Posted on: August 23rd, 2026 by St Stephens Office
“In the scriptures, the Lord says the people of Israel know Him by His acts, but Moses knew Him by His ways. Often, Christians follow Jesus for His acts–the miracles, prophecies, and solutions to their burdens. Similarly today…”
I’ve been to many Anglican churches, but there is a unique and powerful energy here, and I feel it strongly as we collectively sing hymns of praise to the Lord. Today, I want to focus my sermon on the profound gospel passage from Matthew 16:13-20, 28, where Jesus makes a pivotal statement: “I will build my Church.” This marks the first introduction of the word ecclesia, or Church, in the New Testament.
Before making this statement, Jesus asks His disciples two major questions. People had witnessed His miracles—healing the sick and casting out devils, an act unheard of in the history of Israel. Even in the Old Testament, while prophets performed miracles, casting out devils was never recorded. Jesus’ authority over demons and evil forces was unparalleled, and before His impending death, He turns to His disciples to seek their understanding of Him.
He first asks them, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples respond with what popular opinion suggests, linking Him to Elijah or John the Baptist or comparing Him to prophets of old. Then, Jesus asks them for their personal view, pressing, “What about you? Who do you say that I am?” Silence follows this poignant question.
In the scriptures, the Lord says the people of Israel know Him by His acts, but Moses knew Him by His ways. Often, Christians follow Jesus for His acts—the miracles, prophecies, and solutions to their burdens. Similarly today, many seek churches with prophecies and miracles, attracted by the promise of relief and not an understanding of who Christ truly is.
Contrasting with that, Moses built a personal relationship with God, knowing Him face to face and understanding His merciful nature. When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter stands up and proclaims, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This revelation wasn’t revealed by flesh but was a divine insight into His true identity—what many Jews struggled to comprehend.
The term Christ or Kristos means “the anointed,” synonymous with the Messiah in Hebrew—the Savior delivering humanity. Peter’s recognition of Jesus as Christ earns him a significant promise: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Jesus’ declaration signifies that Christ is the foundation of the Church, and no force of darkness can prevail against it. The Church, built with the blood of Jesus, remains indomitable against persecution.
Jesus promises Peter the keys of the Kingdom, symbolizing authority and knowledge—insight into divine mysteries, a message for Christians today not to be mere followers. Let us strive for a genuine revelation of who Christ is. When asked about your faith in various settings, have a ready and authentic answer, affirming Jesus as the Son of the living God. Across religions, this divine attribute of Christ is often disputed, yet we affirm in our creeds His true essence with the Father.
By fully understanding this revelation, you gain authority. Don’t let fear overpower you—not from evil or illness, for with these keys, what you bind or permit on Earth echoes in Heaven. Believers must always profess positively, maintaining health during illness and light amid darkness. Demons cannot torment you because you are part of His Kingdom.
Let me pray for you. I thank you, Father, for your word today, reminding us that you are building your Church, with us as participants in its growth. Bless St. Stephen’s Anglican Church with an ever-deepening intimacy with you. May your followers here know you more deeply, benefit from your acts, and grow to impact their community positively.
As we conclude, I urge you to deepen your relationship with Christ, recognizing and voicing His divine nature, and wielding your authority and faith for a transformative life. Let’s build our lives on this solid Rock of faith—Jesus Christ. Amen.
Life is inevitably a journey filled with trials. Whether it’s financial stress, family issues, health hurdles, or even immigration challenges, each of us carries silent burdens. During these struggles, we might feel distant from God…
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I wish to share some reflections that touched my heart during my recent visit to Canada. I took a few weeks for vacation to step away from the ministry and schooling demands, seeking rest and revival for the work ahead. I thank God for this enriching experience, particularly my time spent with the communities of Christ Church in Brampton and St. Stephen’s.
As I settled into St. Stephen’s, my heart lifted by the choir and the congregation’s warmth, I’ve reflected deeply on life’s struggles. Life is inevitably a journey filled with trials. Whether it’s financial stress, family issues, health hurdles, or even immigration challenges, each of us carries silent burdens. During these struggles, we might feel distant from God, questioning His presence and purpose in our lives. However, these challenges remind us, like the stories of Jacob and Saint Paul, that God is always with us, guiding and sustaining us.
Jacob’s story epitomizes this divine companionship. Wrestling with a mysterious man, later revealed as God, Jacob demonstrates courage and tenacity. Even in the struggle of guilt and fear, God appeared to him. This narrative teaches us about embracing our struggles as moments to cling tighter to God’s biblical promises.
Today, I encourage each of you to adopt the prayer of Jacob: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” In doing so, we recognize that God’s grace is pivotal in shaping our response to life’s challenges. The grace of God empowers us to endure; it is essential for overcoming both physical and spiritual battles. The faithfulness of God is unwavering, standing the test of time against any hardship we face.
Beloved, as you walk your journey, remember that God is our ultimate healer. While His timing may differ from our expectations, His ways infinitely surpass ours. Though our struggles might linger for days or years, in His own time, God will renew our lives. So remain steadfast in faith, even if scarred by past struggles.
We must support each other in our faith journey, showing compassion akin to Jesus’ compassion amidst His own grief. Remember how Jesus, learning of John the Baptist’s death, still showed compassion to thousands. His work wasn’t deterred by personal sadness, teaching us the power of compassion and faith in action.
In this season, I urge us all to examine how we can cling to God during our personal wrestling and extend compassion to those in spiritual or emotional need. As Christians, building a compassionate heart for God’s work and toward each other amplifies our faith.
Let our lives reflect trust and faith in God, knowing He will manifest His blessings in our moments of trial. In times of difficulty, may we find comfort and emerge with testimonies that glorify God.
As I conclude, I invite you to re-examine your spiritual commitments and deepen your bond with God’s grace. Take a moment today to reach out with a compassionate heart and renew your resolve to live according to God’s word, trusting that He is always present.
May God show His presence in your struggles and bless you with strength and peace. Amen.
Call to Action: I encourage you to join us in worship this Sunday at St. Stephen’s, partake in the shared divine compassion, and discover your path through any life challenges you face. Let us journey together in faith and strength.
