A Need to Know

Nov 2

This sermon, delivered by Rev. Dr. Alvin J. Gwynn Jr. at Historic Leadenhall Baptist Church, message came from Matthew 16:13-20 (NKJV). He express the importance of moving beyond public opinion to a personal conviction of faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

The Search for Personal Conviction

The pastor highlights that while it is easy to repeat what others say about Jesus, each individual must develop their own relationship with Him.

Public Opinion vs. Personal Faith: Jesus questioned His disciples about who people claimed He was, but then turned the question to them personally to test their own understanding.
The Classroom of Trials: Past experiences with Jesus in the "storms" of life serve as proof of His divinity, which should anchor a believer's confidence.

Identity and Authority

Recognizing Jesus as the "Christ, the Son of the living God" transforms one's identity and grants authority to believers.

From Simon to Peter: True revelation changes how we are known and empowers us for the work of the kingdom.
Keys to the Kingdom: Believers are entrusted with the authority to proclaim the Gospel and open doors for others to come to faith.

Let us know how God has made a way for you in your life in the comments below!

Featured Preacher: Rev. Dr. Alvin J. Gwynn Jr.

While people may offer many opinions about Jesus, each person must reach their own personal revelation and conviction about who He is for themselves

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20 (NKJV)

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not [g]prevail against it.

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth [h]will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.