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Rocks, Gates, and Crosses - WED

May 22, 2013

Topic: Discipleship Passage: Matthew 16:13–16:24

I. THE CHURCH REVEALED - Matthew 16:18

   A. Established by Christ - 1 Corinthians 3:11

“It was the laying of the corner-stone of the Church of Christ, and the earliest occasion on which was uttered that memorable word, thereafter to be so intimately blended with the history of the world. It was the promise that that church, founded on the rock of inspired confession, should remain unconquered by all the powers of hell.” – Farrar

   B. Entered into by faith - Ephesians 2:8-9

   C. Endures with faith

      1) The Role of the Foundation - Hebrews 11:6, Romans 14:23, Romans 1:17

      2) The Reason for the Foundation - Matthew 7:24-27

II. THE CONQUEST REALIZED - Matthew 16:18

   A. The Nature of the Gates of Hell

      1) Defeated - Revelation 1:17, 1 John 2:2

      2) Defensive

   B. The Nature of the Church of Christ

      1) We are victorious!

      2) We are on the offensive!

III. THE CROSS RECOGNIZED - Matthew 16:21-24, John 13:16

The church of Christ was birthed with the cross of Christ; who are we to think that we can see the church grow and perpetuate without picking up the cross?

   A. The Cross of Sacrifice - Matthew 16:24, Romans 13:14, 1 Corinthians 6:12

   B. The Cross of Service - Matthew 16:24, Romans 12:10, John 13:35

   C. The Cross of Surrender - Matthew 16:24, Romans 12:1-2

 

Let's stand on the rock of Christ by faith

Let’s push back the gates of Hell.

Let’s pick up our cross.

Let’s be the church that Christ died to start.