Building Up the Church

 Matthew 16: 13-20, Romans 12:1-8

 There are many different thoughts today on who Jesus was. Some say just a prophet or a good man who lived righteously or what we as Christians believe, along with Peter in Matthew 16, that he is the Messiah the Son of God. People of Jesus’ time thought he was John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. When Jesus asks Peter the disciple replies “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” To this response Jesus calls Peter blessed and tells how Peter is the rock on which he will build his church. The Catholic church patterns its leadership as priests like Peter.

In Romans Paul talks about how the church built upon Peter the Rock has many different members, but not all have the same function. He goes on to list spiritual gifts ones that differ according to the grace given us. Each of us has been given a talent, ability, or calling that when exercised builds up the church. The gifts listed are prophecy, ministry, teaching, encouragement, giver, leader, and compassionate. There are two other listings of spiritual gifts in the New Testament that offer even more that help to edify the church. Paul earlier in the passage exhorts his readers to humility and unity implying that each use their spiritual gift for the good of the whole body.

Though the church may be built upon the rock of Peter who ends up being a great missionary to the Jewish people, it is also said to be the body of Christ where Christ is the head. Peter then is the foundational rock converting Jews into Christians.

Our church just had a retreat where we took tests to see what each of our spiritual gifts are. Many were surprised especially when others confirmed that they had seen that in the person. There are many tests you can take online to find out what yours might be.

May we exercise the gifts God gave us to help to continually build up the church.

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