The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 29 June 2022 – On This Rock, I Will Build My Church

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TOPIC: On This Rock, I Will Build My Church

READ: Matthew 16:13-19 (NKJV)

  1. 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?”
  2. So they said, “Some [say] John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
  3. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
  4. Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
  5. 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.
  6. “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.
  7. “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

THE MESSAGE:

While on earth, Jesus Christ did not assume that His disciples knew who He is. Therefore, He asked them this question: “Who do men say the Son of Man is?” Their answers proved to Him that they did not know Him personally.

Then came another question “Who do you say that I am?” Peter by divine revelation, answered correctly; “You are Christ, the son of the living God.” Who is Jesus to you? It is possible to be a follower and servant of Christ like the disciples and yet not know Him. In verse 18, Jesus said He would build His Church on this Rock and the gates of hell shall not prevail. By implication, – no might can destroy the Church of Christ. This Rock refers to JESUS while Peter is the small rock who would later provide Church leadership. Though, there are other interpretations linking this rock to Peter but Peter in 1:7 spoke about Christ as the Chief Corner Stone.

Secondly, Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11 talked about no other foundation except the one already laid which is Jesus Christ. Are your life and services being built on this eternal rock? The keys to the kingdom released to Peter is the authority believers have and use to destroy wickedness and also restore lives back to God.

PRAYER: That I may know You, O Lord!.