Matthew 16:13-19 (NLT) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.” 15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

1. Churches with a CONFESSION

1. Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.
2. Confession takes revelation
3. Confession takes decision
4. Confession takes boldness

2. Churches on the CORNERSTONE

1. Matthew 16:18 - “and upon this rock I will build my church”
2. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (NLT) - 4 You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. 5 And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
3. Churches that preach Christ
4. Churches that stay connected to Christ
5. Churches that don’t move out beyond Christ

3. Churches with a CONVICTION

1. Matthew 16:18 “and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” 
2. Enduring churches
   1. Press through hard times
   2. Keep the fire burning.
   3. Keep damaging hell in the process.
3. Jesus commends the churches in revelation to endure:
   1. Through hard times
   2. Through persecution
   3. Through suffering and poverty
   4. Through opposition 
   5. Through devastation
   6. Through tough environments

4. Churches with a COMMISSION

1. Matthew 16:19 (NLT) — 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”
2. This passage implies authority.
3. This passage implies access.