Overview
Biblical Passage
Matthew 16:13-20; Acts 1:1-3
Supporting Passages
Psalm 118:22-24; Matthew 21:42
Memory Verse
Psalm 118:22-23
Biblical Truth
The Church is the body of believers, both local and global, founded on Jesus Christ (God's Son) and commissioned with proclaiming His true identity to the world.
Context
Matthew 16:13-20 is the first mention of "church" in the New Testament. This passage describes the Church's role as Christ's unstoppable force in this world. Jesus Christ is the rock, the very source and ground of the Church. Acts 1:1-3 introduces Luke's history of the Church as a letter to someone named Theophilus. These two passages set the stage for the entire year of the study of the New Testament Church.
Prayer Suggestions
As you prepare to teach this lesson, pray for your students.
- Pray that your students will see themselves as part of Christ’s Body, members of the Church.
- Pray that your students will proclaim Jesus as the true Son of God not only in words but also in the way they live.
- Pray that your students will use the ministries of their local church to bring others into the Body of Christ.