Matthew 16:13-18
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 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.

“I hear you are entering the ministry. Was it your own idea or were you poorly advised?”

And the answer that she could not have heard even if I had given it was that it was not an idea at all, neither my own nor anyone else’s. It was a lump in the throat. It was an itching in the feet. It was a stirring in the blood… It was a name which, when I wrote it out in a dream, I knew was a name worth dying for even if I was not brave enough to do the dying myself….Come unto me, [Jesus said] all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you a high and driving peace. – Frederick Buechner, The Alphabet of Grace

Matthew 16:17-18
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 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.

Who does the church belong to? Jesus.

Who is going to build Jesus’ church? Jesus.

Thoughtful Theology: We love God with our minds, as well as our hearts. We welcome tough questions and avoid simplistic answers. We seek to understand and apply the scriptures to all areas of life (2 Timothy 3:16).

Audacious Generosity: We share time, talent, and treasure for the glory of God and the good of neighbor. We live with open hands, realizing that everything belongs to God. We excel in the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).

Healthy Families: We support the family as God’s primary plan for nurture and discipleship. The family was created by God to be a reflection of His character and the vehicle of His grace (Ephesians 3:14-15). We invest in marriages, parents, grandparents, kids, and students. We minister to those who know the pain of a broken family. We are family to each other.

Global Reach: We share God’s heart for all nations, including the nations in our own neighborhoods. The work of justice and mercy starts here at home, but extends near and far. We desire to be people through whom God will bless all nations (Genesis 12:1-2).

Extra-Mile Hospitality: We welcome everyone as an honored guest. Taking our role as hosts seriously, we go the extra mile to let our guests know that that they are not just welcome, but wanted (Romans 15:7). This hospitality is not just for first time visitors on Sunday morning, but permeates all relationships and extends beyond our walls.

Who does the church belong to? Jesus.

Who is going to build Jesus’s church? Jesus.

How strong will it be? Extremely powerful.

Matthew 16:17
….I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

2 Corinthians 6:2
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Ephesians 5:15-16
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.