On This Rock

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?” (John 3:9-10)

The Bible is the only explainer/expositor with the authority to speak correctly and truthfully on the church. Only the Holy Spirit can lead us to an accurate assessment of what we witness as it pertains to Christ's Body. We must only repeat what we have been told in the Word, not what we have concluded or reasoned in our minds. The cross is the only basis for understanding the church born out of its stark reality, and no man fully understands these things but the Son of Man, Jesus Christ. 

 

There are legions of expert teachers on the church of Jesus Christ, yet our thoughts about such things mean absolutely nothing. No matter how noble or well-conceived, they amount to nothing. No man can bring anything of value, material or immaterial, into the House of God. The Church is not founded on, defined by, or bound to a single human thought or action— it is the Body of Christ, and Christ is her head. She is the singular thought and work of God alone. He needs no help from us in defining or directing her. 

Far too many churches and institutions that claim to be Christ-centered and Bible-grounded are anything but, and they seek to legitimize a soulish approach to spiritual things which has resulted in the weakening of the Church and the shipwreck of the faith of many. The power of the Good News is found in its simplicity, and it must be presented in a way that even a child can understand. 

The Scriptures tell us it is our Lord's job to build the Church, and it is our job to be the church He builds. May He give us more and more understanding and humility in these things.

Let's Pray - Lord, may we take our direction from You alone, and not from men. Reveal Yourself to those who wait on You. We will wait and listen. In Jesus alone, Amen.