Jesus' Promise to Build His Church

Excerpts from my sermon at our 3 year anniversary celebration (9-20-09):

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus made a huge promise. After Peter confessed Him as the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus said, “...on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” This promise contains massive encouragement for us as a church.

1. Jesus is the Builder of the Church.
Jesus says, “I will build my church.” The apostles did not build churches. Missionaries do not build churches. Pastors do not build churches. Jesus is the Church-builder. The One who has all authority in Heaven and Earth is the One who builds the Church. If Jesus says He is going to do something, you better believe that nothing will stand in His way.

2. The Building of the Church is Certain.
Jesus says, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” The Church that Jesus is building is indestructible. All of Jesus’ omnipotence is behind this promise. Nothing can stop the Son of God from accomplishing His purposes. The Church is the only organization that has this promise attached to it. Jesus never promised to build any other institution. When we connect ourselves to Jesus’ Church, we are part of something extraordinary. We are part of a plan that cannot fail. It is as certain as Jesus is faithful.

3. The Church Belongs to Jesus.
Jesus says, “I will build MY church.” Jesus is specific as to which Church He is building. Jesus owns the church. It is His. Jesus has purchased the Church with His own blood. He laid down His life for His Bride, the Church. The Church has the most glorious Owner in the Universe. Thus, we should love the Church because Jesus does.

4. Jesus is the Foundation of His Church.
Jesus says, “On this rock, I will build my church.” There has been a debate throughout history about what the “rock” is upon which Jesus’ Church is built. Catholics claim that Jesus is setting up the entire Papal system, with Peter as the first Pope. However, Jesus is referring not just to Peter himself, but to Peter’s (and the other apostles’) unique role of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter had just confessed (in verse 16) that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Ephesians 2 says that the apostles are the foundation of the church because it was the apostles who proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The rock upon which the Church is built is the message that Christ died for our sins. Thus, we must always ensure that local churches are centered upon Christ. He is the foundation of His Church.

5. Jesus Builds His Church by His Sacrificial Death.
Jesus tells His disciples how He builds His Church in verse 21. He must suffer and die and rise from the dead. The gates of hell will not prevail against His Church because Jesus dies for our sins and frees us from our bondage. The Church is built by the power of the Gospel.