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The Other Side of God · Lesson 03

Why I Believe in the Church

Matthew 16:13–18

A complete manuscript curriculum lesson from the preserved writings of Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis — structured for study, leadership development, and theological reflection.

Chapter Outline · All Chapters
  1. 01. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity
  2. 02. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul
  3. 03. Why I Believe in the Church
  4. 04. The Lord of the Leftovers
  5. 05. Living Life in the Second Mile Lane
  6. 06. The Religion of a Strange Woman
  7. 07. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity (Part II)
  8. 08. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul (Part II)
  9. 09. Why I Believe in the Church (Part II)
  10. 10. The Lord of the Leftovers (Part II)
  11. 11. The Joy Counters
  12. 12. The Other Side of God
  13. 13. The Other Judas
I. Chapter Overview

The central movement of this lesson

This segment centers on the identity of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Church, contrasted with historical and limited human perspectives. The text argues that the Church stands as a unique, divine institution tasked with addressing eternal rather than merely temporal concerns, operating on the authority and power of its resurrected Builder.

II. Theological Themes

Doctrine and Kingdom emphasis

  1. The absolute deity and uniqueness of Jesus Christ
  2. The divine origin vs. human invention of the Church
  3. The Church's focus on ultimate, eternal issues
  4. The authority of the confession of faith
  5. Spiritual warfare and the offensive nature of the Church
III. Scripture Focus

Biblical texts in view

  1. Matthew 16:13-18
  2. Luke 9
  3. Matthew 24
  4. Malachi 4:5
  5. Jeremiah 20:8-9
  6. Hebrews 13:8
  7. 1 Corinthians 15:14
  8. Acts 1:3
  9. Acts 1:9-11
IV. Teaching Points

Homiletical and theological insights

  1. Jesus is in a class all by himself and cannot be categorized alongside moral or intellectual giants.
  2. The Church is built upon the solid rock of Christ, not upon Peter or any human leader.
  3. True salvation is found only in the Jesus of the Bible, not in historical or philosophical caricatures.
  4. Believers are called to engage in an offensive rescue mission against the gates of hell.
  5. The foundation of Christian faith rests upon the historical fact of the Resurrection.
V. Leadership Lessons

Formation for Kingdom leaders

  1. Prioritize prayer after significant ministry accomplishments rather than seeking human affirmation.
  2. Do not allow public opinion, polls, or trends to dictate your course of action.
  3. Leaders must be willing to take risks (like Peter) to hit spiritual 'home runs' rather than avoiding mistakes at the cost of inaction.
  4. True leadership acknowledges that the local congregation belongs to God, not the members/leaders.
  5. Focus on ultimate eternal issues over temporal, situational crises.
VI. Ministry Applications

How the lesson moves into practice

  1. Model the habit of withdrawing after successful ministry to reconnect with God in prayer.
  2. Challenge congregations to value the Church as a move of God rather than a family-owned institution.
  3. Equip believers to move from a defensive mindset to an offensive posture in addressing demonic strongholds.
  4. Consistently point the congregation to Christ as the only basis for salvation, avoiding the trap of listing him among other 'great' historical figures.
  5. Prioritize the teaching of dogma and eternal truth over changing methodologies.
Study Tools

Reflection & Study Notes

  1. Why is it so important to know who Jesus is?
  2. Who were the three biblical characters Jesus was mistaken for, and why does this represent a fallacy in human religion?
  3. Does the church deal with ultimate issues? If so, what are they?
  4. Is the church on the defense or the offense? What does this mean for our mission?
  5. Why is the distinction between Peter as 'petros' and Christ as 'petra' significant for our understanding of the Church's foundation?
Related Kingdom Lessons

Sermons that carry this chapter's thread

Sermons from the Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis Legacy Learning Series that carry the same Kingdom threads.

The assertive pursuit of deliverance from spiritual oppression through unwavering faith in Jesus, leading to transformation within the home.

Get The Hell Out Of My House

Matthew 15:21-28

This sermon powerfully addresses the omnipresent reality of spiritual warfare within the sanctity of the home, providing a clear, actionable path to confront and overcome demonic influence. It challenges complacency in parenting and spiritual leadership, urging a 'bulldogged determination' rooted in faith rather than worldly solutions. The profound message of the Syrophoenician woman's unwavering faith against all odds offers a timeless template for seeking divine intervention, emphasizing that even 'crumbs' from the Master's table are sufficient for deliverance and household transformation. The sermon’s relevance extends to anyone grappling with persistent spiritual or familial challenges, offering hope and a strategic blueprint for victory.

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Defense and Vindication of God's Church and People through the Holy Spirit and Christ's Intercession

In Defense of Pentecost

Acts 2:14-21, Leviticus 23:15, Ephesians 5:18

This sermon passionately defends the Church and the Holy Spirit's work, providing a foundational understanding of Pentecost while also addressing the ongoing opposition faced by believers. It matters because it reassures Christians that their faith and experience, even when ridiculed, are rooted in divine command and power. It also provides a robust theological framework for understanding Christ's ongoing intercession and its eternal implications for the believer's salvation. For the contemporary listener, it offers encouragement to stand firm in faith, live an obedient life, and trust in Christ's advocacy, despite worldly scorn or internal struggles. It powerfully asserts the enduring nature and divine purpose of the Church as the 'only hope for a lost and perishing world.'

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The enduring strength and divine advocacy of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and redeemed by Christ.

A Word On Behalf Of The Church

Acts 2:5-17 (with allusions to Leviticus 23:15, Ephesians 5:18, and Joel 2:28-29)

This sermon powerfully reminds believers of the Church's divine origin, enduring nature, and the continuous advocacy of Christ. In a world often critical of faith and institutions, it instills confidence in the Church's ultimate triumph and encourages individual believers to live lives of integrity, knowing they are defended by the greatest advocate. It is a profound call to understand and embody the Spirit-filled life, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated by love and obedience, not just by profession. The sermon equips the listener with a robust theological understanding of Pentecost and the atoning work of Christ, providing both historical context and contemporary relevance for the Christian walk.

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