14 And when Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked of his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?
15 And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some Elias; and others Jeremias; or one of the prophets.
16 He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
17 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
18 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto you, but my Father who is in heaven.
19 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16 v14 - 19 (Inspired Version)

In this scripture Jesus puts his disciples “on the spot” by asking them, not what others think, but what they think.
Peter’s response is without doubt a Revelation from God. Jesus says that flesh and blood hasn’t revealed this truth to him, but God in heaven
However, verses 18 & 19 are probably the most differently interpreted by believers.
Was the rock upon which the church was to be built, Peter, whom we know denied Jesus three times before his crucifixion? Although we know that Jesus forgave him, after his resurrection.
Or was it the rock of revelation, the truth from God, given to Peter?

I believe the church would be built upon the sound rock of revelation. That way it will withstand all the wickedness that is aimed at it.
This gives me hope in this day and time when the Christian church is under such constant attack, from both within and outside.
May God bless each of you.

Sis. Jean Roberts (Warrington Branch)