Introduction:
God has sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem all who believe in Him from all their sins in order that they who believe can be free from the penalty of sin, and be adopted into His Family. God also provides protection for His people. This protection is a special protection that is above and beyond that which is “normal” i.e. far above what theologians refer to as “common grace” that God has always granted to both the believer and the unbeliever.
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Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 91:1 – 9 (KJV)
Psa 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psa 91:2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
Psa 91:3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence.
Psa 91:4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
Psa 91:5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Psa 91:6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
Psa 91:7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.
Psa 91:8 You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked.
Psa 91:9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13 – 19 (KJV)
Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 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.