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Key Passage

Matthew 16:18

18. I also tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it.

Speaker

뉴비전언약교회, New Vision Covenant Church NVCC

Date

2026-08-10

Length

80 min

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Summary

God accepts us just as we are. We should let go of the worries and regrets of the past week and come to worship with the expectation of the grace that God provides. I hope that through worship, we can have a deep encounter with God, and let us pray that our faith becomes stronger and is restored. God protects and guides our lives and is always there to help us.

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Bible Verses

Matthew 16:18 18. I also tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it.
Matthew 16 1. The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2. But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3. In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times! 4. An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them, and departed. 5. The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 6. Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7. They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8. Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9. Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 10. Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11. How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12. Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13. Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14. They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, 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, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17. 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. I also tell you that you are Peter,and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hadeswill not prevail against it. 19. I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 20. Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ. 21. From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22. Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.” 23. But he turned, and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.” 24. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 26. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27. For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28. Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
1 Corinthians 3 1. Brothers, I couldn’t speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ. 2. I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready, 3. for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men? 4. For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” aren’t you fleshly? 5. Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? 6. I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase. 7. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8. Now he who plants and he who waters are the same, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s farming, God’s building. 10. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each man be careful how he builds on it. 11. For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 13. each man’s work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each man’s work is. 14. If any man’s work remains which he built on it, he will receive a reward. 15. If any man’s work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, but as through fire. 16. Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17. If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are. 18. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. 19. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.” 20. And again, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless.” 21. Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 22. whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All are yours, 23. and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Acts 20:28 28. Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
1 Corinthians 12 1. Now concerning spiritual things, brothers, I don’t want you to be ignorant. 2. You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led. 3. Therefore I make known to you that no man speaking by God’s Spirit says, “Jesus is accursed.” No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” but by the Holy Spirit. 4. Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. 6. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. 7. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. 8. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; 9. to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; 10. and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. 11. But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires. 12. For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. 14. For the body is not one member, but many. 15. If the foot would say, “Because I’m not the hand, I’m not part of the body,” it is not therefore not part of the body. 16. If the ear would say, “Because I’m not the eye, I’m not part of the body,” it’s not therefore not part of the body. 17. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? 18. But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired. 19. If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20. But now they are many members, but one body. 21. The eye can’t tell the hand, “I have no need for you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need for you.” 22. No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23. Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety; 24. whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part, 25. that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28. God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages. 29. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? 30. Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret? 31. But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.
1 Corinthians 3:11 11. For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:24 24. whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.
Jeremiah 2 1. Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, 2. “Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says Yahweh, “I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings; how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. 3. Israel was holiness to Yahweh, the first fruits of his increase. All who devour him shall be held guilty. Evil shall come on them,”’ says Yahweh.” 4. Hear Yahweh’s word, O house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel! 5. Thus says Yahweh, “What unrighteousness have your fathers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain? 6. Neither did they say, ‘Where is Yahweh who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought and of the shadow of death, through a land that no one passed through, and where no man lived?’ 7. I brought you into a plentiful land, to eat its fruit and its goodness; but when you entered, you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination. 8. The priests didn’t say, ‘Where is Yahweh?’ and those who handle the law didn’t know me. The rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. 9. “Therefore I will yet contend with you,” says Yahweh, “and I will contend with your children’s children. 10. For pass over to the islands of Kittim, and see; and send to Kedar, and consider diligently; and see if there has been such a thing. 11. Has a nation changed its gods, which really are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. 12. “Be astonished, you heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid. Be very desolate,” says Yahweh. 13. “For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. 14. Is Israel a servant? Is he a native-born slave? Why has he become a captive? 15. The young lions have roared at him, and yelled. They have made his land waste. His cities are burned up, without inhabitant. 16. The children also of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head. 17. “Haven’t you procured this to yourself, in that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, when he led you by the way? 18. Now what have you to do in the way to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? Or what have you to do in the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River? 19. “Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backsliding shall reprove you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, and that my fear is not in you,” says the Lord, Yahweh of Armies. 20. “For of old time I have broken your yoke, and burst your bonds; and you said, ‘I will not serve;’ for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed yourself, playing the prostitute. 21. Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed. How then have you turned into the degenerate branches of a foreign vine to me? 22. For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me,” says the Lord Yahweh. 23. “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled. I have not gone after the Baals’? See your way in the valley. Know what you have done. You are a swift dromedary traversing her ways; 24. a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that snuffs up the wind in her desire. When she is in heat, who can turn her away? All those who seek her will not weary themselves. In her month, they will find her. 25. “Withhold your foot from being unshod, and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘It is in vain. No, for I have loved strangers, and I will go after them.’ 26. As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets; 27. who tell wood, ‘You are my father;’ and a stone, ‘You have brought me out:’ for they have turned their back to me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise, and save us.’ 28. “But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble: for according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah. 29. “Why will you contend with me? You all have transgressed against me,” says Yahweh. 30. “I have struck your children in vain. They received no correction. Your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. 31. Generation, consider Yahweh’s word. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? Or a land of thick darkness? Why do my people say, ‘We have broken loose. We will come to you no more?’ 32. “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me for days without number. 33. How well you prepare your way to seek love! Therefore you have taught even the wicked women your ways. 34. Also the blood of the souls of the innocent poor is found in your skirts. You did not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things. 35. “Yet you said, ‘I am innocent. Surely his anger has turned away from me.’ “Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ 36. Why do you go about so much to change your way? You will be ashamed of Egypt also, as you were ashamed of Assyria. 37. From there also you shall go out, with your hands on your head; for Yahweh has rejected those in whom you trust, and you shall not prosper with them.
Revelation 3:7 7. “To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:
Luke 10 1. Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place, where he was about to come. 2. Then he said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. 3. Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4. Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way. 5. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6. If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7. Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house. 8. Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you. 9. Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10. But into whatever city you enter, and they don’t receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11. ‘Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 12. I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city. 13. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15. You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 16. Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” 17. The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18. He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. 19. Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. 20. Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21. In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” 22. Turning to the disciples, he said, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son desires to reveal him.” 23. Turning to the disciples, he said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see, 24. for I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see the things which you see, and didn’t see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn’t hear them.” 25. Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26. He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27. He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28. He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live.” 29. But he, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” 30. Jesus answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, 34. came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.’ 36. Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?” 37. He said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 38. As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” 41. Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42. but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Sermon Structure

The Identity of the Church Established by God

The Foundation of the Church

The Church Established by Jesus

Matthew 16:18

The Authority of the Church

He Gives the Keys of Heaven

Matthew 16:19

The Meaning of the Cross

There is No Church Without the Cross

Matthew 16:21

The Path of a Disciple

Deny Yourself and Follow

Matthew 16:24

◆

We must remember the sovereignty and mission of the church.

This Week's Devotions

Print this week's devotions

Six days of devotions drawn from this Sunday's sermon — one for each day, Monday through Saturday.

Verse of the WeekMatthew 16:18-19 - 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.

Monday

God's Invitation

Today's PassageMatthew 11:28

God wants us to come as we are when we are weary and burdened. We can lay down all our worries and approach Him, expecting His grace.

Ask YourselfWhat burdens do I need to lay down right now?

Do This TodayToday, I will entrust my worries to God and pray.

PrayerLord, I lay down the burdens of my heart and come to You.

Tuesday

Identity of the Church

Today's PassageMatthew 16:16

Like Peter's confession, acknowledging that Jesus is the Christ is the foundation of the church. How we confess Jesus determines the identity of the church.

Ask YourselfHow do I confess Jesus?

Do This TodayI will talk about Jesus to those around me.

PrayerLord, help me to confess Jesus correctly.

Wednesday

Authority of the Church

Today's PassageMatthew 16:19

Jesus has given the church the keys to the kingdom of heaven. This means we have the authority to fulfill God's will in the world.

Ask YourselfHow am I using this authority?

Do This TodayI will pray and act to fulfill God's will in my community.

PrayerLord, help me to use the authority You have given me well.

Thursday

Meaning of the Cross

Today's PassageMatthew 16:24

The call to take up the cross means suffering and sacrifice. Our faith demands commitment, not comfort.

Ask YourselfWhat cross am I carrying?

Do This TodayToday, I will help someone through a small sacrifice.

PrayerLord, give me the strength to carry my cross and follow You.

Friday

Mission of the Church

Today's PassageMatthew 28:19-20

We have the mission of making disciples according to Jesus' command. This mission is the reason for the church's existence.

Ask YourselfWhat efforts am I making to make disciples?

Do This TodayI will look for an opportunity to share the gospel with someone today.

PrayerLord, let me convey Your love through me.

Saturday

Relationship with God

Today's PassageJohn 15:5

We can only bear true fruit in Jesus. Our relationship with God should be the center of our faith life.

Ask YourselfHow am I maintaining my relationship with God?

Do This TodayI will pray or meditate on the Word for more than 10 minutes a day to fellowship with God.

PrayerLord, deepen my relationship with You.

Check Your Understanding

Five quick questions from this Sunday's message. Tap an answer to see if you're right.

What is emphasized in the statement that Jesus will establish the church?
What authority did Jesus give in Matthew 16?
What did Jesus say about the authority of hell after establishing the church?
What did Peter confess to Jesus?
What does the meaning of the cross that Jesus spoke to his disciples signify?

Full Transcript

Hallelujah. >> Amen. Amen. >> I would like to welcome and bless you all. You have come very well. >> Today, our faithful God has called us to this place. When we think about it, there were things that made us laugh during the week, and there were heavy things on our hearts. There were things we did well, and there were things we felt a bit regretful about. There may also be unresolved issues. But that’s okay. >> Amen. Because God has never told us to come to Him after resolving everything. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened." He simply asks us to come as we are. So we have come. Let us put aside all worries for a moment and open our hearts a little wider, and let us bring our prayers with a little more expectation. Please greet the person next to you with the brightest and most beautiful smile. Today, God will pour out the best grace. God will pour out the best grace. >> Amen. Today, I want us to worship with great expectation for God's grace. God has never disappointed us. >> Amen. >> Amen. Let us rise and worship God with joy. Lift up your heads, O gates. [Song] Be lifted up. [Music] [Song] O everlasting gates. Let the [Music] King of glory come in. [Song] The King of glory is coming in. [Song] Lift up your eyes, O heads. [Song] Be lifted up. [Music] O everlasting gates. [Song] Let the [Music] King of glory come in. [Song] The King of glory is coming in. [Song] The Lord, the King of glory, [Song] is coming. [Music] The mighty Lord. [Song] The Lord is mighty in battle. [Music] Praise be to the King. [Song] Long live the King. [Music] Long live the King. You are [Song][Music] the King of glory. All >> [Music] >> praise be to the King. Long live the King. Long live the King. [Song][Music] Long live the King. [Song][Music] You are [Music] the King of glory. [Song] All praise [Music] to the great >> [Song] >> God who hears prayers. All flesh will come to you. Blessed is the one you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple. O God of our salvation, you answer us in righteousness, you who are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas. >> Amen. God, that is right. You are the God of all and the King of all. Today, we have come before you, Lord. Please accept this praise and glory we offer, and receive all the noise, tears, and pain in our hearts so that we may be satisfied only by you, the God of our lives. >> Amen. >> Is there anyone going through difficulties? Is there anyone whose body is weak? Is there anyone in a tough situation? At this time, let us look to the God who created the heavens and the earth, let us lift up His name, and let us confess that you are my God. May this be a blessing. >> Amen. >> Thank you. In Jesus' name, I pray. >> Amen. Amen. >> Let us all confess our faith together by reciting the Apostles' Creed in one voice. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen. Please be seated and continue to praise. [Clears throat] Do not [Song][Music] be afraid. The Lord, my God, will protect you. Do not be alarmed. Do not [Song][Music] be afraid. The Lord will protect you. Do not [Music][Song] be afraid. The Lord, your God, will protect you. Do not be alarmed. Do not [Song] be afraid. The Lord will protect [Music][Song] you. Even if my [Song] heart grows weary and tired [Music] the Lord will protect me. [Song] [Music] Even when the [Song] rough winds of the world blow [Music] the Lord will protect [Music] me. [Song] Amen. The Lord is [Song] my fortress. The Lord is my stronghold. [Song] The Lord is my hope [Song] and my strength. >> Do not be afraid of anything. Do not [Song][Music] be afraid. The Lord, my God, will protect [Song] [Music] you. Do not be alarmed. Do not [Song] be afraid. The Lord will protect [Music] you. Amen. Do not [Song] be afraid. The Lord, my beauty [Song] will protect you. Do not be alarmed. Do not [Song][Music] be afraid. The Lord will [Song] protect [Music] you. Even if my heart [Song][Music] grows weary, the Lord [Music][Song] will protect me. When the world's [Song] troubles and [Music] storms come, [Song] the Lord will protect [Music] me. [Song] The Lord is [Song] my strength. The Lord is [Music] my fortress. [Song] The Lord is [Song] my hope [Song] and my strength. >> Amen. Through trials, my faith grows [Song] stronger and [Music] as I walk through the mountains and valleys, the Lord leads me closer to Him. >> [Music] >> Even if the trials I face are difficult and hard, my Lord is greater [Song] than them. If the sea before me does not change, the Lord will make me walk on the sea. [Song][Music] Amen. I believe that through the power of the Lord, my [Music][Song] life will be renewed. I believe that through the power of the Lord, I will boldly [Song] go forth. [Music] I will be victorious. [Song] >> [Music] >> The trials that the Lord has allowed me >> The trials that the Lord has allowed [Music] [Song] me to face will strengthen my faith. [Song] As I walk through the mountains and [Music] valleys, the Lord leads me closer to Him. Even if the trials I face are difficult and hard, my Lord is greater than them. [Song] If the sea before me does not change, [Song][Music] the Lord will make me walk on the sea. [Song][Music] Amen. I believe that through the power of the Lord, my [Music][Song] life will be renewed. [Song][Music] I believe that through the power of the Lord, I will boldly go forth. [Song] I will fight with the Lord and [Song] be victorious. I live by faith every day. I believe. >> I believe. [Song] Amen. [Music] Through the power of the Lord, my life will [Song] be renewed. I believe. [Music] >> Through the power of the Lord, I will boldly [Song] go forth. I will fight with the Lord and [Music] be victorious. >> [Song] >> When I was lost, [Song] [Music] I could not come out. [Song] I relied on [Music] the Lord. [Song] I cannot understand why [Music] the Lord has given me faith and [Song] grace. [Music] I cannot understand why [Music] my heart is always at peace. [Music] I rely on [Music] the Lord who knows all my circumstances. [Song] I know that I can trust [Song] the Lord. [Music] I cannot understand why [Music] the Lord has given me the Holy Spirit to [Song] inspire my heart to believe in the Lord Jesus. [Music] I cannot understand why [Music] I can believe. [Music] I rely on [Music] the Lord who knows all my circumstances. [Song] I know that I can trust [Song] the Lord. [Music] I do not know when the Lord will come, whether at night or during the day. [Song] I do not know when I will meet the Lord. [Music] I rely on [Music] the Lord who knows all my circumstances. [Song] I know that I can trust [Song] the Lord. >> Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Do you also know for sure? >> Amen. >> Only God is my salvation. >> Only God is my shield. >> Only God is my help. >> Amen. Let us pray to that God. God, I believe. I believe and rely on you. I believe that you will part the Red Sea before me and split the rock for me, and that you will provide a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. I offer this confession before God today and let us pray together. Our deacon, Sister Jeong-ja, will come forward to lead us in closing prayer. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you. [Music] You have allowed us to be in your presence today and to experience your work. >> [Music] [Music] >> I will pray. Good and gracious God, worthy of receiving praise and worship, thank you for allowing us this holy day and for calling us to the place of worship with the words of life. Throughout the past week, you have watched over our lives like the apple of your eye, holding us up whenever we stumble and providing us with new strength whenever we are weak. May this time of worship not be a formal occasion but a blessed time to deeply encounter the living God, and may the Holy Spirit fully dwell in our hearts. As the seasons flow, may we remember that you have never ceased to hold our lives with unchanging love. If there are any delays in our lives, please remind us so that we may repent and seek forgiveness from God the Father. Renew us by the grace of the cross and soften our hardened hearts so that we may be humble and obedient before your word. As we approach the end of summer, I pray for our church and its members. I pray based on your word that says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain; unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain." May our church show a good influence in the world and become a community that reveres one another and builds each other up in faith. Especially, I pray for the members who are dedicated to sharing with the homeless and the ministry of soul-saving. May you grant our pastor the fullness of the Holy Spirit and health so that he may not grow weary and may serve with renewed strength every day. Lord, who answers even our small groans, I earnestly pray for the members who are suffering from physical pain and those who are praying with tears. Please grant them recovery and strengthen their bodies and minds so that they may not lose the true peace that you give even in difficulties. I earnestly hope and pray that you will walk with us. May the Holy Spirit be present in this time of worship, and may you grant our pastor, who will deliver the message, the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit so that the proclaimed word may awaken our hearts and transform our lives. May the brokenhearted be restored and the weak faith be strengthened during this time. Please joyfully receive our Hosanna praise, and fill the hands that do not spare in service and dedication with your grace so that they may carry out their responsibilities wisely. May the same grace be poured out on those members who could not join us for various reasons. We thank you in the name of Jesus Christ, who has set us free from sin and led us to the path of life. Amen. >> Please listen to the surrounding [Music] instructions. [Music] With all your heart [Music] >> [Music] [Music] >> Only in this world [Music] the Lord is the oil that [Music] >> [Music] >> The believers [Music] come into the world [Music] proclaiming [Music] the Lord's love. >> [Music] [Music] [Music] [Song] >> God who works, call us to [Music] proclaim the place. [Music] The living water is [Song] Jesus Christ. [Music] The Lord [Music] is calling me. [Song] I see [Music] the pain. >> [Music] >> Again, [Song] the people who have been redeemed [Song][Music] are called to [Music] our Lord who has made us [Music] whole. [Music] [Music] Thank you for your precious praise today. It seems that the praise has lifted our eyes to look up to heaven. I would like to thank our brother Kwak Jang-ho and his wife for not being here, but I am grateful for the special grace that is present. Today, the word of God for me is found in Matthew 16:18-19. First, I will briefly preach in English to our children, and then I will continue with the sermon in Korean. I will overcome; I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Good morning, Haram, and good morning, children. Today, I want to teach you four key words, and the last word is cross. Can you say them with me? Rock, gate, key, and cross. These four words help us understand what Jesus Christ said about His church. First, Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" And Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said something amazing: "I will build my church." Jesus did not say, "Peter, you build my church." No, He didn't say that. He said, "I will build my church." That means the church belongs to Jesus, and He will build His church. The church does not belong to the people or anyone else but Christ. Jesus Christ, the church belongs to Jesus, and Jesus is the one who builds His own church. The rock, the Jesus says, "On this rock, I will build my church." A house needs a strong foundation. What happens if you build your house on the sand? It will collapse; it will fall. But when you build the house on the rock, it will stand forever. Jesus Christ is the living God. Jesus is our rock. When life is hard, Jesus is our rock. You have to remember that when we are afraid, Jesus is our rock. You have to remember that things may change, but Jesus does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The second image was the gate. The power of darkness and death cannot stop His church. That means Christians do not have to hide from the darkness. We do not have to. Jesus Christ has overcome the world. His church is supposed to be preaching the gospel. We have to go out there and tell them how much God loves them and that our Christ has overcome death. The third image, the third word that I gave you is key. Jesus said to them, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." What does a key do? It opens the door and also closes the door. That means Jesus Christ gives us the authority to close and open. When we close, it will be closed in heaven. When we open, it will be opened in heaven. So this is the way we preach the gospel. This is the way that we approach nonbelievers. We have to tell them God loves them. We have to tell them Jesus is our Lord and Savior. That means we open their hearts so that they could understand the gospel. They could understand salvation, and we tell them that Jesus loves them. We invite them to church. We can pray for our friends. We can show kindness to someone we feel left out. The last word is cross. The very interesting thing is that Jesus is talking about the church, and then He talks about the cross. Without the cross, the church means nothing. But a lot of people do not understand the cross. They understand the glory of God, but they do not understand or accept the cross. But without the cross, it cannot be complete. The church is the church because of the cross. The church has the glory of God because of the cross of Jesus Christ. So we have to remember these four things: rock, gate, key, and the last word is cross. So remember these four things to understand this scripture. Let me pray. Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this time. Even though it is a very hard concept, Father God, I just transfer this good news and this truth toward the children, Father God. I just pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon them and let them understand the power of the church. Let them understand the power of the confession of Jesus Christ. Let them understand that they have a key. Let them understand the cross, Father God, so that they will go out there and tell how much God loves them. And Father, let them understand that the church will last forever. Now, I will continue with the sermon. As you know, I have read the scripture in English, so I will not read it again in Korean. This passage is very familiar to us. Among those who attend church, there may not be anyone who does not know this passage. However, being familiar does not always mean it is good. Because we are so familiar with it, we often listen without truly thinking about its meaning. Even the Apostles' Creed is the same. Because we do it every week, we recite the Lord's Prayer every time without deeply considering its meaning. However, there is no power in mere recitation. There is power when we know and speak the meaning. Today, the Lord says, "I will build my church." The gates of hell will not prevail against it. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." These are the words He has spoken. I want us to see together what the true meaning of what Jesus said is. The identity of the church, the foundation of the church, the sovereignty and authority of the church, the mission, and the reason for victory are all contained in this text. First, chapter 16 begins with the question, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They answered with various good answers. Then the Lord asks again, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter confesses, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Then the Lord says, "On this rock, I will build my church." As He speaks, He says, "The gates of hell will not prevail against you. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." The next word that comes up is the cross. He speaks about the cross. Then Peter reacts strongly, saying, "Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you." The Lord rebukes him. What should we remember? Peter accepted the power and glory of God, but he did not want the path of suffering and the cross that the Lord spoke of. But what does the Lord say afterward? "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." So if we connect these sequences, it goes like this: First, there was revelation. As Jesus said, "The one who revealed this to you is God." Then, after that revelation, Peter made the confession, and after the confession, Jesus proclaimed the church. Then comes the authority of the church, the mission of the church, the cross, and discipleship, all connected in today's Matthew 16. To put it simply, it encompasses ecclesiology, Christology, cross theology, and discipleship within this short text. Who do you confess Jesus to be today? This confession is the first step. However, before this confession, there must be revelation from the Lord. Knowledge without revelation has no power. The one who makes us know who Jesus is is God. There is revelation from God, and we come to understand it. Calvin spoke about this issue and mentioned irresistible grace. He talked about God's election. God gives revelation to those He has chosen, and they cannot reject it but accept it and enter the path of salvation. This is what Calvin argued. Of course, the Methodist side accepts Arminianism, which states that God knows and chooses, and people have the ability to reject that choice. This is a significant theological debate within Christianity. I have a desire to discuss these theological issues and the calling of God with you, so I am preparing for that. In fact, I was going to do it today, but there is a leadership meeting today. Since our deacon is not here, I think we will not be able to have the leadership meeting. However, next week, after our fellowship, I plan to have a short discussion for about 30 minutes to an hour on these theological issues. What is God's calling? Can we reject that calling, or is God's calling something we cannot reject? I want to share these important theological discussions with you, and you need to understand them well. I was born into a Presbyterian church, have been a Presbyterian pastor my whole life, was ordained as a pastor in a Presbyterian church, and have been a pastor for over 30 years. Therefore, I am a Presbyterian pastor to the core. So, what comes out of me is that. Anyway, I want to share with you what God's choosing and calling mean, so I plan to do that next week. Jesus did not think that Peter's confession came from human wisdom. It was a revelation from God. Peter made that confession based on that revelation, and Jesus accepted it and built His church upon that confession. The question we should ask is not whether people like our church or whether our church is famous. It does not matter how well our pastor preaches. These things are not important. The most important question for the church is, "Who do I believe Jesus to be?" If you believe that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, then you have no worries. Because the Lord is my King. He is responsible for all my things, protects me, guides me, and is with me. We cannot lose sight of this. And He is God. The Son of the living God means that in Hebrew culture, the son and the father are the same being. They share the same power, authority, and everything. Therefore, the event of confessing that Jesus is the Son of God is, in fact, confessing that Jesus is God. The church clearly begins with knowing who this Christ is, who Jesus is. Today, the Lord hears that confession and says, "I will build my church." He says, "I will build my church on this rock." The word "I" indicates that the Lord Himself will build it. After being a pastor for 30 years, I sometimes think this way. If I do well, the church will thrive. If I preach better, the congregation will receive grace and gather. But then God says, "No, no, no." It is not because I do well that the church thrives, nor is it because I do well that the church is built. The church is built by the Lord. Of course, if the pastor does well, that is a plus. If the elders manage well, that is good. If the deacons care well, that is good. However, those things do not build the church. The church is built by the Lord. When we clearly understand this, we can bow down before God completely. This word is a great comfort to me as a pastor. It is not my wisdom, my ability, or my effort that builds the church, but the Lord who builds it. The ultimate subject that builds the church is Jesus. We just need to obey and move forward. Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 3, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow." A pastor can teach diligently. An elder can care for the congregation diligently. A deacon can show love diligently. But the one who makes it grow, the one who builds it, is definitely God. If a pastor becomes the savior of the church, problems arise. If a pastor acts as a henchman for the congregation, problems arise. We see many large churches in Korea, with tens of thousands of members, that eventually face problems because of one pastor. Therefore, the Lord says, "I will build the church. I am the owner." That is my church. The second thing He says is that this church belongs to the Lord. This church does not belong to the founder. This church does not belong to those who give a lot of offerings. This church does not belong to those who have been here for generations. This church belongs to the Lord, and only the Lord is the owner. In many cases, it is important to have attended a church for a long time, but in God's eyes, it is all the same. Attending church for 50 years is just passing time before God. Therefore, we must always confess, "Lord, this church is your church." This speaks of ownership. In Acts 20:28, it says that God purchased the church with His own blood. Therefore, true church reform is to put the true owner of the church back in the owner's seat. Making Jesus the owner of the church and serving as unworthy servants is true reform of the church. Now, let’s look at the word "church." I want to share a bit more about this word when I teach you theology. The word "church" in Greek is "ekklesia." The word "ek" means out, and "klesia" means to call. So "ekklesia" means a gathering of those called out. In the Bible, the term "church" appears only twice in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 16 and 18. However, throughout the entire Bible, there are two words that convey the concept of the church: one in Hebrew and one in Greek. The Greek word is "ekklesia," and the Hebrew word is "kahal." Both mean a gathering of those called. Even today, in Judaism, they gather in what they call "synagogue," which means assembly. So, while we gather as a church, they gather in synagogues, but both "kahal" and "ekklesia" have similar meanings. If you think about it, where did the early church, like Peter and Paul, go to preach the gospel? To the synagogues. Paul especially went to the synagogues first to proclaim Jesus, and many people believed in Jesus. However, at some point, Judaism and Christianity split apart, and the synagogues no longer accepted Christians. I will share more about this historical context when we meet next week after fellowship. Anyway, the church is a gathering of those called out by the Lord. We are in the world but no longer belong to the world. We belong to God. We are in darkness but no longer belong to darkness. We are a gathering of those who have been transferred to the kingdom of light. This is the church. "Ekklesia" is a very important word. Therefore, you must remember that "I am the church." The church is not just a place where we gather once a week for an hour to sing, rejoice, listen to the word, say hallelujah, and amen, and then end. We are the church from beginning to end, and we are the church throughout the week. After Sunday, we are still the church on Monday, Tuesday, and we live as the church forever. In this sense, there are two types of churches: the gathering church and the scattered church. When you gather on Sundays or during any worship service, you form the church. After the worship ends, you scatter and form the church in your homes. The gathering church and the scattered church must work well together for the church to be complete. If we only gather, stagnant water will rot. If we gather and enjoy ourselves, it will not help the world at all. What does the Lord say? "You are the light of the world." He did not say, "You are the light of the church." Do not try to be the light of the church when you come to church. He also said, "You are the salt of the earth." Do not try to be the salt of the church when you come to church. The church is a place where we gather to exalt God, and we are to be the light and salt in the world. Light has no meaning when the sun is high in the sky. However, when light enters the darkness at night, its true nature is revealed, and it exerts influence. The same goes for salt. No matter how precious salt is outside, it is of no use. Salt must dissolve in food to fulfill its role. The Lord says, "You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth." Therefore, within the church, we should rejoice, accept one another, worship God, and enjoy ourselves. That is correct. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body. The body has a head, eyes, nose, mouth, hands, and feet, and there are various members in one body. Not every member needs to do the same thing. Think about it. If there is a body of Christ with 100 mouths, what would happen? They would all be talking, and no one would listen. If there are only eyes, they would just stare and not think about anyone else. That would be a problem. Therefore, in the body of Christ, some are eyes, some are mouths, some are hands, and some are feet. You know, a hand has ten fingers. Which finger is the most important? Some might say the thumb is important. No, no, no. The finger that points is important. Oh, what are you talking about? The longest finger is important. The ring finger is important because it holds the ring. No, I think the finger that can pick the nose is the most important. None of them is unimportant. When we are complete, we are the perfect body of Christ. So, you do not need to say "Amen" all the time. God gives different gifts to different people to create a beautiful body of Christ. In this sense, you do not need to demand too much from the pastor. The pastor is someone who fulfills the role of the mouth given by God. It is wrong to say, "Why isn't the pastor a hand? Why isn't he a foot?" The same principle applies to the elders. God has given each of us different gifts to build the body of Christ. Therefore, it is important that when one member is honored, all members rejoice. When a hand grows, a foot is also glad. When a foot grows, a hand is also glad, and everything is joyful. As I mentioned earlier, the church is the body of Christ and a community that gathers and scatters. We are a community that scatters well. Last Monday, under the leadership of Deacon Park Kyung-ja, we went to share meals with the BBS students. I was surprised to see how quickly our members worked and how well they did. Deacon Min was excellent at cutting, and Elder Kim Young-kyung was great at wrapping. I apologize to those two, but they are not good at cutting or wrapping; they are just good at eating. But seeing those two was so precious. All the deacons were wonderful, and everyone was precious. Therefore, we are all members with various gifts, and we carry out all these tasks both within the church and in the world. Another important word is, "I will build my church on this rock." The phrase "on this rock" has been a topic of debate in church history. What does the rock refer to? What is Jesus saying about where He will build His church? This is where Catholicism and Protestantism diverge. Traditionally, Catholics view this rock as Peter. Why? Because Peter confessed, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." They believe that Jesus will build His church on this confession made by Peter. They also believe that the keys to heaven were given to Peter. So, when you go to heaven, you will see Peter holding keys. Peter is not empty-handed; he is always depicted holding the keys to heaven. They believe that the spiritual descendants of Peter are the popes, and all popes live with that authority as the highest leaders of the church. However, many evangelical Protestant churches do not believe this. We see it in two ways. First, we believe that the confession made by Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," is the foundation on which the Lord builds His church. Furthermore, we believe that the true rock is Jesus Christ Himself. This is what we believe as Protestants. In terms of the original language, when the Lord speaks of Peter, the word "Petros" means a small stone, while the word "petra" refers to a large rock. So, when the Lord says, "I will build my church on this petra," we believe that they are not the same. However, Catholics believe they are the same, and this is where the two perspectives diverge. Of course, Peter's confession is precious, but the church cannot be built on a person. The church must be built on Jesus Christ, the rock. The New Testament consistently points to Jesus. In 1 Corinthians 3:11, it says, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Therefore, we build the church on that foundation. In Ephesians 2, it also says that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone. In other words, the foundation of the church is not culture, trends, the charisma of the pastor, famous personalities, or programs. It is not something we create because we like it. Only Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church, and He is the owner of the church, and He is the one who builds the church. This is the true confession of faith. Therefore, the form of worship may change. The style of hymns may change. In the past, hymns were the norm, but nowadays, young people do not sing hymns as much; they sing gospel songs. However, gospel songs are also changing. It is hard to keep up with the changes. Nowadays, gospel songs are faster, louder, and more chaotic. Anyway, everything changes over time. Buildings change, worship styles change, and in the past, everyone wore gowns, but now there are very few pastors who wear gowns. I only wear gowns for special occasions like communion, funerals, weddings, or baptisms. Language changes, generations change, and everything changes, but there is one thing that does not change: Jesus Christ. The church must be built on Jesus and on the faith in Jesus. Now, after speaking about the church, the Lord speaks about the event of the cross. He also says something else in between. He says, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." In English, it says, "the gates of hell." In other words, the gates of hell cannot overcome the church. The gates of hell refer to death. In other words, no death can overcome the church. Why can death not overcome the church? >> Because Jesus has resurrected. >> Amen. That is what the Lord is saying. The power of death cannot overcome the church because I will resurrect, He says. Therefore, the church stands boldly before any power of death. Even if a sword comes to my neck, I must be able to confess that the Lord is my Christ, the Son of the living God. Do not misunderstand. This does not mean that the church will not face any difficulties. It does not mean that the church will not be persecuted. It does not mean that the number of people in the church will never decrease. However, the church of God will never fall before death. We are those who believe in the resurrection until the end. The reason is simple. Because Jesus Christ, the head of the church, has overcome death, we, who are under Him, will never kneel before death. The victory of the church is not due to numbers or finances. The victory of the church is solely because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:24, it says, "It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." The same goes for the Lord, the church, and us as members of the church. Therefore, we should live with the faith of resurrection. Look at the person next to you. Do you see resurrection on their face? >> Or do you see the fear of death? The fear of death is something we cannot avoid as humans, but we have resurrection. Confess to the person next to you: "We have resurrection." >> Yes. So what should we do? Haha. We, who believe in the resurrection, should have smiles on our faces today. There are certainly good and bad things in our lives. There are many things we like and many things that break our hearts. However, we must be able to smile. Why? Because the Lord has resurrected. >> Amen. We will also resurrect. The gates of hell will never prevail against us. Interestingly, I mentioned in my six-week spiritual warfare lecture that the gates of hell are defensive, not offensive. Gates are for defense; they are not for attacking. Have you ever seen a soldier jumping over a gate to kill someone? Gates are merely for defense. We often misunderstand that the world attacks the church. The devil attacks us. No, they cannot attack. They are merely defending. Instead, they tempt us. They keep putting temptations in our minds so that we cannot attack, cannot conquer, and retreat. However, they are not the ones attacking; they are merely defending. Who does the attacking? The church does. We go out with the light and salt and attack the world. The resurrection of the Lord is a signal for us to attack. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit says, "When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth." We are those who go out and fight with everything the Lord gives us. We are those who drive out darkness, break down evil, heal the sick, and cast out demons. This is who the church is, and this is who we are. Today, as you go out from the church, may you be a scattered church that breaks the gates of hell, the gates of death, the gates of despair, the gates of addiction, the gates of sorrow, the gates of anger, the gates of loneliness, and the gates of sin. May you go forth in victory in the name of the Lord. The Lord has given us the keys. It is not about asking the Lord to do something; now, it is about what I will do. The Lord has given me authority. What I loose here will be loosed in heaven, and what I bind here will be bound in heaven. Binding and loosing are all things we must do. However, many people do not use this well. Some people go around binding others instead of binding the devil. It is troublesome. We should bind the presence of the devil, the influence of the devil, and the power of the devil in the name of the Lord. We should cast them away. Yes. In Jeremiah 2:28, the Lord says, "We will uproot, tear down, destroy, and then plant and build." This is what we do. In the name of the Lord, we bind the forces of the devil. To those who are sad, to those who are addicted, to those who are worried, we say, "Rejoice! The Lord has resurrected." When we proclaim and go forth, it will be released at that moment. Then it will also be released in heaven. We must know what our enemy is. The true owner of this key is Jesus. Therefore, in Revelation 3:7, it says that He holds the keys of David. Yet, He gives us His keys. He entrusts them to us and gives us power. He gives us everything. We are those who have received all the power of the Lord and are entrusted with the keys to bind and loose. The phrase "to bind and to loose" is very interesting in the original language. It connects the future tense and the perfect passive form. In other words, whatever I bind on earth will be bound in heaven. This is the meaning. Whatever I loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. In other words, the grammatical nuance suggests that whatever I bind on earth will become what is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth will become what is loosed in heaven. This is the accurate translation of the original language. It includes the present continuous form, so when we bind, it is simultaneously bound, and when we loose, it is simultaneously loosed. Therefore, everything we do is powerful. We are beings who can overcome the power of the devil. In Luke 10, the Lord says that He has given us authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. >> Do not be afraid. >> When you proclaim in the name of the Lord, the devil will flee. The devil has no power; he is just like a roaring lion. We can go forth and proclaim. The church is not just a place to bind; it is a place to loose. The ministry I do every week is ultimately a ministry of loosing. I go and bless in the name of the Lord, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and when I do, their hearts begin to loosen. The gospel is loosed, their evil hearts are loosed, their sinful hearts are loosed, and their addictions are loosed. I am continually doing the work of loosing. Those who go with me are doing the same work, and even those who cannot go can do this through prayer. What we do is bind and loose. The forces of the devil bind, and the power of God looses. The gospel and life of Christ are loosed. This is it. Now, when Jesus speaks about the cross afterward, Peter cannot accept it. He says, "Lord, this shall never happen." Peter wanted the glorious Messiah but could not understand the suffering Messiah who carries the cross. This is the temptation the church can fall into. We only like the bigger things. We only like what is going well. We only like what is glamorous. However, God says that is not all there is. Glory without the cross is false. Therefore, the Lord says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." As you listen to a sermon like today, remember a few things. Especially the rock, who builds it, to whom the church belongs, what the Lord has given me, how I should use it, and what the cross means. What does the church go along with? It goes along with the cross. And who is a disciple? A disciple is one who takes up the cross, denies themselves, and follows the Lord. All of this is found in chapter 16. It is all there. Therefore, remember the rock, the gate, the key, the cross, and the disciple. Remembering all these things is to remember the scripture in this text. I will conclude. "I will build my church on this rock." >> Amen. May this word become the most important word for you and me today. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you. May the word we have heard today be the power of God that builds the church and the proclaimed word of the Lord. Help us to remember that I am the church. Help us to remember that I am the gathering church and the scattered church, and that I hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Help us to be those who are not oppressed by the powers of hell but those who overcome the powers of hell. Nevertheless, may we be a beautiful church that denies ourselves, takes up our cross, and follows the Lord. >> Thank you. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. >> Amen. Now, let us prepare our offerings and praise the Lord. [Song] I give my life, Lord [Song] please accept it and let it be a love song to the world. [Song] [Music] Please accept it and let it be a song of praise to the heavens. [Music] [Song] Amen. [Music] Heavenly Father, thank you. There are those who live this week believing that you are my Lord, that you supply, and that you protect. All the offerings we bring today are their confessions and testimonies of life. Please accept the confession that all I have comes from you, and may this offering be used in places where your glory is revealed and your kingdom is expanded. Thank you. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. >> Amen. >> Hallelujah. >> Amen. >> Once again, I welcome and bless you all. Especially, our Sister Kim Kyung-ja has come. Hallelujah. Please give a round of applause. [Applause] Also, Brother Kim Kwang-seon has come. Oh, I was worried because I hadn’t seen him for a few days, but he is here today. Please give a round of applause. Thank you. [Applause] Our broadcasting team has worked hard because the sound was not coming out, but it is now working. So, before we start outside, we talked with the deacon in the broadcasting team. We prayed that it would not cut off or shake in the middle. That was the conversation. It is still coming out. Hallelujah. So, we just need to fix the back part. I do not know how that will go. Anyway, did Sister Shin Seon-min do well? [Applause] This is just between us, but it feels like raw sweet potatoes are turning into soft sweet potatoes. Now, please refer to the bulletin for all announcements. In our prayer for the sick, there are names listed. Especially, our Sister Lee Kyung-eun, Brother Lee Cheol-soo, and another person, Sister Kim Hee-young, who is currently facing various difficulties due to leukemia. Our Brother Kim Gumi is also a senior member, and many people know him. So, I have been praying for Sister Kim Hee-young, and I hope you can pray for her as well. I also thank Brother Kim Soo-man for doing well, and I ask you to pray for Elder Min Seong-ki, Sister Seo Mi-soon, and Elder Jeon Yeong-ki to be strengthened. Last Monday, I want to thank everyone who served lunch at the Oration Church. I have written down the names. Our Deacon Kwak Hwa-soo, Elder Kim Gumi, Sister Kim Mi-young, Elder Kim Yang-kyung, Elder Min Chun-ki, Deacon Park Kyung-ja, Deacon Dak-ja, and Deacon Jeon Jeong-ja, thank you for your hard work. Also, I want to thank everyone who participated in the homeless ministry music concert last week. Our Sister Min Chung-ja was there, and all the members worked hard, and I am very grateful for that. Regardless of how well we did, it was a precious concert, and I think it was a great opportunity to let many people know about the church and our ministry. Once again, I thank everyone who worked hard. I think we will not be able to have the leadership meeting today. So, if we cannot have it >> Are you coming? Oh, I heard that you are not coming to worship but have some business. If you come, we will have it, but if you cannot come, we will not have it. I have written down the announcement for the early morning service. Many people have been asking. Our Brother Kwak Chan-won asked me to change the sign a long time ago, but I have been changing it here and there, and I have not been able to change it yet. So, for now, I will write it in the bulletin and then change it. The early morning service is from Tuesday to Friday at 6 AM. You didn’t know, did you? On Saturdays, it is at 6:30 AM. You didn’t know that either? So, if you want to know, you can come. Yes. Please refer to the bulletin for all other announcements. Let us all stand and sing our final praise. Lord [Song] as we set out for the kingdom [Music] my brother. What you have done [Song] [Music] let us go. [Song][Music] In the name of the Lord, we will see the glory of the Lord in the wilderness. [Song] >> Be bold. The Lord is with you [Song] and will give you strength. [Song] Amen. >> Now, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great love of God the Father, and the fellowship and filling of the Holy Spirit be with all who gather here to worship as the church that Christ builds and who desire to go out into the world that the Lord sends us to, from now until forever. >> Amen. [Music] Amen. Amen. >> [Music]

Study Guide

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Key Points

God accepts us as we are.
The church belongs to Jesus Christ, and He establishes it.
The authority of the church is given through the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
The cross is the reason for the existence of the church and is fulfilled through the suffering of Christ.

Discussion Questions

In what manner should we approach God?
What does it mean that Jesus builds the church?
What influence does the church have on the world?
What changes can the meaning of the cross bring to our lives?

Apply This Week

This week, entrust your difficulties and fears to God and pray to fulfill your mission as a member of the church.

Prayer & Reflection

God, may we be a community that encourages and builds each other up within Your church. Help us to deeply engrave the meaning of the cross and to live a life that conveys Your love.

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