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Intention

To understand the keys of the Kingdom and through them to rescue others from death and Hell.

Scripture

“Simon Peter said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’

Jesus 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. 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 prevail against it.  And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’”

– Matthew 16:16–19

Reflection

With these words, Jesus gave Peter the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. To receive these ‘keys’ is an enormously thrilling privilege.

Let’s ask ourselves: Why did Jesus give Peter the keys? What were the keys of the Kingdom? How did Peter use these keys? How should that affect you?

First, why did Jesus give Peter the keys?

Because Peter, alone, received the revelation that Jesus was the Messiah of God and God’s only Son. Blessed indeed, Peter saw that God Himself was standing before him. He had come, in person, to save us.

Second, what were the Keys of the Kingdom?

Look at Acts 2. Peter preached after the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. Peter is asked by his hearers in the crowd, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (v. 37).  Peter replies: “Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you will receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” (v. 38)

Here are the Keys of the Kingdom… clear as crystal:

Key no. 1: Repentance and remission of sins with baptism.

Key no. 2: Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Third, how did Peter use the keys?

Peter went on to present the keys of the kingdom in Judea (Acts 5:20), Samaria (Acts 8:14–17), and to the Gentiles (Acts 10:43). This fulfilled Matthew 16:19. After Peter did the work of reaching the Jews, Samaritans and then, finally, the Gentiles, he fades from the scene. After Acts 12 he is no longer the central figure. Paul takes over. But Peter made the first announcement to each people group fulfilling what Jesus promised him: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.”

And finally, how should the keys of the Kingdom affect you?

If you know who Jesus really is, if you have renounced sin and been filled with the Holy Spirit then you have received the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

What a privilege! What a responsibility! As you go and share the gospel you are placing the keys of the Kingdom in the hands of your hearers for their eternal salvation.

Is there any more precious work than to rescue people from death and Hell through the keys of the Kingdom?!

Let’s get about doing it!

Video

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

I rejoice that You have also given me the two keys of the Kingdom of Heaven! I can help people to escape this doomed world and find true life through Jesus Christ. Help me to seek out those who are lost people. Help me to present the keys of the Kingdom in the power of Your Holy Spirit. Grant me souls for Jesus’ sake. In His wonderful and glorious Name, amen.

Author Bio

Tony McLennan is the CEO of Australia for Jesus, an organisation seeking to raise up thousands of soul winners to reach Australia with the gospel. To find out how you can be effective as a soul winner for Jesus, follow this link. For a free webinar on how to effectively and readily help people know God’s salvation, see here.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO 2023 in May

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. Heb 12:28–29
2. Pray that the Lamb who was slain might receive the reward for His suffering. Rev 5:6–14
3. Pray for revival for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Isa 64:1–2
4. Pray for revival for Israel and millions to find Christ. Rom 10:1
5. Pray for five friends to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for Family, Faith, Freedom, Life, and the Good News of God’s love through Jesus Christ His Son.

Join us for our nightly Zoom prayer call:

DATES: Every night for the month of May

TIME: 8pm AEST

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