In Matthew 16:13–20, Jesus makes a bold promise: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Guest pastor Dave Miles reminded us that Christ builds His church not in comfort but in the midst of adversity—and He does it for the benefit of others. The gospel is the rock on which the church stands, and when we live it out, our lives become a witness that shapes communities and cultures for the common good. This message challenges us to let Jesus build His church through us in such a way that the blessing of Christ is not kept inside our walls, but reaches far beyond us.
Scripture References
Peter’s Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20; John 6:67–71)
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17Jesus 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. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
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