THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:13-20
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (v.16)
When I was 18, I completed the church’s training program for kids.
I did ‘public profession of faith’, I became a church member.
Looking back many years later, I see my ‘profession’ in a new light.
I realize now that I was agreeing with the church’s doctrine, and joining the church.
But the heart and passion of my profession was NOT Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.
Peter confessed the messiah, I confessed the church’s doctrines.
Jesus was a part of those doctrines, but He was not the heart of my belief.
Now I hear these words in a whole new way… Jesus is the Messiah.
I struggle with many of the church’s doctrines, but I know Jesus is the Messiah.
God’s promised and appointed rescuer of God’s kingdom/creation dream.
The one who fixes Adam’s mess by REFUSING Satan’s lies.
The one who REVERSES the curse of death (Hades) so that we will not be overcome by it.
He is God’s image-bearer Son (Genesis 1:26-28), He reclaims the keys to the kingdom.
My only hope, and the hope of the world, depends 100% on Jesus.
I cannot resist Satan or overcome the curse of death without Him.
I am tempted and tested every day, and the key to victory is my standing with Jesus.
God has revealed to me heart that I can be a victorious overcomer, with Jesus.
Jesus is the key – not the church, not its doctrines, not our membership.
Until we figure out WHO Jesus is, we will not be loosed from struggle and defeat.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, God has shown me that You are the heart and center of my hope. You are the Messiah, You are my Messiah.