Slideshow image

How close to Hell would you like to get? 

No, I'm not about to write some ominous things to try to scare you toward Jesus. I do want you to consider the question, though.

In Matthew 16, the apostle Peter speaks out that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God, and Jesus' response includes these words: 

"On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it." (vs. 18)

This raises a few questions. 

What is "this rock"? 

  • Global Christians continue to consider possible meanings. Since Peter's name means "stone," Catholics believe that Jesus was playing on words and revealing His intention to appoint Peter as the first leader of the church. This week the world followed the election of a new Pope with interest, and as Pope Leo XIV was introduced, Catholics noted that they believe he is 267th in succession after Peter. 

  • While Peter absolutely had a vital role in the early church, as appointed by Jesus, most other Christians believe Jesus was referring to something much more foundational than Peter himself. "This rock" is most likely either Jesus referring to Himself or to the confession Peter had just made that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God — which is truly the unique, essential, and foundational bedrock of Christianity. 

How is Jesus building His church? 

  • Matthew 16 certainly points to the fact that Jesus uses His followers as a vital part of building His church. 

  • And yes, that includes those who are called to leadership in church contexts (like Peter was!). Since a variety of leadership roles are necessary for church life, health, growth, and multiplication, it is important that we give priority to developing leaders within our church. CPC is continuing to give internal time and attention to cultivating emerging and existing leaders and building onramps into leadership through processes of identification, training, apprenticing, and coaching. 

  • But God doesn't just use leaders to build the church. Jesus equips every one of His followers with His Spirit, giftings, the ability to serve, capacity to give, and the call to be a "witness." He is building His church through you! Don't underestimate the friendships and interactions you have with people who don't know Jesus yet. God has stationed YOU as one of His missionaries to the Comox Valley — wow! 

How close to Hell would you like to get? 

  • Most of us, by instinct, have no desire at all to be near Hell, and that's understandable! But why does Jesus say that "the gates of Hell will not prevail" against the church? Because you and I have an important role to plunder the gates of Hell, and by bringing the message and ministry of Jesus to those who don't know Him yet, help people who are en route toward an eternity without Jesus to be literally saved.

  • Who can you think of here in the Comox Valley who needs the hope and help of Jesus? Just by befriending them and praying for them, the potential for their life to be impacted eternally increases significantly! 

CT Studd said, "Some want to live within the sound of a church or a chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of Hell."

So, how close would you like to get? 

Pastor Mike 

P.S.—This week I heard about a grade 12 student in CPC whose life has been impacted by Jesus in the last couple of years and has decided to change their post-secondary education plans and is now going to go to Summit Pacific College (our PAOC Bible College!). 

P.P.S.—Speaking of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC), while not a conclave or like a papal election at all (ha!), our BC & Yukon District recently elected a new District Superintendent, Mark Lewis. Congratulations to him, and thanks again to Ken Russell for his 17 faithful years of service in leadership.