Body
As Christians, we have often heard Matthew 16:13-18 used to relate the message of Jesus and the beginning of the church. The verses tell us, 'When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' But what about you?, he asked, who do you say I am?SimonPeteranswered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' 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. 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.'' Over the last few weeks, Pastor Matt has talked about 'restoring the essentials of the primitive, apostolic church.' The verses above give us a good look at the New Testament church. Jesus' conversation with Peter gives us the foundation upon which the church is built. Peter was the small stone, a pebble if you will, and Jesus is the cornerstone on which the entire church was built. He is the foundation.