August 26, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for August 23rd: Exodus 1:8-2:10, Psalm 124, Romans 12:1-8, Matthew 16:13-20; Theme: Jesus trust us to lead; Song: Rock of Ages UMH 361 Matthew: This passage marks a time of change for the disciples. It is sort of a graduation. Jesus has taught them all there is to know to go out into the world and to save the people of God; Two Sundays ago Jesus said Peter was a man of little faith. Today Jesus makes Peter the head of the church. Peter now sees that he is talking to God himself. Jesus is so impressed, that he tells him that only the Holy Spirit could have revealed that to him. Jesus also changes his name and says that he is a rock. He is the one who will teach all future disciples what it means to be a faithful disciples. Peter remembers this day for the rest of his life. All future bishops of the church receive the hand of faith that was passed on to Peter that day. If we have the keys to the kingdom, what would we do with them? We have been given the keys to the church – let us bring others into our circle of faith. Romans: When you read the book of Romans, it tells all you need to know about being a disciple. First Paul tells us that we are free to be disciples because we are covered under the mercy of God. God’s mercy gives us freedom from death, from sin, from a need to sin, and it gives us the promises of the faithful. Being a part of the church is a faithful experiences that helps us get closer to God. The closer to God we are, the happier we are. We should be happy to express our personality in the church and to give service to the church. Life is a living sacrifice to the service of God – where we all win in the end. Questions: What does it mean to have the keys to the kingdom? Do you have faith or doubt when it comes to Christianity? What things are you doing in service to God? What spiritual gifts do you have? How are you using to benefit the church?