This is the message I preached at Hope Community Church on October 11, 2020 during their missions emphasis month. It is introduced with their music team singing “Let the Nations Be Glad.” In this video, I work through the biblical text of Matthew 16:18 and share many stories, pictures, and videos of how God is building His church, in Africa and globally. Praise God for His glorious global activity, and that He invites us to be a part of it. Enjoy!

Main Point – Jesus is building His church based on His Word and nothing can stop it.

1. The foundation of Jesus’ church. “on this rock”  (ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέτρᾳ)

2. The builder of Jesus’ church. “I will build my church” (οἰκοδομήσω μου τὴν ἐκκλησίαν)

• JESUS IS THE BUILDER of His church.
• Jesus is building HIS CHURCH.

3. The unstoppable advancement of Jesus’ church. “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  (πύλαι ᾅδου οὐ κατισχύσουσιν αὐτῆς)

So what? What difference does Jesus building His church make in our lives? Good to know, but how does it affect us?

• When we see a crazy world (disciples hear Jesus will soon die), we are strengthened in faith and trust that He is working even if we don’t perceive it.
• We praise Jesus and exalt His glorious name as He builds His church.
• We participate in work He is doing by winning lost souls, serving Him with our gifts, caring for His people, and discipling the nations.
• When we engage in building Christ’s church, He is working in and through us. As we grow, He is the one growing us, building us, His church. As we minister, He is the one ministering through us to others, building His church.

4. The church Jesus is building. Be encouraged by how Jesus is building His church:

• Jesus is building His church by meeting practical needs of people during COVID days.
• Jesus is building His church by meeting spiritual needs of people. For example, by equipping pastors to handle the Word well.