Matthew 16:13–20
When Jesus and His disciples entered Caesarea Philippi, a place filled with idols, shrines, and spiritual confusion, He asked a question every one of us will eventually have to answer: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
The disciples repeated the public opinions they had heard: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, all good men, holy men, respected men. But still not enough. Public opinion can admire Jesus without truly recognizing Him. It can respect Him without worshiping Him. It can call Him a prophet while missing that He is Lord.
Then Jesus makes the question personal: “But who do you say I am?”
This is the moment the text turns from information to transformation. Jesus shifts from public opinion to personal confession. Faith cannot be borrowed; it must be owned. Every believer must answer Jesus’ question directly, not culturally, not historically, not second‑hand.
Peter steps forward with a confession that still echoes through the ages: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus affirms him: this confession didn’t come from intellect or tradition, it came from divine revelation. God opened Peter’s eyes. And on that confession, not Peter’s personality, but his proclamation, Jesus builds His church. A church so rooted in truth that “the powers of hell will not conquer it.”
Your confession becomes your foundation.
Your foundation shapes your identity.
Your identity establishes your authority.
Your authority leads you to victory.
So, Jesus is still asking today: “Who do you say I am?”
Not who your grandmother said He is.
Not who your pastor says He is.
Not who the culture says He is.
Not who the crowd says He is.
Who do you say Jesus is?
And Scripture gives us a rich foundation for our confession:
- Prince of Peace: the One who reconciles and calms every storm.
- Wonderful Counselor: the One who guides and comforts.
- Mighty God: sovereign and unmatched in power.
- Immanuel: God with us, present and near.
- King of Kings: reigning over every earthly and spiritual power.
- Lord of Lords: supreme authority above all.
- Redeemer: the One who buys us back from bondage.
- Healer: restoring bodies, mending hearts, making us whole.
This is who Jesus is, and more.
Today, take a moment to answer His question personally. Let your confession become the foundation of your life. From that foundation flows your identity, your authority, and your destiny.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Eddie
(Based on Sunday’s sermon, August 23, 2026)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, open my eyes the way You opened Peter’s. Reveal Yourself to me in a fresh and living way. Strengthen my confession, deepen my faith, and build my life on the truth of who You are. Let my identity, authority, and destiny be rooted in You alone. Amen.
Weekly Prayer Request
Richard Ewert, Matthew Franklin, Scott Harvey, and Diana Huckleberry, Rick Mielke and Brian Williams.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Thank You: John Ramsey would like to thank everyone who attended the baseball game for the autographed baseball. He says it is appreciated more than words can express, and he loves you all.
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open this Thursday, August 27 @ 5:00 p.m., and on the following Thursdays: 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Visiting the Ark Encounter?: We will arrive in Kentucky on Friday night (Sept. 11), spend Saturday (Sept. 12) exploring the Ark, and return home Saturday evening after dinner. If you have any questions, please see Pam M. or Tammy O.
Wednesday Night Dinner & Bible Study: Is on Summer Break and will resume on Wednesday September 9th. We look forward to gathering again for food, fellowship, and study when we return.
Monthly Fellowship Calendar
- 🦁🛶 Noah’s Ark & the Creation Museum: September 11-13, 2026.
- 🎓🎉Doctoral Achievement & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 🦃 🍂 Thanksgiving w/ the Smiths Sunday, November 22, 2026.
- 🎄 ✨ Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Men’s T-Shirts (size: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
