FRIDAY May 24, 2024
The Foundation of the 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?” (Matthew 16:13). The disciples began to give their answers:
So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:14).
In response, Jesus turned His question to them personally. He asked them: “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter had received a special revelation from God. Jesus then answered Peter and said:
“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 16:17-18).
Incredibly, this is the first time the word Church is used. Jesus Christ explained that He 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. Jesus established that He was the Foundation of His Church which is not a building; it is people––the body of believers.
A church is a soul-saving company or it is nothing.
~Charles Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
