Author: Benjamin Hoogterp
Publisher: Benjamin Hoogterp
Published: 2012-01-13
Total Pages: 303
ISBN-13: 1468184369
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Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.Matthew 16:13-19The Church of God stands poised to make a shift. Many say it is to the right, and many say to the left, but the true Word of the Lord will stand forever. The Church will arise as never before, and learn the lesson of Jesus that mercy is better than sacrifice. Yet, as a pure and spotless bride, she will shine, holy. The true Church belongs not to a man or to an organization. But as Christ said it was He Himself who would build it and as the Scriptures call Him it's only head, it will take the shape of its Master or those who do not will be cut off.When God throws His wedding banquet, He provides for His guests. Yet the one who choses to arrive dressed in less than their best may find themselves somewhere other than where they intended. While those with a meek, child-like spirit, will find, over and over again, that the Kingdom of God is theirs. The true Church, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets of both yesterday and today, shall arise to be the Bride adorned for her wedding without blemish.What is the church? What is this spiritual being that stands upon the Earth but reaches to the heavens? While she may be many things, one thing is certain: What she once was, she will never be again. And, what she always has been, she will continue to be.It is not in the mind of man that church is formed or conceived, but in the mind of God. Lest we find ourselves go have fallen short of it through unbelief, let us make diligent search to make our calling and election sure, pressing on to possess the promises through His Faith. For it is only the church on the Rock, Christ, His Word and His Spirit, that will endure. Hallelujah! Praise to the Lamb!
