessons about its nature Illustrated it with parables they would understand Matthew 13 has seven kingdom/church parables The kingdom is based on sowing seed—Matt. 13 The same seed to be planted in ALL hearts Even apostles could not change the seed—Gal. 1:8-9 The seed is eternal, hence the “plant” is eternal God made no provisions for “hybrid” seed Foretold Satan would sow “hybrid” seed—Matt. 13:38-39 He sent them to “sow” then ascended on high

What Did the Visible Church Look Like What it looked like then, it must look like today It began on Pentecost in Acts 2 The Holy Spirit gave the message preached The message was a message of salvation The save were added to the church The church continued following the apostles teaching The church spread to all the world It was universally the same church No one was allowed to ever change it That church is still on this earth today

What Did the Visible Church Look Like How was it structured? Local congregations, lead by spiritual men—Acts 14:23 However, there was no clergy/laity concept—Matt. 23 What moral teachings regulated lives? Moral behavior is not governed by social norms Holy, moral behavior governed by our holy God Sin is not defined by humans, but by God How did it worship? A weekly assembly focused on Lord’s supper, prayers, congregational singing, teaching and giving

Steps to Being Add to His Church Added to His Kingdom, His church Believe in Him John 3:16 Repent—decide to obey Acts 17:30 Confess Christ Rom. 10:9 Baptized to be saved Acts 22:16 Added to His Kingdom, His church Be faithful until death Rev. 2:10