“I Will Build My Church”

Matthew 16:13-20

Introduction

1.      The church that Jesus built has been hijacked by theologians who have attempted to rob it of its message

2.      The church that Jesus built has been hijacked by sociologists who have attempted to rob it of its mission

3.      But, most importantly, the church that Jesus built has been hijacked by the lukewarm who have attempted to rob it of its heart for saving the lost  

Discussion

1.      “Church”

a.       Both church and temple are used in the New Testament as representative of people, not buildings  

b.      God is interested in more than the individual, He is interested in the group – God did not save Moses, he saved Israel  

c.       “Why do I have to go to church?” – it could be argued that it is commanded (Heb 10:25) but . . .

                                                            i.      Assumes the church is optional with God and so it is optional for people – Matt 16:18 contradicts this idea

                                                          ii.      Focuses on “I” instead of “You” – represents a “What’s in it for me?” attitude – every “one another” passage stands in contradiction of this focus

                                                        iii.      Is oblivious to the benefits that flow from group dynamics – consider the differences between one person building a car alone versus a company manufacturing cars

                                                        iv.      Ignores all that the Bible says about the church  

2.      “My Church”

a.       There are many organizations established by people who do good things, many of these are religious organizations, but the belong to people, not to Jesus  

b.      They operate on the basis of rules and principles established by their organizers  

c.        Jesus is the head of the church – Eph 1:22; Col 1:18 – there are not two heads, one figurative and the other literally

d.      Jesus is the “cornerstone” – Eph 2:20

e.       The church is “purchased” with Jesus’ blood – Acts 20:28

f.       The church is the “body of Christ” – 1 Cor 12:12-27  

3.      “Build My Church”

a.       Men build buildings, God builds people – 1 Cor 3:6-7 – Can you make a flower grow?  

b.      Acts 2:47  

c.       The church is built by the preaching of the gospel – Mark 16:15; 1 Cor 2:1-2; Rom 1:16; Gal 1:6  

d.      The church is not built by music, youth programs, singles retreats, beautiful buildings, charismatic preachers or dramatic presentations  

Conclusion

1.       The importance of Jesus’ statement:  “I will build my church.”

2.      At the cross and at the grave, God provided a powerful message for changing the world

3.      The message was entrusted to the church, the “pillar and support of the truth” – 1 Tim 3:15

4.      The church Jesus built is the only church that you need, but you need the church that Jesus built

5.      God adds those who are saved – Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 12:13