DAY 18

Matthew 16:18

“Upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

Jesus introduces the Church not as a building or institution, but as an ecclesia, a people called out by revelation and allegiance to Him. The Church is built upon the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, and it exists wherever His people live, obey, and proclaim that truth.

This confession carries weight. To declare Jesus as Lord is to surrender ownership of our lives. Through baptism, we publicly identify with His death and resurrection. Through communion, we continually proclaim His sacrifice until He returns. Through spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit expresses the life of Christ through believers to build up the body.

Scripture reveals that Christ is the head of His Church and that He equips His people to serve one another in unity and maturity. The Church begins in the home, is strengthened through obedience, and is revealed through faithfulness, even amid hardship. Jesus promises that no opposition can overcome a Church that is consecrated, unified, and rooted in Him.

For The Water’s Edge, this passage is a call to live as the Church beyond gathered spaces. We are called out of darkness into light, set apart to exalt Christ in every area of life. The Church is not what we attend, it is who we are, and it is built wherever Christ is confessed and obeyed.

Prayer Prompt to advance the Kingdom through Spirit-Led Transformation

Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Build Your Church through my obedience and faithfulness. Consecrate my home, my relationships, and my life to reflect You. Unite us as Your ecclesia, the called out ones, set apart, and empowered by Your Spirit. Advance Your Kingdom through a people who proclaim and live under Your lordship. We give You next Sunday, use it for Your glory.

-AMEN-