BIBLE STUDIES ARCHIVE..... The Church Keys

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:19
 
As the Lord builds His church (called out people), Scripture records that Jesus would give to the church the keys of the kingdom of heaven.  Imagine looking at our set of keys and sensing the power and authority given to us, as the church, the called out ones?!  The Bible tells us we have those keys!
Let us consider one key: that of the word of God.  As Christ continues to build His church, we have and can use Scripture as a powerful key to unlock doors.  Hebrews 4:12 states: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  This key is alive, it is powerful, it is sharp!  It is a key which pierces and discerns.  And, it is a key to unlock the spiritual power and authority to bind and to loose in the name of Jesus, as the kingdom advances.
The Lord is building His church and He has given us keys of power and authority.  Do we recognize those keys?  Do we have the word of God in our heart and sown in our spirits?  Are we ready in season and out to respond to the world with the word?