Jesus builds His church
07 - 05/25 /14:35
“… on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
— Matthew chapter 16
Jesus announced to the apostles that He would build His church. Ekklesia is the term in the ancient Greek text, and does not mean a place or building. Rather ekklesia is defined as an assembly, gathering, congregation summoned out of the world for God’s out-of-this-world purpose.
Roman Catholics emphasize that Jesus identified Peter as the rock on which the church would be built. They claim Peter as the first leader of the church, and are currently electing their 267th Pope.
Orthodox believers emphasize that Jesus identified the apostles as the rock on which the church would be built. They claim the church was led by the apostles in community, and is today led by patriarchs of the church.
Protestants emphasize that Jesus identified Peter’s confession that Jesus was both Messiah and God as the rock on which the church would be built.
Matthew emphasized that Jesus would build His church. The problem which has always stalked the church is the flawed building material.
Jesus’ chosen apostles were deeply flawed. Even Peter. Especially Peter. Soon after Peter identified Jesus as Messiah and Son of God, he tried to dissuade Jesus from going to the Cross. Jesus responded to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” Later, Peter would deny Jesus three times.
The apostles James and John were judgmental. They offered to call down fire on a village that refused hospitality to Jesus. They nominated themselves to be at Jesus’ right and left in the kingdom of heaven.
The apostle Philipp refused to believe Jesus had risen from the dead unless and until he saw the nail scars for himself.
Deeply flawed building material. And it got worse.
But Jesus rejoices in building with flawed, redeemed people. When we recognize and confess our deep flaws we become material with which He can work. Repentance launches the miraculous transformation of flawed building material into heavenly resources. Repentant people are renewed and re-created by Holy Spirit power.
Jesus builds His church via the Holy Spirit residing within and working through damaged but repentant people. It’s not the people on the stage that builds the church, it’s not scintillating sermons that build the church, and it’s not Christian celebrities.
Christ’s church is built by Christ-followers offering the peace of Christ (full video) to hurting, angry, frightened, self-protective, suspicious, flawed people. ~
Blessings,
Dan Nygaard