Matthew 16:15-28 – THE CHURCH
The “Church” appears in two forms. There is the local church made up of a body of believers in a specific area. There is the universal church made up of every born again Christian. I believe that the universal church is in view in this passage.
THE CONCEPT OF THE CHURCH Vss. 15-20
Notice in Vs. 18 that it is Jesus’ Church and that He will build it.
The church has problems because it is made up of sinners, but the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
THE CROSS FOR THE CHURCH Vss. 21-23
Jesus went to the cross to die for the sins of the world. There is a church because Jesus gave His life for that church.
THE COMMITMENT BY THE CHURCH Vss. 24-28
Salvation is the result of faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, 6:23).
After salvation, church members are to live lives of committed discipleship.