(Matthew 16:13-23 CSB) When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father 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 will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he gave the disciples orders to tell no one that he was the Messiah.

21 From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, “Oh no, Lord! This will never happen to you!”

23 Jesus turned and told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me because you’re not thinking about God’s concerns but human concerns.”

(Matthew 16:17 AMP) Then Jesus answered him, “Blessed [happy, spiritually secure, favored by God] are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood (mortal man) did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

(1 Corinthians 15:17 NLT) And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

(Romans 14:13 NLT) So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

(Romans 8:5-8 CSB) For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. 6 Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. 8 Those, who are in the flesh, cannot please God.

(James 3:7-10 NLT) People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish,8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

Thoughts

Godly relationships speak Truth.

(Proverbs 9:8 AMP) Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he will hate you; Correct a wise man [who learns from his error], and he will love you.

1. Godly relationships offer Sacrifice and Commitment.

(John 15:13 NLT) There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

(Proverbs 27:6 NLT) Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

2. Godly relationships should be Selective.

(Proverbs 18:24 ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

For salvation:
Text – Reborn to 97000

For baptism:
Text – Baptize to 97000