Daily Archives: September 12, 2017

Jesus Builds His Church

Matthew 16:13-25 (p. 1524)                                                 September 10, 2017    

And I tell you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church . . . .
Matthew 16:18

Intro:
               1)  Jesus’ first (see also Matt. 18) recorded use of  ekklēsia,
“the called out ones, the assembly”
— Jesus doesn’t differentiate here between church local
and church universal
2) “build together” is both a construction term (house + roof) and a organic term, like bones healing

Built on the rock

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to by man,
but by my Father in heaven.”
 Matthew 16:16

1. The rock: THE TESTIMONY OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS
   — Ephesians 2:19-20; Revelation 21 and the foundation of the Holy City = the church
2. The confession: A WORK OF GOD à includes the cross (see Matthew 16:21-28)
3. The blessing: SERVING A MOVEMENT (stolen from the title of Tim Keller’s book)
   — the keys of kingdom meas at least this: that we are invited to participate
   wherever we see the kingdom breaking in

Am I really joined to you?
“built together” = sum + oiukidomeō, the construction concept
“joined together” = sum + armologeō, the organic concept

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people,
and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone.
In him the whole building is joined together . . . .
And in him you are being built together to become a dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22

1. We  ARE KNOWN — the promise of George Fox University
   — neither zenoi (different or stranger)
   nor paroikio (along side + household)
   — we don’t stay on the outside
   but are invited in (therefore  hospitality next week!)
2. We share the same  LOYALTY (but in every culture but ours, this means duty, like Canada)  — sum + politēs
3. We  DEPEND ON  each other à “members of the household” is one word, oikeios
4. Our  PURPOSE à MISSION  is defined by Jesus!

More resources for studying the church

John MacArthur’s sermon, “Upon This Rock” at https://bible.org
/seriespage/exploring-riches-book-romans-romans-1-16

Ligon Duncan’s message “The Confession of the Kingdom” at http://www.fpcjackson.org/resource-library/sermons/the-confession-and-the-cross-of-the-kingdom-part-1-the-confession-of-the-kingdom

Reading this week: More on the Church

Monday: 2 Samuel 7:1-17, God will build this house!
This is God’s promise of a house, the fulfillment of his promise to David.  David really wanted to build a literal house for God, but Gods’ plan for David were even better.  How have you experienced an “even better” promise from God?  What house are you trusting God to provide for you?

Tuesday: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, David’s humble prayer
David is amazed at God’s promise and blessing.  How have God’s promise and blessing humbled you?  How do you pray for God’s blessing on your house?

Wednesday: Psalm 149, Praise from the assembly
This is a song for gathered saints.  Which instrument are you playing in this praise band?  How are you building your “double-edged sword” skills

Thursday: 1 Corinthians 14:1-12, Gifts in the church
How are you following the “way of love”?  In what ways are your gifts edifying your ACRC members?

Friday: Colossians 1:15-23, The Head of this church
Jesus is Creator and Head, the one who holds everything together.  How do you experience the “reconcile to himself all things” part of Jesus’ work?   How has the “if you continue in your faith” component led you to the hope of the gospel?

Saturday: Revelation 21:9-27, The final picture of the church
Both our foundation and God’s presence are complete!  How have you seen this great image begin to be worked out in our ACRC family?  How is the unity of church represented?