We Can Know the Truth about Christ and the Church (John 8:31-32)
Introduction:
1. To be the Lord's true disciples we must "continue" [abide] in His Word. 2. Doing so will enable us to know the truth that will make us free spiritually. 3. Several months ago we searched the Lord's Word to know the truth on a variety of subjects: the Lord's birth, prayer, the Bible, Hades, Heaven, the resurrection, the Lord's resurrection, the judgment, and the Lord's return. 4. This morning our lesson is based on a conversation that Jesus had with His disciples in Matthew 16:13-19. 5. We are emphasizing the fact that "we can know the truth about Christ and the church." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. WE CAN KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRIST
A. From vs.13-14 we learn that some people did not know the truth about the Lord. 1. Even during the Lord's ministry people held different views concerning His identity. 2. Those views included John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, and another great prophet from the past. 3. These people obviously did not know the truth about Christ. B. We learn from vs.15-17 that Peter knew the truth about the Lord. 1. Peter identified Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." 2. Peter did not consult with "flesh and blood" to learn about Jesus. 3. Peter went to the right source [the Father] to learn about Jesus. 4. The Lord blessed Peter for recognizing Him as he did. C. Even when confusion exists we can know the truth about Christ (John 6:69). D. We must know the truth about the Lord to be His true disciples and to be free. E. The next point we need to make is that . . . II. WE CAN KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT THE CHURCH
A. In vs.18-19 Jesus revealed some important information about the church. B. Jesus taught that there is one church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). C. Jesus taught that the church belongs to Him (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:22-23). D. Jesus taught that He is the builder of the church (Psalm 127:1a). E. Jesus said that He would build His church upon "this rock" [the fact that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God] (1 Corinthians 3:11). F. Jesus said that "the gates of hell" [Hades] would not prevent Him from building His church. G. Jesus spoke of His church and "the kingdom of heaven" interchangeably. Conclusion:
1. The people in Matthew 16:14 did not know the truth about Christ, but Peter shows that Jesus can be properly identified if we go to the right source for information. 2. Confusion exists today about the church, but we can know the truth by going to the right source for information. 3. We learn from Acts 2:47 that Christ adds those who are saved to His church. 4. We learn from 1 Corinthians 12:13 how to become members of the church.