Unleashed: The Power Within - week four

Matthew 16:18-19 (New King James Version)
"And on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

When I saw the verses that were assigned to me, I thought "oh great" (sarcastically) can I have a more controversial passage (if you don't understand the controversy, I can explain if you ask me). Some denominations base their whole belief system on these verses. However, as I studied them I realized how precious they are to us as believers in Christ. What a gift our Father has given to us and how great to remember this as Christmas approaches us.

Lets dissect this verse to see what Jesus was saying.

"...and on this rock"
The word "rock" meaning Petra or Christ the Petra, that is, the rock and foundation. Christ is the foundation on which the Bride of Christ or the church was to be built. This is the first time in Scripture that Christ speaks of His church.

Jesus was actually speaking to Peter in this passage.

"and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it"
Jesus was telling of His death and resurrection. They tried to kill Him, but Satan did not have his way. HE ROSE FROM THE DEAD!

"and I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven..."
Anyone who was a "key holder" back in this time was in charge of who came and went. Jesus was giving the disciples (and His future church) the keys to open and close the doors. He (Jesus) said only those who believed in Him could be part of the church or the Bride of Christ.

"whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
This was a continuation of the authority that Christ gives to all believers. It confirms the direct authority we have in Christ to go directly to Heaven with binding or closing, and loosing or setting free.

Christ not only gave these words to Peter, He was speaking of the Bride of Christ, or all believers to come. How precious is the authority He has given us! Hold on to that, and know your importance to Him during this Christmas season.

Love you All and may your Christmas be a blessed one!
Cheryl Stevens