Since Jesus was nearing the close of His ministry, this issue became the focus. That Jesus was Elijah the prophet c. That Jesus was Jeremiah or one of the other prophets of old. They didn't mind thinking of Him as some past person returned b. Nothing else ever seems quite as important.
Finances are foremost.
The most heated debate in a finance-driven church is always over the budget. While good stewardship and cash flow are essential for a healthy church, finances must never be the controlling issue. We do not exist to make a profit. I've noticed that many churches are driven by faith in their early years and driven by finances in later years. Jesus' use of the feminine form of Rock in this second use of the term indicates that he is speaking about the confession Peter made, not Peter himself.