Daily Devotions
It Is Written
"I will build My church..."
Text: Matthew 16:18
DISCOVERY ABOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
As the disciples followed the Lord Jesus Christ, they discovered many things about their Teacher. Soon they became convinced that He was:
1. The Son of Man
2. The Son of God
3. The Christ
4. The Master and Lord
INITIAL LESSONS
The initial lessons Jesus wanted His disciples to learn and to master focused on the following:-
1. Faith
2. Following the Lord
3. The Scriptures and their fulfilment in the Lord Jesus Christ
A PROFOUND PLAN REVEALED
One day the Lord Jesus revealed a profound plan to His disciples.
“And on this rock I will build My church,
and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18
1. “My Church”
a) The disciples did not know what a church was.
b) This was the first time Jesus had spoken about the institution of the Church.
2. “On this rock I will build”
a) The foundation of the Church would be on solid rock (Matthew 7:24).
b) The rock-foundation would be the teachings of the Lord Jesus.
c) Jesus Himself would be the chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22-23).
d) The Lord Himself will personally involve Himself in building the church.
3. “And the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it”
a) Jesus anticipated resistance.
b) He knew that the Evil One will attack the church.
c) But the church will be able to withstand any attack.
d) The Church built on the Lord and His teachings will prevail.
The Church would become instrumental in bringing many Gentiles to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ!