I Will Build My Church - Matthew16:13-19

 

I Will Build My Church – Matthew 16:13-19

 

We are living at a very crucial time when it appears the devil has taken over the stage. All over the world, news of crises and criminal activities pervade the whole atmosphere. For those who have the spiritual insight and understanding of time, the whole arsenal of the devil is directed at the church moreso, when the coming of the Lord is nearer than before. Nevertheless, the plan and purpose of God cannot but come to pass. The Lord’s words cannot go out without being fulfilled that “…I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. Amen.

 

The church, that is, the Body of Christ, does not belong to anybody hence; Jesus said “…I will build my church…” No man or woman who has by His grace become, a building block and precious stone in the Body of Christ, can lay claim to the church. We have become a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that we should show forth the praises of him who hath called you (us) out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9.

 

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth untoan holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” – Ephesians 2:19-22. As the Chief Corner Stone, Jesus is the only one who can build the church. The church is His Bride He has paid the price and given the sacrifice of excellence that was 100% fit for the redemption of man which no other person could do.

 

Hear what the Pope said to Thomas Aquinas after the latter visited Rome and saw the gorgeous palace of the Pope. The Pope said: “Well Thomas, the church in our day cannot say, ‘silver and gold have I none’ neither can we say ‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”. When the church has increased in riches and worldly wisdom, she has correspondingly decreased in spiritual power and piety.

 

Brethren, the church is not and cannot be built on money. The church is not built on riches. The church in not built on wealth. The church is not built on any human personality and fame not on mansion or cathedral otherwise at the demise of such, the church goes into extinction!

Ø Rather, the church is built on – Revelation – Matthew 16:17 “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.”

Ø The church is built on Power = Acts 1:8.

Ø The church is built on righteousness – Romans 14:17; 10:4.

Ø The church is built on life, character and conduct Acts 11:26.

Ø The church is built on Prayer – Acts 12:5.

Ø The church is built on unfeign love – Let love be without dissimulation – Hebrews 13:1.

Ø The church is built on unity – Acts 2:42-47.

Ø The church is built on holy faith – Jude20.

Ø The church is built on sweet fellowship and communion – Acts 2:42-47.

Ø The church is built on exemplary humility – Philippians2:8 not arrogance pomp and pageantry.

 

Beloved, as we came together in sharing in His flesh and blood in this Holy Communion, there are things God is asking you to give Him without reservation, grumbling and complaining. Your life, your time and talent for His service and your substance. As we move on this year are you still struggling with a sin or any die-hard habit? The time is now for you and I to drop it at the feet of the cross where He bled and died. Let there be no one who will take it to his/her condemnation and therefore let us examine ourselves as we come to the table of the Lord. Let us pray.