"UPON THIS ROCK"

Matthew 16:13-19

The Church is the people of the Lord and theactivity in which they are engaged.
Peter's declaration of faith was what would be the foundation of the church.
The “keys” represent the authority given to carry out the work of the Lord.
Faith denotes action. A church has to be doing something!


1. The Church is not restricted to a building.
The same things you seek to accomplish when you are in this building should be the same things you want to accomplish elsewhere.


2. The Church is not restricted to a time.
If church is just a matter of convenience, and not commitment, then it obviously is not something that is very important.


3. The church is not restricted to a people.
There isn't anyone that can't be saved, and there isn't anyone who doesn't need to be saved.
That means two things.
a. Anyone is welcome in this building.
b. You don't have to be a member.
Even in the friendliest of congregations, there are ways of excluding people.

Basic excuses
1. “I don't need church.”
2. “I don't get anything out of church.”
Church activities are there for you to put something into.
The Church is about serving Jesus.