The Hope of the World

Brad Powell pastors a dynamic church just down the road in Plymouth. Under his leadership, the NorthRidge Church has made great strides in the advance of the Kingdom. Brad says, “The church is the hope of the world – when it is working right.” (I know by referencing Brad Powell I may have just lost some readers, but I suppose any successful writer must remember what any successful leader knows intuitively – you choose whom you will lose).

I agree with Pastor Powell. “The church is the hope of the world – when it is working right.” The trouble is most churches do not appear to be working right. Today, 92-94 percent churches are plateaued or dying. That doesn’t sound like prime conditions for hope enterprises, does it?

In a recent message at First Baptist Church, I posed seven questions and seven implications for the church from Jesus’ declarations in Matthew 16:13-19. I thought you might benefit from this outline. It would be worth your time to read the Bible passage before you finish this article. Frankly, a best first practice is always to start with what Jesus says.

1. Who do people say Jesus is? People then and now publish all kinds of ideas about who Jesus of Nazareth is or was. Jesus does not ask His disciples this question in order to get information for Himself. Christ followers need to know and understand who people think Jesus is. This is vital to engage our culture in meaningful and winsome dialogue.

2. Who do we say Jesus is? We need to know and understand Who Jesus actually is. If Jesus is Who He claims to be, this represents quintessential truth, truth upon which eternity hangs for every human being. The living church must tell people Who Jesus Christ is and why it matters. To do so, we must know what, why, and Whom we believe.

3. How do we know Who Jesus is? Jesus says the Father reveals this to us. We cannot get this by our own logic or study or religious practice; although, these are invaluable aids to any truth seeker. Ultimately, knowing Jesus is a gift from God. As we engage the world, then, we must trust God to reveal the Truth more than our ability to win debates.

4. Who does Jesus say Simon, son of Jonah, is? Jesus calls him Peter, literally, “petros,” which means a piece of rock. Then He contrasts Rocky with the “petra,” or great solid rock of Simon’s declaration: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Our confession and conduct should earn us a designation – a nickname, if you will – that reflects our commitment to the Truth.

5. Who does Jesus say we are? Jesus has moved from “Who do people say I am?” to “Who do you say I am?” to “I say you are blessed of God and rock-like” to “I say all who know Me like Peter does will be among My ‘called out ones.’” He calls us His “ekklesia,” His church. To be called out implies purpose, a purpose which originates from the One Who called for the assembly. We are the people of His purpose.

6. What does Jesus pledge to do? We should expect Jesus to do what He promises to do. He guarantees He will build His church. Most church-goers grant mental assent to this notion but then act as if we are responsible to build His church.

7. What do we, His church, do? For our part, Jesus expects us to be and to do what He called us to be and to do.

a. Overpower the gates of Hades

b. Employ the keys of the kingdom – the Gospel witness

i. To bind those already bound in heaven (unbelievers).

ii. To set free those already set free in heaven (believers).

“… I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18).

The problem is that most churches are not working right today. Today, 92-94 percent of churches are plateaued or dying.

Pastor Rob