WEDNESDAY June 2, 2021

I [Christ] Will Build My Church

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.
Matthew 16:18

The Apostle Paul began to teach about the purpose of the Church which is found in Ephesians 4:11-19. However, it is necessary to first discuss the foundation and beginning of the Church.

When Jesus was walking with His twelve Disciples, He came to a beautiful place in Caesarea Philippi. When the snow caps of Mount Hermon melt, the streams become full of sparkling fresh water. This is the location of a massive rock and where people worshiped the Greek deity––Pan. Jesus looked up at this massive rock and asked His disciples an important question:

“Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 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. 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 (Matthew 16:13-18).

Peter received a revelation from God. Incredibly, this is the first time the word Church is used. Jesus Christ was the Petra, the “massive rock,” on which the Church would be built. Jesus is the Founder and Head of the Church. Peter was petros, just a small pebble. Peter was not the first Pope! Jesus established that He was the Foundation of His Church.

Paul the Apostle declared: For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. The Church is not a building; it is people, the body of believers. The Word of God gives us clarity.

The word church as applied to the Christian society was first used by Jesus Himself when He told Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church” [Matthew 16:18 KJV]. He [Jesus Christ] is the foundation of all Christian experience.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!