Scary Bible IV – Jesus, Peter, & the Church
A Message by Pastor Mark Jordan

Last Week
- Daniel and the Demon
- How we are to function in faith in a corrupted culture
- Humble self, seek God, and live accordingly
Matthew 16:13-20 (ESV) | 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Calling for a Confession – Who do you say I am?
Jesus Gives a New Identity and Purpose
The Rock – A Dual Meaning
- Peter: central to the growth of the Church
- The rock at Mount Hermon where the Gates of Hell were located
The Gates of Hell
- Gates: a stronghold
- The location of official government business
“My Church”
- Ekklésia, literally means, “called out”
- The ekklesia is an assembly of those who have been called and requires a response and an obligation to seek the common good on behalf of others in matters
both public and private.
To Prevail
- Can’t keep our faith-lives private…we must go public!
- Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG) | Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Hope and Help
- Jesus is calling us to go public
- The Church helps us engage publicly
- Evil cannot prevail when the Light shines!
Reflection Questions
- Have you confessed Jesus as Lord of your life?
- What do you perceive to be your purpose in helping make God known?
- What was the Greek word for church used by Jesus? Why is it unique? What does it mean for the Gates of Hell?
- Why do you think the forces of evil try to convince Christians to keep their faith private?
- How can you take your faith public and shine for Christ?