“Caesarea Philippi- The Place of Offensive Confessions” 9/07/08

Matthew 16:13-27

Series- “Cultural and Geographical Faith Lessons From Israel”

“This is a very fine cave in a mountain, under which there is a great cavity in the earth, and the cavern is abrupt, and prodigiously deep, and full of a still water; over it hangs a vast mountain; and under the caverns arise the springs of the river Jordan. Herod adorned this place, which was already a very remarkable one, still further by the erection of this temple, which he dedicated to Caesar.” (Antiquities of the Jews 15:364); Josephus (1^st century Jewish Historian)

POINT 1- When confronted with Jesus we must make a CONFESSION

A. The confession of those who are STRANGERS

(Great Teacher, Enlightened One, Model of Religion, Guide to Humanity)

B. The confession of those who are CHOSEN

(Luke 9:45, 24:31, Luke 10:21; Acts 16:14; 1 Cor 2:14)

C. The confession of the one who is Lord of the CHURCH

(Ps 42:9; Isaiah 44:8; John 2:4, 6:15, 7:30, 8:20, 13:1, 17:1)

Going God wants you to make a decision concerning His Son today!

Deeper

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor 6:2

POINT 2- When confronted with Jesus we must submit to HIS CONFESSION

A. The confession of Peter that offends JESUS

(Proverbs 16:18, 12:26; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Matthew 6:33)

B. The confession of Jesus that offends US

(Pluralism- John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Matthew 10:34; John 6:66)

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26

Going God wants you to lose your life for Him; you will gain that and much more

Deeper in return for your investment!

“But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:68-69