We have a powerful promise: “I will build my church!”We have a blessed assurance: “the gates of hell will not prevail against it!”The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 2:20)Jesus is entrusting authority to the church: apostolic authority here, and later congregational authority.Join Jesus in building His church! Resolutely confess Christ Those who confess Jesus as Christ and God:Are blessedHave received revelation from the FatherAre part of the prevailing churchAre entrusted with the church’s authorityHave the key (the gospel) to take to others! Deliberately embrace suffering Jesus is worthy of all honor, yet He led the way in suffering with purpose.We must be careful where we set our minds – God’s ways are higher than ours! (Isaiah 55:9) Phil 2:1Peter learns about the role of suffering in the Christian life! (1 Peter 2:21, 3:18, 4:19, 5:10) Sacrificially offer yourselfTo preserve yourself in this world, is to forfeit your soul!What are you wanting most?  What are you seeking to gain?To truly follow Jesus is to give ourselves for Him to live through us – cross in hand!