Pastor Robert Nettles teaches through Matthew 16:13-23 "The Purpose of the Church" on 7/5/2026 for our Sunday service.
Matthew 16:13-23
Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some 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 answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon BarJonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 "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. 19 "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Grounded in Matthew 16:13-23, this teaching examines the essential purpose of the Church as Christ's resilient and Spirit-led body in the world.
Portraying the True Identity of Jesus
The primary calling of the Church is to represent Jesus accurately as revealed in Scripture rather than reshaping Him to fit worldly expectations. When believers live out authentic biblical truth, they present a compelling portrait of Christ that draws others to Him.
Operating as a Spirit-Led Community
A healthy congregation relies on spiritual discernment, prayer, and deep fellowship rather than mere human effort. As believers align in unity and seek God earnestly, the Holy Spirit works dynamically through the entire body to impact the surrounding culture.
Aligning with God's Redemptive Mission
Built upon the true confession of Christ, the Church is part of an unshakeable cause that the forces of darkness cannot defeat. Believers are called to steward this divine authority, embrace the full gospel message, and faithfully advance God's plan of salvation.
Final Summary:
This message calls believers to recognize the immense value of the Church as Christ's beloved bride and actively engage in her divine purpose. By aligning with God's redemptive plan, guarding internal unity, and living out the whole counsel of Scripture, believers can stand firm against cultural distractions. Pastor Lowell's teaching ultimately encourages every Christian to step into their calling with confidence, knowing that Christ will faithfully build and preserve His victorious Church.