The Doctrine of The Church | Matthew 16:19 | Message 11
Jesus’ promise is personal and global. He entrusts His people with the authority of heaven itself because He is building His Church—not as a human organization but as a living, Spirit-empowered body advancing His mission on earth.
The Church Is Advancing Across the World
One of the least-reported miracles of our time is the phenomenal growth of Christ’s Church around the globe. In 1960 there were roughly twenty-four non-believers for every believer. Today, that ratio is closer to six to one. Every twenty-five minutes somewhere on this planet, about 3,000 people come to faith in Jesus Christ—the same number who believed on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Missiologists estimate that 175,000 individuals are receiving Christ as Savior every 24 hours. Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, the gospel is flourishing. In nations such as Guatemala, El Salvador, and China, churches are multiplying at rates never seen before. The Holy Spirit is shaking the nations; God’s Church is not dying—it is thriving.
Four Core Truths from Matthew 16:18–19
1. Jesus Christ is the Foundation of the Church. Jesus said, “You are Peter (petros—a small stone), and upon this rock (petra—bedrock) I will build My church.” Peter was a vital servant in the early Church, but Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19–20; 1 Corinthians 3:11). Throughout history, reformers such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Wesley have been small stones God used to strengthen His Church—but the foundation remains Christ alone.
2. The Rock Is Christ and His Word. In Matthew 7, Jesus compared the wise builder to one who built his house on the rock—obedience to His Word. Every life, marriage, and ministry built on shifting cultural sands will collapse; but those anchored in Scripture and the Savior stand firm. Paul called Jesus the “rock of offense” (Romans 9:33). The world may stumble over Him, but believers rest securely on Him.
3. Jesus Is Still Building His Church. When Jesus said, “I will build My church,” He used a continuous verb—“I am building and will keep building.” The Church is a living organism sustained by Christ’s Spirit. The Greek word ekklesia means “the called-out ones.” It describes believers summoned from darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9). The universal Church includes all believers everywhere; the local church is where disciples grow, serve, and fellowship. Both matters profoundly.
4. The Gates of Hades Will Not Prevail. Hell’s gates represent the organized powers of evil, yet they cannot overcome the Church. Jesus has already triumphed, “having disarmed principalities and powers” (Colossians 2:15). The true Church of Jesus Christ will stand through every generation until He returns.
What the Church Is and Does
The word ekklesia tells us who we are; the Bible tells us what we do. Every biblical church carries four primary functions:
1. Worship. We gather to magnify Jesus Christ alone—not buildings or rituals. The early believers sang “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Worship isn’t a style—it’s surrender. When you worship through tears, anxiety, or joy, God meets you there.
2. Biblical Instruction and Evangelism. Where the Word of God is taught faithfully, people are saved and believers grow strong. In Corinth, one of the most corrupt cities of Paul’s day, he “continued there a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them” (Acts 18:11). Teaching produces disciples: disciples proclaim Christ. The Church grows best when it feeds deeply on Scripture and evangelizes boldly.
3. Koinonia (Fellowship). The first Christians “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42). Koinonia means “shared life.” It is brothers and sisters bearing burdens together, praying, encouraging, and forgiving. Many believers say, “I’m closer to my church family than my own relatives.” That is the heart of true Christian fellowship—grace, transparency, and care.
4. Ministry and Service. Every Christian has a role in God’s work. Romans 12 and 1 Peter 4 remind us that each believer is gifted for ministry. You may teach, serve, give, encourage, or lead—but all gifts exist to build up the body of Christ. We discover joy not by watching ministry happen, but by joining it. If you feel spiritually stagnant, start serving; you will come alive.
Universal and Local Faithfulness
Matthew 16:18 refers to the universal Church, while the epistles address the local church—“the church at Corinth,” “the church at Philippi.” Every Christian belongs to both. Globally we are one body; locally we gather for worship and growth. Be faithful. Bring your family weekly. Lead your home spiritually. The most transformative seasons of spiritual growth come from consistent commitment—show up, open your Bible, sing wholeheartedly, serve humbly, and invite others boldly. Faithfulness to Christ’s church produces fruitfulness in every area of life.
Keys, Binding, and Loosing—Gospel Authority
The “keys of the kingdom” symbolize the Church’s authority to proclaim the gospel and apply God’s truth. When we declare the forgiveness found in Christ and call people to repentance, heaven itself confirms that message. The keys are not symbols of status but tools for mission—opening doors for the lost to enter God’s kingdom through faith and salvation in Jesus Christ.
Our world is filled with “wrong-way flyers”—people moving fast but heading in the wrong direction. The Church exists to point them home to God. Take your place in Christ’s mission. Worship wholeheartedly. Sit under biblical instruction and share the Word with others. Lean into koinonia—be known and know others. Exercise your ministry gift this week.
Christ is the Rock, and we are the living stones He is placing into His Church (1 Peter 2:5). He has promised that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
Lord Jesus, build Your Church in us and through us for Your glory. Amen.
