Bible Text: Matthew 16: 18-21 | Preacher: Pastor Troy Garner | The Church Is Still Open
*Matthew 16:18-21
1. The Founder Of
The Church.
–In (v.18)—I want you to know—
There is a play on words with Peter & Rock;
Peteros & Petra.-*Deut.32:4 says “He is the rock, his works are perfect
and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no
wrong, upright and just is he”..
-*ISamuel 2:2 says “There is none Holy as the Lord:
for there is none beside neither is there any rock
like our God”.
(v.18)—Jesus says—“I will build my church”..
There is a divine certainty about this.
He did not say “I might build my church”.
No, he said “I will build my church”—He guarantees it.
I know that Jn.14:3 talks about Jesus building
a home for us in heaven—But, on earth He is building the Church..
2.The Foe Of The Church.
–Look @ (v.18b) “And the gates of Hell shall not
prevail against it”..
This text lets us know—
a. The enemy of the Church.
b. The victory of the Church.
*IICorin.2:14 says “Thanks be unto God who always
causes us to triumph”.
*Colos.2:15 says “And having spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a show of them openly;
triumphing over them in it”.
3.The Function Of
The Church.
–Look @ (v.19) “I give unto you the keys of
the Kingdom”..
Listen—The Church must realize her power.
I’m talking about Acts 1:8—Power!
(v.19a) says “I give you the keys of the kingdom”..
(v.19b) says “Whatsoever you bind on earth shall be
bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven”..