How does Jesus see church? Matthew 16:13-18

Church is a holy people and not a holy place.

Matthew 16:13-18 [13] When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” [14] They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” [15] “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” [16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

[17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. [18] 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.

Church begins with life's most important question: "Who is Jesus to you?"

Any discussion of church that doesn't start with who Jesus is misses the mark!

Jesus said, "...and on this rock I will build my church,"

Notice that Jesus did not say, "...and on this rock you will build my church,"

Also notice that Jesus did not say, "...and on this rock I will build your church,"

And Jesus definitely did not say, "...and on this rock you will build your church,"

It is vital for us to understand that Jesus is the builder and Jesus is the owner.

So, if Jesus is the builder and Jesus is the owner, what is my role?

Matthew 28:18-20 [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

My role as a disciple is to make disciples.

"...and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

The church is intended to be on the offensive.

It has everything to do with the church's DNA.

Divine Truth Nurturing Relationships Apostolic Mission

Divine Truth John 8:31-32 [31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Nurturing Relationships John 13:34-35 [34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Apostolic Mission John 15:8 [8] This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Matthew 28:18-20 [18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”