HERE IS THE SECRET POWER OF ETERNITY - THE MYSTERIOUS KEYS THAT OPEN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN - YOURS?

1. Just 6 months before Calvary, Jesus retreated to Caesarea Philippi-preparing Disciples for end
2. At edge of Gentile country, at foot of Mt. Herman, by a great Fortress- built upon great rock
3. Though this message centered around Peter- the Key truths were for all- reaching even to you.

Peter's words here ranged from monumental glory to satanic temptation- But Jesus gave Key

I. THE GREAT QUESTION!   Matt 16:13b

It takes a lot of wisdom to ask the right questions!- but to center all wisdom into ONE?

A.- JESUS ASKED HIS DISCIPLES "WHOM DO MEN SAY THAT I THE SON OF MAN AM?" v.13b End speculation

1. There were many differing opinions- everyone welcome to theirs- but only one truth!
2. The disciples knew all the common answers- John Baptist, Elias, Jeremiah, Prophet -
3. When emotions run wild, reason is cast aside, none are right- Gossip cannot make sound doctrine

B.- JESUS ASKED THEM AGAIN "BUT WHOM SAY YE THAT I AM?" DRIVING THE QUESTION HOME PERSONALLY! v15

1. We can use others' opinions and theories in many matters,- but in life and death- we must know
2. This question had been answered before- John 1:49, Matt 14:35, John 6:69- no speculation!
3. Jesus backed them into a corner and demanded an answer- personally- and you are in the "YE"

C.- OURS IS THE GREAT AGE OF DEBUNKING ALL TRUTH, THE KNOW NOTHING AGE OF EMOTIONAL THRILLS

1. We need to recognize the wisdom and grace of Jesus in drawing forth the center of the issue
2. Psychologists, Teachers, Sales leaders- "how To Win Friends And Influence People" question
3. Some think you can TELL a person about Jesus- & demand conversion- others lead people-discovery

Teachers may dodge a question- But mothers have to answer the impossible questions of their children

II. THE GREAT CONFESSION!  Matt 16:16

Some people have a natural greatness for good or evil- and Peter was one of these- stumbling

A.- SIMON PETER ANSWERED "THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD." Matt 16:17

1. Peter answered as the spokesman for all- he had to have guidance-(from God) but he took the challenge
2. All great truths can be simply stated but not often understood -Many claim this, few have it
3. THE Christ "Anointed one" -577 times in NT -"Son of Living God" living faith expressed -

B.- JESUS SAID "THOU ART PETER, AND UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH" v.18b MUCH ARGUMENT

1. Thou art Petros (little stone) - on this Rock (Mtn size) I will build my church (Fortress)
2. This confession is the foundation of the church- this is an absolute truth, no deviation all
3. Phillip let the Ethiopian eunuch into the church through the same door- Acts 8:37 - & you too

C.- JESUS ALSO SAID "THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT:" -V. 18c - Promise, Prophecy?

1. Theologians argue- but use good sense & history- what denomination? What individual church?
2. Within seconds- the Rock became Satan- offense- V.22,23 -If Peter is foundation of Church- Satan?
3. But men with this confession have conquered the world, their flesh, & devil-& stormed Hell!

This confession on your lips is a magic formula that can change your life- the course of nation

III.- THE GREAT KEY !!   Matt 16:19

A key is a great secret power, the emblem that unlocks a great treasure- & this one is heaven

A.- "AND I WILL GIVE UNTO THEE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN" V. 19a

1. A key is a symbol of authority- "Key to city" - It is the code of understanding- small but big
2. To refuse to use this key is to forever damn souls from Heaven- Jonah knew this & ran!
3. To use this key is to open heaven- If it is in your power- use it for the world!- Or be guilty

B.- WITH THIS KEY IS THE POWER TO BIND MEN ON EARTH AND HEAVEN, OR TO LOOSE THEM ON EARTH & HEAVEN

1. Peter was not the only one- Matt 18:18- involved in the church- and with 2 or 3 to today
2. We are commanded to use the key- Mark 16:15- to all the world; John put it in writing-20:31
3. Even the strictest church permits any one to use the key in emergency- why not daily- everywhere?

C.- JESUS COMMANDED THEM "TELL NO MAN" v. 20 BUT BE CAREFUL, LATER HE SENT TO ALL WORLD 28:19

1. Don't abuse the Bible- at that time Herod sought him, it was not yet the time to die!-
2. But today the command- give the key to everyone!- Use His methods if you want success-
3. Sunday School Teacher, Deacon- Members, friends,- this key is yours- use it; pass it on;

There is no greater Joy than a Mother (having given life) to give key to Eternal life- Poem

YOU NOW KNOW THE SECRET TO A TREASURE BEYOND ALL OTHERS, KEY TO FREEDOM, ON EARTH, & HEAVEN!

1. Do not allow anyone to prevent you from confessing Christ and fully claiming His Power- free
2. Do not let the key die with you- the more you pass it on, the greater joy comes to you
3. If you are a mother- then let your life, and words- so commend your faith to children! - Love