About This Project

Jesus didn’t come to start a religion—He came to launch a movement that would shake the world. In Matthew 16, Jesus draws a line in the sand and asks the question that still decides eternity: Who do you say I am?

Jesus never said He was building a religion—He said He was building a Church that would storm the gates of hell. In this powerful episode of Kingdom Come, Pastor Tim Hatch walks verse-by-verse through Matthew 16, one of the most pivotal chapters in the Gospel.

From the confrontation with the Pharisees and Sadducees, to Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, to Jesus’ declaration at Caesarea Philippi that the gates of hell will not prevail, this study reveals what the Church truly is—and what it is called to do. You’ll discover why man-centered religion fails, how revelation—not intellect—produces faith, and why true discipleship always involves surrender, sacrifice, and obedience.

This episode challenges modern believers to reject both religious legalism and cultural compromise, recover the biblical meaning of the Church (ekklesia), and live boldly for Christ in a world desperate for truth.

Key Themes from Matthew 16:1-28

Salvation and true faith come through divine revelation from the Father, not human reasoning or religious achievement.
Jesus Himself—not any human leader—is the foundation and cornerstone of the Church.
The Church (ekklesia) is biblically defined as a called-out, authoritative assembly established to advance God’s Kingdom.
Christ’s authority supersedes all spiritual, cultural, and political powers of darkness.
The Kingdom of God advances through sacrifice, obedience, and resurrection power—not worldly influence or self-preservation.

Theological Insights from Matthew 16:1-28

Authority of Scripture Over Tradition
Jesus confronts the Pharisees to show that when human traditions replace or override God’s Word, religion becomes rebellion in disguise.
Sin Flows From the Heart
Defilement is an internal reality — our greatest problem is not what we consume but what we produce from a sinful heart (Matthew 15:18–20).
The Gospel for the Nations
The healing of the Canaanite woman and the feeding of the 4,000 reveal God’s mission to Gentiles, fulfilling the promise that Abraham’s offspring would bless all nations (Genesis 12:3).
Faith Overcomes Barriers
The Canaanite woman’s persistence demonstrates that genuine faith pushes through cultural, religious, and emotional obstacles to trust Christ alone.
Jesus is the True Provider
Miraculous provision in a Gentile region shows Jesus as the universal bread of life, satisfying all who come to Him (John 6:35).
False Religion Produces Spiritual Blindness
The Pharisees’ obsession with external purity blinds them to their own corruption — they are “blind guides” leading others into destruction (Matthew 15:14).

Application for Believers Today

Examine where faith may be rooted in religious performance or cultural identity rather than wholehearted trust in Christ.
Confess Jesus daily as Lord, allowing His authority to shape beliefs, priorities, and decisions.
Resist the pull of both legalism and compromise by anchoring life in the truth of the Gospel.
Embrace discipleship that includes surrender, obedience, and willingness to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Live as the Church—actively advancing God’s Kingdom through faithful witness, moral courage, and sacrificial love.

👉 Listen to the full study to deepen your confidence in Christ and find strength for seasons of doubt.

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🔍 Matthew’s Background & Purpose

Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector, despised by fellow Jews but chosen by Jesus.
His name means “Gift of God” or “Gift of Jehovah.”
He references the Old Testament over 100 times, writing primarily to a Jewish audience to prove Jesus as the Messiah.
He is one of twelve people in history who walked with God in the flesh, observing His miracles and teachings firsthand.

📝 Follow Along with the Kingdom Come Journal!

Want to go deeper in your study? The Kingdom Come Journal is designed to help you reflect, apply, and grow in your faith!

📖 Each session includes:
✔️ Reflection questions
✔️ Space to write insights
✔️ Guided prayers

📦 Order your copy at TimHatchLive.com/journal or pick one up at Waters Church cafés.

💬 Discussion Questions

1️⃣ What stood out to you in today’s study?
2️⃣ How does this passage encourage or challenge you?
3️⃣ What’s one takeaway you can apply to your life this week?

🙏 Need prayer? Let us know—we’d love to pray for you!

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➡️ Next Up: Part 30 • Matthew 17:1-27 – Glory on the Mount, Suffering on the Road

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📚 Explore More from Tim Hatch Live

📖 Kingdom Come Bible Study: Join Pastor Tim in a transformative journey through Matthew.
🎙️ More Podcasts: The Deep End, Deep Dive Bible Study, and 10 Questions with Tim.
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🙏 Share the Hope

Encourage bold faith in a challenging world. Share this episode with friends, family, or your church community. Let’s point others to the hope and victory we have in Jesus.