“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (v. 18)

A few quintessential insights about the life of the church.

(From Jesus. So pay attention.)

First, it is built upon the confession of faith—specifically faith in Jesus, the Messiah and Son of God. Peter’s “I get it now” confession sets our tone. The answer to the only irreducible question of faith—Who do you say Jesus is?—is the church’s first matter.

Second, it is Jesus who builds the church. Faith is a gift. The Father draws whom He wills. The Spirit convicts men to repentance and confession. Jesus is the one doing the building—so don’t get confused, chasing church growth trends with clever marketing. Simply stay faithful to Jesus’ invitation.

Finally, the church is meant to crash into hell’s territory. Gates aren’t an offensive weapon. If the church is designed to overcome hell’s gates, then, it has to bump up against them. In other words, the church Jesus builds isn’t a fortress for the enemy to assault. It’s a force that puts the enemy to flight.

Church, are we living up to the essentials?

— Tyler