January 11, 2013

This has to be one of the most incredible passages in the entire Bible!   Jesus gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom?   What’s it means?  The Roman Catholics think it means that Peter was given the authority to become the first Bishop of Rome, and therefore the first Pope.  Thus Roman Catholicism (the universal Church the head of which is the Vatican through Peter)

Protestants believe that the foundation of the church was not Peter but his faith, or the faith of believers.   Only twice did Jesus use the word church and vs 18 is one of those times.          

One thing that all Christians agree however, is that the church is those who believe in Christ and are therefore his body on earth.    Christ reaches the world through people.   The Keys to the Kingdom of God are indeed in the hands of mortals, in the hands of you and me.    Keys can lock doors or open them or simply get lost. 
   

In what way do you see yourself as having the power to “permit” or to “forbid”.   Do you use the authority granted to you to lock people in, to open doors wide, or have you simply lost track of your keys?   
   

              “Lord, you have granted each of us the power to turn others away from
               or towards you.  It's scary but real.  Help me to be a life giving presence
               to one other person today.  show me where my keys are and how to use
               them.  Amen."

                                                     Additional Covenant Partner Opportunities

      *Learn what the "Good News" is and how to explain it clearly and succinctly
                                       Life Cafe Wednesdays 7:00-8:30.  January 9, 16, 23, 30
      *A Beautiful Mess     A musical evening of fellowship following the journey of a
                                       lost child back home.  January 12, 7:00pm