B-Group Lesson Part 6 of 9
Christ-centered churches filled with authority and conviction bring the gospel to the world around them. Passion moves us towards the need as we are focused on Christ. Through Him, we can respond to crises and bring healing, hope, and truth to a hurting world.
Key Scripture:
Matthew 16:13-19 (NLT) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
We know who Jesus is, and we boldly declare it. What we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths is a confession of truth in our lives. Our confession is a source of strength.
Question: Did you know your confession is based on a decision? What has your confession been lately?
Matthew 16:18 states, “all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” We are in an active war. The enemy wants to use strife and division to distract and discourage the body of Christ. True faith is an enduring faith.
Question: Have you found yourself in one of those moments when it seemed almost impossible to serve God, but you stood firm on the foundation of your conviction?
We have been given the keys to change the world. The message of the Gospel gives us power. We have an opportunity and responsibility to open the door and invite others in.
Question: When was the last time you shared your faith with another person, whether in action or words?
Our confession matters! This is a great week to meditate on God's word and recognize how our thoughts and speech affect our actions.
Luke 6:45 “A good person produces good deeds from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil deeds from an evil heart. Whatever is in your heart.”
Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer”