Faith and Action

Matthew 16:13-18 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
 
“PETER” means rock, but Jesus did not say, “I will build my church on you, Peter.” When Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church”, he was pointing to himself to say his church will be built on the confession of Jesus as the “Christ, the Son of the Living God.” 
   Jesus then taught how Peter came to such faith, “This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in Heaven.” Faith is God’s gift. The Spirit will awaken all of the Father’s own to true faith. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)
   This is not new to most of you. But let’s consider perhaps a new perspective. As we rejoice today in our faith, let’s consider this as an end-time promise. Action and faith are essential substances in the Kingdom of God. Faith properly acted out – or practiced – is a growth-generating formula to grow the Kingdom. The Bible tells us the many ways God has been and is active since he said, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3) Your faith is action’s catalyst. What you do you do in response to God’s revelation to you. Active faith opens life’s door more widely to help you experience God more personally. Faith keeps you in step with Jesus even in difficult times because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:3-4)
   Jesus clearly pointed his disciples and all Christians toward the future. As Jesus promised, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” he claimed the Kingdom’s future is certain and sure in the church. God’s power is at work to distribute faith, so faith grows and preserves the Kingdom against all enemies, even the gates of hell.
   History and current news record many ways persecutors and governments have attempted to destroy the church. But they cannot do it. Persecution is often the fertile ground of new growth. The church is here to stay until Jesus come.