Goodness of God HE IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH Matthew 16:13-20 When you think about the church—do you think about how God is good, and about his goodness to us? Church is… - irrelevant - pain and harm vs. - helpful - meeting my needs Matt. 16 – Peter’s confession of Christ, but it also speaks to what Jesus intended to do with his followers. - Jesus said “I will build my church” Matthew 16:13-20 God’s goodness is seen in the purpose of The Church Matthew 16:18 Jesus is building a called-out people to carry out a predetermined purpose The Church isn’t: - a building or place - a club or social group - a source of prosperity - a self-help group The Church is: - a gathering of redeemed people - a body of Christ that has many parts - a spiritual house and family - an agent of redemption moving toward restoration Jesus promised that the Church will not be stopped - The gates of Hades (Hell) will not overpower the Church. .. Jesus has victory over death. .. Jesus has victory over the devil. Jesus promised He would build His Church on the rock - Peter is a “petros”: a small stone or pebble. - Jesus is the “petra”: a massive rock formation. - Jesus is the “Chief Cornerstone”. - The Apostles laid the foundation of teaching and the Church is built upon it. God’s goodness is seen in the people of The Church remember what Jesus said about Simon Peter - (he’s a stone or small rock) 1 Peter 2:4-10 We are living stones. (v.5) - a spiritual house for a holy priesthood. - we represent God to the people. - offering spiritual sacrifices. - we serve in the gifting God has given to us. We are set apart for God (v.9) - we are a chosen people - we are a royal priesthood - we are a holy nation - we are God’s own possession We are part of God’s redemption plan (v. 9-10) We are to proclaim His excellencies! (he called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light!) We have been transformed and changed by the power of the Gospel! (The Good News) - Once we were not the people of God. - But now we are the people of God! - Once we had not received mercy. - But now we have received mercy and are redeemed! We are The Church! Next Step: Are you part of The Church? - If you aren’t call on the name of Jesus now and be saved. - If you are live with the purpose that God has given you!