Crossroads Community Church

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth must have already have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth must have already have been loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19 (adapted) NIV

This past Sunday, I spoke on the prayer of binding and loosing. After Peter had the revelation from heaven regarding who Jesus was, he was told, “I give you the keys of the kingdom.” Jesus doesn’t detail what the keys are, just that they are available to him and others who have a clear revelation from heaven.

What is the purpose of a key? Locks up or Unlocks. It’s given to trusted people. It’s a privilege to have. Allows us access to a secure place, that is off limits to others. In keeping with this understanding, I find at least 6 keys given to the church, that are unique to us.

Key One: Agreement - "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19. NIV

Key Two: Doors of Opportunity – “Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me…” II Corinthians 2:12 “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Revelation 3:8 NIV

Key Three: Shared authority - "If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." (John 20:23) NASB Also, (Matthew 16:19)

Key Four: Proclaim Freedom – “Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” Luke 13:17 “…I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Acts 26:17-18) NIV

Key Five: Praise in prison - Whether in a spiritual, emotional, or physical prison, praise is a key! “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26) NIV

Key Six: Be Obedient - Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” (John 14:23-24) NIV “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road — the desert road — that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So, he started out, and on his way, he met an Ethiopian eunuch…” (Acts 8:26-27) NIV

While there are probably more keys, these are some that come to mind that when followed or used, unlock greater understanding, blessings, and fruitfulness in our lives. Perhaps you think of other keys of the kingdom! Share them among yourselves!

This Sunday, I invited Pastor Nick to share on contemplative prayer. He shared a small portion at the 2021 DOVE East Coast Leaders conference. While I couldn’t attend, I heard great feedback from his short time of input. I look forward to him unpacking it more for us on Sunday. See you then.

July 20, 2022

Keys of the Kingdom

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