IN CHRIST ALONE MATT 16: 13-19
JESUS ASKED WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?
THIS IS THE QUESTION EVERY ONE ASK?
WHO IS JESUS?
IS HE THE WHITE MAN’S GOD?
THE INDIANS ASK THE SAME QUESTION?
THE CHINESE ASK THE SAME QUSTION?
THE MUSLIMS ASK THIS QUESTION?
BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK CHRIST IS FOR YOU?
The same question is being asked in Matthew 16 13-19
Vs 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
Jesus wanted to know what man say He is.
He put forward this question to all His disciples for them to give an answer.
They gave an answer.
THE DISCIPLES ANSWERED.
VS 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah and others Jeremiah or one of the prophet”
They gave the answer based on what others say.
They did not give a definite answer.
Jesus need a definite answer.
Even today the world has no definite answer about Jesus.
But you and I have the answer.
I have friends from the other faith coming to be prayed over but they only want blessings from Jesus. Nothing more. But I will take the opportunity to share the Gospel. The Good News must be told. The definite answer about Jesus must be spoken.
Then we can see the prayer answered and miracle performed.
JESUS ASKED THEM THE SECOND TIME.
VS 15 He said to the, “ But who do you say that I am?”
He need an answer from believers today who is Jesus?
What is Jesus to you?
Is Jesus is enough for you?
Do you believe fully in Jesus?
Can He help you in time of need?
Why is He so important to you?
PETER GAVE A DIFINITE ANSWER.
MATT 16:16
And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.”
Peter gave the right answer that please our Lord so much.
But before we go into details what Lord spoke about Peter let us look at the meaning of Christ.
MEANING OF CHRIST IN THE GREEK AND HEBREW.
First of all, we must understand that the word "Christ" comes from the Greek "Χριστος" (Christos) meaning "annointed". The word "Messiah" comes from the Hebrew "משיח" (Mashiach) also meaning "annointed". In other words, the Hebrew for "Christ" is the same as "Messiah". Translation of "Redemption in Christ" would be "גאולה בישו המשיח" ( Geulah b'Yeshu haMashiach)
JESUS PRAISED PETER 3 TIMES
VS 17 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.
The Son of God is blessing Simon for the answer.
Church when we proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God.
The same blessing flow over you.
Because flesh and blood has not revealed to us but by the Holy Spirit.
That is the reason that this man became a great disciple of Jesus.
2nd Blessing on Peter.
“ And I also say to you that you are Peter, on this rock I will built My church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Simon – Hearing
Peter- Little Stone.(Rock)
Continue to hear the Word of God.
If God’s word is filled in you, you will have the Holy Spirit manifesting in your life.
HOW THE CHURCH IS DEFINED
Derived from the Greek Πετρος (Petros) meaning "stone". This is a translation used in most versions of the New Testament of the name Cephas (meaning "stone" in Aramaic) which was given to the apostle Simon by Jesus (compare Matthew 16:18 and John 1:42).
The Church defined:
The Greek Word is Ekklesia meaning an assembly a congregation.
Today you and I are the rocks that will build the Church.
The gate of Hades shall not prevail against us.
The Son of God has given the same power to believers today.
Vs 19
“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and what ever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and what ever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
By believing in the Son of God the keys of the Kingdom is given to Peter.
Today it is given to you.
WHAT EVER YOU BIND ON EARTH WILL BE BIND IN HEAVEN.
It sounds like spiritual war fare.
God has given us power.
Ephesians 6: 10 Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
God wants us to be strong in Him and have His power.
Vs 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
The spiritual attack is real.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
We have the Power of the Holy Spirit.
When ever there is an attack of the evil one.
We bind him in the Name of Jesus.
Every host of wickedness will be bound.
We have power.
If the believers do not use the power Jesus has given us than we lose out.
EPHESIANS 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may able to stand in the evil day and having done all to stand.
Evil day is one day.
Blessings mostly every day.
When you are being attacked by the evil one be ready the next is blessing.
Because your trust in Christ alone.
ONLY IN CHRIST YOUR PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED.
Peter said You are Christ the Son of the Living God.
If you say it when you are facing a problem.
Your problem is solved.
In Christ alone I put my trust.
No body else.
Only in Jesus
Jesus word is the final word in your life.
