Heritage Bible Church

Returning Thanks

Have you ever been so overjoyed that you shouted out loud? Have you ever been so overwhelmed with someone that you fell down in front of them? We see both of these responses in the life of one leper healed by Jesus. But what happened to the other nine? As we see in Luke 17:11–19, it is possible to be glad for Jesus' gifts without being grateful to Jesus and for Jesus himself. Thanksgiving sounds easy enough. We're taught to write thank you notes as children. But true thanksgiving in the heart is a miracle God works in those who are his children by faith.

Turning the Keys Together

Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven to the church. This means local congregations bear responsibility for the gospel they proclaim and the people they identify with that gospel. Or, put simply and practically, the congregation is responsible for her confession of faith and membership rolls—the what and who of the gospel. Where do leaders fit? Leaders lead the church in her responsibilities. That's what we see in Paul's instruction to two New Testament churches: in Galatians 1:6–9, 1 Corinthians 5:1–13, and 2 Corinthians 2:5–11.

The Keys and the Keepers

Who has the final authority to receive and release members in the local church? Who is ultimately responsible for Jesus' name in his heavenly embassies here on earth? Jesus concerned himself with this question when he gave Peter "the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 16:19). But Peter is dead. So, who holds the keys? And how should they be exercised? Read Matthew 18:15–20 and listen in as we explore these important questions.

The King and His Kingdom

Scripture gives us many metaphors for the church: a flock, a building, a bride, a body. Each metaphor teaches us about who we are, who Christ is for us, and how we're to go about our life together in his name. Here's another metaphor we need: a kingdom. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said to Peter, "I give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." What are these keys? Who holds them? What do they do? These are the questions that we'll address in this series, Who Holds the Keys, beginning with Matthew 16:13-18.

Pay Attention to Yourself

Whack-A-Mole was a popular arcade game back when arcades were a thing. But the metaphor persists. We all have the experience of dealing with problems that just seem to keep coming back. Pride is that way. In Luke 17:1–10 Jesus addresses his disciples with a warning concerning the Pharisees' great problem of pride. Striving to enter the narrow gate requires humility. So does living together in the kingdom under Jesus' rule.