Topic(s): Jesus

A key New Testament passage is Matthew 16:16-18: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 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. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION

He said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church . . .” (Matthew 16:18). Christ is the Rock He purchased the church with HIS blood. He built it.

CHRIST IS THE BUILDER

He said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church . . .” (Matthew 16:18). Religions invented by men are worthless (Psalm 127:1). Churches of men will be rooted up, according to the Lord (Matthew 15:13).

BOUGHT BY CHRIST

He said, “Upon this rock, I will build my church . . .” (Matthew 16:18). Christ “purchased” it with “his own blood” (Acts 20:28). We are redeemed by His blood (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 5:8-9). Jesus gave Himself for the church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-26).

WEARS NAME OF CHRIST

A bride wears the name of her husband; the church is Christ’s bride (2 Corinthians 11:2; John 3:29; Ephesians 5:27; Isaiah 56:5; 62:2). Paul said “the churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16). Its members wear His name—“Christian” (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Wearing His name gives honor to Christ (Colossians 3:17). Salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12).

PREACHES THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

Only His truth can make one free (John 8:32). The Gospel is truth; it has the power to save lost souls (Romans 1:16). Preaching saves (1 Corinthians 1:18-21).

WORSHIPS ACCORDING TO CHRIST’S TEACHINGS

True worship is in spirit and truth (John 4:24), which means according to the pattern of the New Testament of Christ. That pattern authorizes singing, giving, communion, prayer, and teaching (Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; 16:1-2; Acts 2:42).

CONCLUSION

How could we fail to emphasize Christ!? Let’s all emphasize only Christ and His Church! Let all submit to only that which is commanded by Christ (Philippians 2:10).