The Keys Of The Kingdom

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

September 03, 2023

in Spritual Growth

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August 27, 2023
13th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Readings: Isaiah 51: 1-6
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16: 13-20

Christ teaches us a most vital principle. He teaches us about life. When we read the Scriptures, we should allow Christ to speak to us directly. During one of his Ministry works, Jesus asked the disciples, “who do people say I am?” There were several names mentioned – John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or some other prophet. Then Jesus asked them, “who do you say I am?” Peter immediately replied, “Thou art Christ, the Son of the Living God.” And Jesus’ response was, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, flesh and blood did not reveal this to you but by My Father in heaven.” Isaiah 51:1 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, Who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug.”

This is where we came from. We were hewn from the same rock. The Rock signifies Redeemer, Fortress. We need to know the reality of who we really are. The identity that gives us assurance and hope. We have a value given to us by God. We are not counterfeits. We are of value.

1 John 4:4 “you are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Romans 11:36 “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”

When Christ went to heaven, the disciples were sent out to spread the Gospel. In like manner, we are being sent out to show the world who God really is. That’s why we need to know who He is in our lives so that we will know who we are. Jesus gives Peter a new name. A new identity. He says to Peter, “Upon this Rock, I will build My Church.” Note that He said, “My Church,” not “your church.” It’s like saying, “now you have been born again, because now you know who I am.” The Church is not a religion. Not a denomination. The Church is Jesus Christ. Today, there are two many divisions. If the church is divided, it has no power. “I will build My Church.” It’s His Church. He continued to say, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom.” If we have the key, then we have access to the Kingdom. We have the authority to open the door. Isaiah 22:22 “Then I will put the key of the house of David on his shoulder; When he opens, no one will shut, When he shuts, no one will open.” Matthew 18:18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”

We need to stand against the things that are not of God happening in the world today and not give in to the world’s standards. This means standing in the principles of God. For most of us, we make our own plans regarding how we would want our church to be, or how we would want it to look like. But do we ask God? Do we seek His decision first? There may be evil all around us, but we will not sink. We will be above the water. We will be as solid as the Rock. The Rock that we have been hewn from, which is stronger than anything.

When Christ was raised from the dead and ascended into heaven, Scripture tells us we have been raised with Him and are seated with Him in the heavenly places, far above all rulers, principalities and powers, and every name that is named. He has put all things in subjection under His feet. Being given the Keys of the Kingdom, we are to know our responsibilities.