Well we conclude the series on Kingdom People today and our sermon is the same name, Kingdom People!

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. —Matthew 16:16-17 ESV

2 major points for today surrounding Kingdom People.

1. What kingdom people do

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” —Matthew 16:13-15 ESV

Kingdom People seek to clarify who Jesus is. People then were confused about who Jesus was. They’re still confused today.

Five popular American perceptions of Jesus. (Informations based on Barna Group research, Spring 2015).

A. The Majority of Americans Believe Jesus Was a Real Person.

92% say Jesus was a person who really lived. Historically this is a fact and we should affirm the truth of Jesus being 100% a human being…and also 100% God!

B. Younger Generations Are Less Likely to Believe Jesus Was God.
Overall, 56% believe Jesus was God; while 26% say no. The percentage of people not believing that Jesus is God is higher among younger generations.

C. Americans Are Divided on Whether Jesus Was Sinless.

52% of Americans believe that while he lived on earth, Jesus was human and committed sins like other people. 46% believe Jesus was sinless and 2 % aren’t sure. Hebrews is one of six verse in the bible that clarifiy this perception.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15 ESV

D. Most Americans Say They’ve Made a Commitment to Jesus.
But the younger you go, the percentage that made commitments grows smaller.
46% of Millennials- born from 1982 to 2002
59% of Gen-Xers- born from 1965 to 1981
65% of Boomers- born from 1946 1964
71% of Elders- born before 1946

E. People Are Conflicted between “Jesus” and “Good Deeds” as the Way to Heaven.
2 out of 5 Americans have confessed their sinfulness and professed faith in Christ (“born again Christians”). Many believe, however, they will go to heaven because of their good works. This is the most common misperception among Americans, both unbelievers and some self-identified Christians.

We must be clear for ourselves…Good Works DO NOT GET YOU TO HEAVEN. Paul is clear on this point.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. —Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

As we consider Jesus question “who do YOU say I am” we see Peter’s answer,

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” —Matthew 16:16 ESV

“The Christ” is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew phrase “the Messiah,” meaning, the anointed one. Peter and the rest of the disciples were convinced Jesus was the Messiah.

We must clearly point others to who Jesus is.

And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. —Matthew 16:17 ESV

Why should we preach the gospel to the ends of the earth? Because we know how Christ has touched and transformed us and believe He can also touch and transform others.

Second for today

2. How kingdom people share Jesus

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. —Matthew 16:18-19 ESV

Most Protestants agree that Peter’s confession (Jesus is The Christ) is the foundation to which Christ refers to here, to buld His church. But what is the rock, or foundational stone on which the church is founded? Not Peter but Jesus!

Because our world is still lost; the church must never stop growing and sharing Jesus. Consider the end of the last scripture.

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” —Matthew 16:19 ESV

Jesus makes this statement to Peter and the other disciples. “Binding” and “loosing” were common terms used by the Rabbis in biblical times. When the rabbis “bound” something, they “forbade” it, and when they “loosed” something, they “permitted” it.

Therefore, we, who have the keys, must use them to open the way. Jesus isn’t a way to God; He is the only way! Jesus affirms this very thought

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” —John 14:6 ESV

So this is the focus of kingdom people: to reach others for Christ.