ICS Daily Devotions
Jesus’ Kind of Church

Matthew 16:15-16, 18 (NKJV) He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” …And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Jesus’ view of the church is strong, authoritative, vibrant, mission-minded, focused, influential, firm, vigorous and unyielding, one where Agape love is shown and grace is extended as the church pursues the mandate given to her. A local church that is strong will be an effective witness to the community, and it will be able to confront the forces of darkness and enforce the victory of Jesus, because Scripture says that nothing can come in the way of the church of the living God.
This kind of church acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God and the head of the church. She is convinced that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and there is no other way back to God.
Secondly, the church is aware that God wants to build the church, and she has the responsibility to carry out the Great Commission. She takes Jesus’ last command seriously makes it her first concern.
Thirdly, God has a mandate and a vision for every local church, which is a blueprint in heaven drafted for its growth. Every member is committed to the vision and runs with it. The church is united with one heart, one purpose, one vision and one Lord, and she want to be found faithful to her God-given mandate. Unity and love are the hallmark of the church.
Lastly, aware that we will all have to give account to the Lord in the area of managing His finances and using the gifts that He has given us to serve Him, every member will serve God with their spiritual gifts in the local church, tithe and give freewill offerings.
A local church is like an aircraft carrier on a mission, but with a hospital on board. No personnel is redundant and each has a specific role to play. While those who need help will be cared for and ministered to, the church is also carrying out the mandate to reach out to the lost. All of us are stewards of the gifts and talents given to us by God, and we are to actively contribute to the work of the church. This will keep the church strong and healthy, leaving us no time to entertain strife, division, and personal agendas, which is what the enemy wants.
As disciples of Christ, we need to live our lives for a purpose bigger than ourselves and not just for the present, because we know that we have a destiny—an eternity with Christ. We are the living stones that make up the body of Christ and the local church that has been given a mandate.

Sermon Series: Arise and Build