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Being the Church (Series) : The Authority of Christ in His Church - Matthew 16:13-20
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"Who do you say that I am?" This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 16, cuts straight to the heart of what it means to be the church. Far more than a casual inquiry, it demands a response that shapes everything about how we approach our faith and church life.
Most of us walk into church carrying our own blueprints—our ideas about worship style, ministry focus, and church culture. Like an enthusiastic realtor who walks through a house suggesting renovations without considering who actually owns the property, we often forget a crucial truth: the church doesn't belong to us. It belongs to Christ alone.
When Peter declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," he wasn't just making a theological statement. He was acknowledging that Jesus has complete authority over everything—including the church. This declaration forms the rock upon which the church is built, not Peter himself or apostolic succession as some traditions claim. Scripture consistently affirms that Christ alone is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22, 5:23).
As we approach our third anniversary as a church, we face a critical juncture. Between years three and five is when many church plants experience "mission drift"—gradually shifting away from their founding vision as new members bring different expectations. Now is the time for honest self-examination: Are we submitting to Christ's authority in all areas? Are we serving and giving as we've promised? Are we building on the rock of Christ's lordship or on shifting sands of personal preference?
The question Jesus asked His disciples echoes through the centuries to us today: Who do you say that I am? Your answer will determine everything about how you approach the church and your role within it. Will you acknowledge Him as supreme authority and live accordingly?
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By Pastor Chad MorganSend us a text
"Who do you say that I am?" This question, posed by Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 16, cuts straight to the heart of what it means to be the church. Far more than a casual inquiry, it demands a response that shapes everything about how we approach our faith and church life.
Most of us walk into church carrying our own blueprints—our ideas about worship style, ministry focus, and church culture. Like an enthusiastic realtor who walks through a house suggesting renovations without considering who actually owns the property, we often forget a crucial truth: the church doesn't belong to us. It belongs to Christ alone.
When Peter declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," he wasn't just making a theological statement. He was acknowledging that Jesus has complete authority over everything—including the church. This declaration forms the rock upon which the church is built, not Peter himself or apostolic succession as some traditions claim. Scripture consistently affirms that Christ alone is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22, 5:23).
As we approach our third anniversary as a church, we face a critical juncture. Between years three and five is when many church plants experience "mission drift"—gradually shifting away from their founding vision as new members bring different expectations. Now is the time for honest self-examination: Are we submitting to Christ's authority in all areas? Are we serving and giving as we've promised? Are we building on the rock of Christ's lordship or on shifting sands of personal preference?
The question Jesus asked His disciples echoes through the centuries to us today: Who do you say that I am? Your answer will determine everything about how you approach the church and your role within it. Will you acknowledge Him as supreme authority and live accordingly?