Upon this Rock I will build my church

 The Bible says that the Rock in the wilderness was Christ.

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV

The Bible records that Moses smote this Rock on two different occasions. Each time that Moses smote the Rock, water flowed out, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites.

The first time that Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type and shadow of water baptism in Jesus name;

When God told Moses to smite the Rock, God told him to smite the Rock with the rod that had turned the Nile river to blood. (Exodus 7:20,17:5-6).

Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when Moses struck the Rock with his rod and the water flowed out.

Blood and water flowed from Jesus the Rock for water baptism:

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." - John 19:34 KJV

When we are water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, there is the remembrance of blood that Jesus shed for us for the remission of sins.

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The second time Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type and shadow of Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ...But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:10, 14 KJV

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:37-39 KJV

God told Moses to SPEAK to the Rock for water to flow out. (Numbers 20:8).

When we receive the Holy Ghost we must speak and believe God for His sanctifying Spirit. (Mark 16:16, Romans 15:16).

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Moses did not speak and believe God the second time when the Rock gave forth His water. Instead he struck the rick twice with his rod.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." - Numbers 20:12 KJV

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten rock out of which would flow water and the Spirit. (John 3:5). The gospel.

The gates of hell cannot withstand it!