Some say the Church has retreated in fear of the global pandemic while others say the Church is bravely marching forward.
Quick Connect: So, which one is it? Has the Church retreated or advancing ?
Connecting with the Word: Matthew 16: 13-20
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16: 13-20
Point to Ponder: We are Still the Church!
18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Connection Points
1. The Church Will Prevail
Although we are connecting, worshiping and responding differently; we are still the church! Jesus said, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.
A. The Church belongs to God!
i. The Church belongs to God and not to us.
The foundation & future of the Church rests upon the Truth of Christ.
B. We are called to partner with Him in the purpose of the Church.
i. Peter (Petrous rock) on this rock I will build. Jesus as the Corner Stone – the foundation apostles & prophets – believers
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2: 19-22
C. It is as God is making is appeal through us.
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Conclusion
The purpose of the Church is not found in worship a Gennie in a bottle. (a supernatural being that is beholden to our whims and wishes)
The purpose of the Church is proclaiming the truth of God. Bringing him glory.
Submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ by honoring him in all our circumstances and situations.
Daniel 3:16-20
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Point to Ponder: So, which one is it? Has the Church retreated or advancing ?
It depends upon you. We (you) are the Church. Will we (you) retreat or advance the Kingdom in this crisis?