Building the Church: Faithfulness, Mission, and Hope

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God

To be the church is to confess, as Peter did, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This confession is not merely an intellectual agreement but a declaration that Jesus is the answer to every longing, the King who overcomes death, and the Savior who brings life. The heart of Christianity is not about politics, culture, or even religious tradition—it is about who Jesus is. Each person must answer the question, “Who do you say I am?” for themselves, and that answer shapes eternity, purpose, and hope. If you believe, it is a gift from God, a miracle of grace that opens blind eyes and revives dead hearts. [20:21]

Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV)
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: Who do you truly say Jesus is in your heart today, and how does that confession shape the way you live and make decisions right now?

Day 2: Jesus Himself Builds His Church

The certainty of the church’s growth and endurance does not rest on human effort, but on the promise and power of Jesus Himself. He declares, “I will build my church,” assuring us that, despite opposition, setbacks, or even our own failures, His church will be established and will flourish. This promise gives hope in the face of darkness, discouragement, or national tragedy, because Jesus is actively calling forth His people and expanding His kingdom. Our role is to trust in His faithfulness and participate in what He is already doing, knowing that the outcome is secure in His hands. [36:36]

Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Reflection: In what area of your life or ministry do you need to trust that Jesus is the one building and sustaining, rather than relying on your own strength or control?

Day 3: The Church Belongs to Jesus

The church is not a building, a program, or a possession of any leader or group—it is the people who belong to Jesus, bought with His blood, known intimately by Him, and cherished as His own. He knows each member by name, understands every need, and claims His people as His bride and body. This belonging is deeply personal and secure; no matter our failures or doubts, if we are in Christ, we are His. Our identity and unity as a church flow from this truth, and our mission is to live as those who are loved and sent by Him. [39:10]

John 10:27-29 (ESV)
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

Reflection: How does knowing you belong to Jesus—fully known and fully loved—change the way you approach your relationships and your role in the church today?

Day 4: The Church Is a Diverse, Global Family

Jesus’ vision for His church is not limited by ethnicity, language, or geography; it is a gathering of people from every tribe, nation, and tongue, united by the confession that Jesus is the Christ. The church is a foretaste of the great multitude in Revelation, standing before the throne, worshiping the Lamb together. This diversity is not accidental but central to God’s plan, and it calls us to embrace, love, and reach out to all peoples, reflecting the heart of God for the world. Our mission is to invite more into this family, celebrating unity in Christ amid beautiful diversity. [41:43]

Revelation 7:9-10 (ESV)
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Reflection: Who in your neighborhood, workplace, or city might feel like an outsider, and how can you intentionally welcome them into the family of God this week?

Day 5: Our Privilege and Call to Participate in God’s Mission

While Jesus will build His church with or without us, He invites us into the joy and privilege of participating in His mission—praying, serving, giving, and even going to help plant new churches and reach new people. The call is not just for a select few but for every believer to discern their role, whether through prayer, practical involvement, generosity, or simply being faithful where God has placed them. Even small acts of faithfulness can have generational impact, and God delights to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. The question is not whether God will accomplish His mission, but whether we will join Him in it. [44:48]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one concrete step you can take this week—whether in prayer, service, giving, or encouragement—to participate more fully in God’s mission through the church?

Sermon Summary

The story of Sunset Church is a story of God’s faithfulness through generations, beginning with Cai Leong Li’s vision in 1905 to plant a church in San Francisco’s Chinatown. That vision, passed down through the decades, led to the founding of our own church in the Sunset district, as people moved out of Chinatown and sought to reach their neighbors with the gospel. Our heritage is rooted in the faithfulness of those who came before us, but it is not static—God’s mission is always expanding, calling us to reach all peoples, not just those who share our background or language. The heart of our calling is to glorify God by making gospel-transformed disciples of all people in our city and beyond.

Church planting is not just a historical footnote; it is at the very heart of the Great Commission. Every one of us has been touched by the faithfulness of those who started churches, whether directly or indirectly. Our church has supported church planting both locally and globally, through missionaries and partnerships with new congregations. Yet, I believe God may be calling us into a new season of initiating church planting ourselves—sending people, resources, and prayer to places that need the gospel, just as our spiritual ancestors did.

But before we talk about strategies or plans, we must return to the foundation: Jesus’ words in Matthew 16, “I will build my church.” The church is not a building or a program; it is a gathering of people who confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The “I” in that promise is the Creator, Sustainer, and King—Jesus himself. He alone builds the church, and he does so with certainty. Our role is not to manufacture results, but to faithfully participate in what he is already doing.

Jesus’ promise is deeply personal: “my church.” We belong to him, intimately known and loved. The church is his bride, his body, gathered from every tribe, nation, and tongue. And his promise is powerful: “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Death itself cannot overcome what Jesus is building. Our hope, even in the face of darkness or uncertainty, is anchored in his victory.

So, what is our response? Pray for clarity, boldness, and faithfulness. Participate in the life of the church now, not just as consumers but as contributors. Give generously, knowing that our resources are tools for God’s mission. And be open to the possibility that God may call us to take new steps in church planting, trusting that he will build his church—whether through us or in spite of us. What a privilege to be part of his work.

Key Takeaways

1. The Foundation of Church Planting Is Christ’s Identity Everything begins with the question Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” Our confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the bedrock of the church. Church planting, and all ministry, must flow from a deep, personal knowledge of Jesus—not from cultural, political, or even religious motivations. The church is a gathering of people centered on this confession, and without it, all our efforts are empty. [20:21]
2. Jesus Alone Builds and Sustains the Church The certainty of Jesus’ promise—“I will build my church”—reminds us that the growth and endurance of the church do not depend on our strategies, resources, or abilities. He is the Creator and Sustainer, providing for his people across generations and cultures. Even when circumstances seem impossible or progress is slow, we can rest in the assurance that Jesus is faithfully building his church, and nothing can thwart his purpose. [35:16]
3. The Church Belongs to Christ, Not to Us The possessive “my church” is a reminder that the church is not ours to control, brand, or possess. We are his—intimately known, loved, and purchased by his blood. This truth humbles us and calls us to steward the church with reverence, recognizing that every local congregation is part of a global, diverse body that belongs to Jesus alone. [39:10]
4. The Power of the Church Is Resurrection Hope Jesus’ victory over death means that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The greatest enemy—death—has been defeated, and this gives the church unshakeable hope in every generation, no matter the opposition or suffering we face. Our mission is not driven by fear or self-preservation, but by the confidence that Christ’s resurrection power is at work in and through us. [42:51]
5. Faithful Participation Is Our Privilege and Calling While Jesus will build his church with or without us, we are invited to the joy and privilege of participating in his mission. This means praying for God’s direction, actively serving and giving, and being open to new steps of faith—whether that’s supporting church plants, joining new initiatives, or simply being faithful where we are. Our role is not to guarantee outcomes, but to be obedient and generous, trusting that God will use our faithfulness for his glory. [44:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Our Church’s Historical Roots
[03:16] - The Vision Expands Beyond Chinatown
[04:59] - The Impact of Church Planting on Our Lives
[08:55] - Entering a New Season of Church Planting
[10:03] - Wrestling with Our Calling
[10:59] - What Jesus Says About the Church
[12:42] - The Significance of “I” in “I Will Build My Church”
[14:52] - The Most Important Question: Who Is Jesus?
[17:09] - Evangelism by Example, Not Force
[20:21] - Peter’s Confession and Its Meaning
[23:24] - The Gift of Faith and the True Nature of Christ
[26:26] - Jesus as the Answer to Every Human Need
[32:34] - The Meaning of “On This Rock I Will Build”
[35:16] - The Certainty of Jesus’ Promise
[37:55] - The Intimacy of “My Church”
[39:10] - The Church as Christ’s Beloved People
[41:43] - The Church’s Resurrection Power
[44:48] - Responding: Pray, Participate, Give
[45:58] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 16:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Observation Questions

In Matthew 16:13-16, what are the different opinions people have about Jesus, and how does Peter’s answer stand out?
According to Jesus in verse 18, who is responsible for building the church?
What does Jesus mean when he says, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”?
In the sermon, what examples were given of how Sunset Church has been involved in church planting, both locally and globally? [[04:59]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus ask his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” instead of just telling them who he is? What does this reveal about the foundation of the church? [[14:52]]
The sermon says, “The church is not a building or a program; it is a gathering of people who confess that Jesus is the Christ.” How does this definition challenge or affirm your understanding of church? [[39:10]]
Jesus promises, “I will build my church.” What does it mean for us that Jesus is the one who builds and sustains the church, not us? [[35:16]]
The phrase “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” is described as resurrection hope. How does this promise affect the way we view challenges or suffering in the church? [[42:51]]

Application Questions

The sermon shared how Sunset Church’s story is rooted in the faithfulness of previous generations. Who are the people in your own faith journey who have helped you know Jesus? How can you honor or thank them this week? [[01:08]]
Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” is called the most important question of your life. If someone asked you that today, how would you answer honestly? Is there any area of your life where your actions don’t match your confession? [[20:21]]
The sermon emphasized that church planting is not just history, but a present calling. What is one practical way you can support church planting—through prayer, giving, or serving—right now? [[44:48]]
The church “belongs to Christ, not to us.” Are there ways you have treated church as if it’s yours to control or consume, rather than something you steward for Jesus? What would it look like to shift your mindset? [[39:10]]
Jesus’ promise that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” gives us hope even in dark times. Is there a challenge or discouragement you’re facing in your faith or in church life? How does this promise encourage you to keep going? [[42:51]]
The sermon called us to “participate, not just consume.” Are you currently serving or giving in the life of the church? If not, what is one step you could take this month to move from consumer to contributor? [[45:58]]
The pastor said, “Our role is not to guarantee outcomes, but to be obedient and generous.” Is there an area where you feel hesitant to step out in faith because you can’t control the results? What would it look like to trust Jesus with that? [[44:48]]

Sermon Clips

This is probably the most important question ever asked. And it will be the most important answer to which you will ever give any question in your life. Who do you say Jesus is? Your answer to that question determines your eternity. It determines your present. It determines everything about your life. What do you really believe about Jesus? [00:20:21] (29 seconds) #FaithIsAGiftFromGod

If you believe Jesus is Lord and Savior, the Christ, it is always a gift of God. You didn't figure it out on your own. Yes, you played a role in exploring. You played a role in asking questions. It's not like you're a machine. And yet fundamentally, anyone who comes to faith, it is a supernatural thing. It is a miracle. Anyone comes to believe because it comes from the father opening blind eyes, opening dead hearts, giving you the Holy Spirit, bringing you back to life when you were dead man walking, dead woman walking. It is a gift. [00:24:08] (42 seconds) #JesusIsTheAnswerToAll

Everyone's looking for something. Everyone has a problem. They need an answer to everyone wants something, whether they can articulate it or not. Jesus is that answer. You have disorder in your life from illness, from relationships, from economic vocational problems. Jesus is the answer. You are facing death, the enemy that levels every single person on earth, whether you're young or old, rich or poor, it does not matter. Death, death is the greatest enemy. You want an answer to that? Beyond that, that no one knows? Jesus is the answer. He is the point. He is the last word. He's it. He's everything anyone has ever been waiting for. [00:26:15] (42 seconds) #ChristIsTheLivingGod

He says he will build it. Notice this is said with certainty. It will happen. He didn't say, I may build my church. I may or may not build my church, depending on this particular circumstance, if it goes my way or no. He says, I will build my church. No ifs or buts. It's a promise of certainty. And Jesus does not lie. So his church will be built. Jesus built the church. It's a certainty. [00:35:14] (37 seconds) #HopeInJesusPromise

You want to know how we can have hope in the face of national evil, personal evil, personal disappointment. It's because Jesus promises to build his church. He promises to return and call forth those who are his. He promises to write every wrong ever done in the world. [00:36:48] (23 seconds) #KnownAndLovedByChrist

He knows your name. He knows how many hairs are on your head. Even Abe's. He knows how many hairs are on his head. He knows. He knows. You are his if you are in Christ. He bought you with his own blood. You are his bride. We are his body. [00:38:00] (35 seconds) #ChurchIsPeopleNotPlace

The church is not a building. Whether or not we have the buildings that we have or not does not matter. It does not make us Sunset Church. Sunset Church is because of you. The various iterations of us as a people that gather together, it's not based upon even this particular location. Whether we meet in the park or during COVID, we met online, it doesn't matter. When we gather together, we are the people who confess Jesus is the Christ and we commit to one another and we live on mission for Jesus. This makes us the church. [00:40:15] (30 seconds) #UnitedInDiversityThroughChrist

Diverse in language, diverse from place, diverse from peoples and tribes, from political groups, from every place of division you can imagine, diversity there, and yet united around Jesus being the Christ, the son of the living God, and he is the one who saves. That is the church. [00:41:19] (24 seconds) #JesusConquersDeathAndHell

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