Matt 5 and Matt 16 - Keys That Give Power to Kingdom People

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.    Matthew 16:18 NKJV

There was soooo much to take away from Doc's sermon this morning on the role of the church.  I loved his remark, "Jesus is not on the defense…he isn't trying to figure out how to stop the enemy…"  Woo hoo!  One of his points was "The Church Is To Manifest The Power of the Kingdom of God."  In order for the church to manifest the power of the Kingdom, they must have access into it.  

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 16:19

"…the keys…"  Woo hoo!  That is how we can have access to the Kingdom.  First, we must be believers.  Then we must recognize the keys which give power to His people.  Unfortunately, the enemy has convinced too many believers they are too weak and have no power.  That is a lie.  A blatant lie.  We have power through the Holy Spirit.  We need to serve notice on the enemy that we will move forward and be on the offense in our relationship with the Lord.  The enemy may try to steal our joy but he can't unless we allow him to.  We must make the decision to recognize and use the keys given to us.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, Matt 5:3

• We have gifts here but it all comes down to Holy Spirit.  

Blessed are those who mourn,  Matt 5:4

• Kingdom people mourn over sin, we see it through God’s eyes.

Blessed are the meek. Matt 5:5

• Not weak, meek.  I loved the illustration Doc gave of it being like a wild horse that must be broken to be useful.  In order to be useful to God, He needs to break us so we can be controlled by Him.

Blessed are those who hunger & thirst for righteousness Matt 5:6

• Kingdom People are hungry for God.  He will sustain us when we hunger for Him.  When keys are used in God’s power, hell backs up.

Blessed are the merciful, Matt 5:7 

• No mercy in our world…

Blessed are the pure in heart, Matt 5:8 

• If we're authentic, imperfection will be fixed.  We must have pure motives.

Blessed are the peacemakers, Matt 5:9 

• We inherit the Kingdom by accessing through these keys.  Unity is a key to power in the church.

Blessed are you when they persecute you.  Matt 5:10 

• In Kingdom life someone may try to persecute you.

The effect of the power will be felt.  The Holy Spirit is the present power in the Kingdom.  The power of the Holy Spirit is capable of pushing back hell.  We carry the Presence as we access the keys that give power to us.  We need to be "…the salt of the earth…" and "…the light of the world."  In order to be these things, we must allow the Lord to break us so we can be what he desires of us.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Matt 5:13-14

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this sermon this morning.  I praise You for the reminder that we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit in such ways that are so attainable.  Father, I pray for that power to come down upon all believers.  I pray for them to not believe the lies of the enemy but remember You are greater than the enemy.  Therefore, we are greater than the enemy when we hold the keys to the Kingdom.  Father, I pray for pastors and leaders of churches who are being attacked by the enemy.  Lord, remind them they have the power of the Holy Spirit by accessing the keys to the Kingdom.  Father, thank You for being My Power.  Amen.