Scripture of the Day
Matthew 16:18 (NIV)
“A Solid Rock”
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.
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I usually reference three different translations of the bible (KJV, NKJV, NIV) for studying. The word ecclesiology means the study of the church. Which many of us focus on “What is the church?” vs. “Who is the church?” Just as we are to be apologetic (yesterday’s SOD), we must have a basic understanding in ecclesiology. Now of course I cannot break it all down in a SOD (I know I have a 10 – 15 second window), but I do want us to take the time to study the church. In this verse we can see that JESUS tells Peter that on this rock HE will build HIS church! Now, there isn’t any translations that lead us to believe that JESUS was pointing at a rock on the ground. Nor do we ever read that on a particular rock JESUS began to build HIS church! This would eliminate the “What”, so let’s focus on the “Who”. Derived from the Greek word “Petros”, the name Peter means stone. In Matthew 4:18 we see that there were two brothers Simon (called Peter) and Andrew. So Peter’s real name was Simon, but they called him Stone (Rock). Which should help us understand that JESUS was going to build HIS church from Peter . . . not a rock sitting on the ground! So, who is the church? I’ve always wondered why none of the disciples asked JESUS, “What is a church?” Although this is the first mention of “church”, not even doubting Thomas asked about a church!
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17) Again, no one raises their hand and ask, “Teacher, what or who is a church?” JESUS doesn’t say take it to the administrative office, the pastor, or the counselor . . . HE said that after you have taken it to all of them, take it to the church! This is another reason ecclesiology! By reading the entire book of Acts, we will not find the church referred to as a facility. Even when Saul was destroying the church, it says he went from house to house and dragged out the men and women. (read Acts 8:1-4). In fact the church begin to meet at the homes of believers! Believers are the church!
The more we understand ecclesiology the more our churches will be “A Solid Rock” that JESUS has built! This SOD should generate a lot of discussion, so please check out http://inhishandministry.blogspot.com/ later to see the comments! And please note that I do not claim to be an expert in ecclesiology! But hopefully you have learned a new word to add to your biblical rolodex!
Let Us Learn More About JESUS & The Church That HE Built!
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