In this powerful message, Reverend Ron McDougald explores Jesus’ timeless question to His disciples at Caesarea Philippi: “Who do you say that I am?” Drawing from Matthew 16:13-20 (with Romans 12:1-8), Pastor Ron shows how this is not a one-time quiz but an ongoing invitation—asked in the imperfect tense—to keep growing in our confession and relationship with Christ.
Through personal stories of grandchildren, family memories, college tests, driver’s licenses, a devoted church member’s 1927 membership letter, and the difference between knowing headlines and truly knowing someone, he illustrates the gap between saying the right words and living them out. Peter’s bold declaration (“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God”) is followed by fear, denial, and eventual restoration—reminding us that Jesus gives the keys of the kingdom not to perfect people, but to those willing to follow, grow, and keep answering the question with their lives.
Whether your profession of faith happened decades ago in confirmation, at camp meeting, or somewhere else, Jesus is still asking: What does your confession look like today?
Join us as we are challenged—not shamed—to move beyond memorized phrases and church-roll entries into an intimate, lifelong journey of loving, following, and living for Jesus. The same question, over and over… because faith is meant to mature.
Scripture Readings
• Romans 12:1-8
• Matthew 16:13-20
Preached by
Reverend Ron McDougald
Mount Pleasant Methodist Church
13802 Mt Pleasant Rd, Vancleave, MS
Connect with Us
Website: https://mtpleasantgmc.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MtPleasantGMC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561591703590
If this message encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Leave a comment below—when and how did you first profess faith in Jesus, and how is that confession growing today?
Jesus is Lord. May we know Him well enough to live it. Amen.
