THE CHURCH IS THE ADVANCING FORCE
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 (Matthew 16:18).
Many people interpret the Lord Jesus’ statement about the gates of hell as though the Church were under constant attack from the powers of darkness. But that’s not the picture the Lord gave. Gates represent authority and control. In ancient times, the gate of a city was the place where decisions were made and authority was exercised.
So, the “gates of hell” refer to the authority of the kingdom of darkness. When the Master said, “…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He wasn’t portraying the Church as a victim trying to survive the attacks or onslaughts of darkness. Rather, it reveals the Church as an advancing force.
The kingdom of darkness already existed when Jesus spoke those words. The Church was the new entity being introduced into the earth. Therefore, the picture is not of hell attacking the Church; rather, it’s the Church advancing against the authority of darkness. They can’t withstand the Church or hold out against our advancement.
We’re advancing with the authority of Christ, bringing light where there’s darkness and establishing God’s will on the earth. Through the Gospel, the influence of the Kingdom of God expands, pushing back the authority of darkness.
Every time the Word is preached, lives are transformed, the power of God is manifested, and the Lord adds to the Church such as should be saved. Hallelujah! Rejoice that you’re a part of the triumphant and advancing Church of Jesus Christ, the restraining force against evil in our day.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for making me a part of your victorious Church. I walk in the authority of Christ and advance the influence of your Kingdom everywhere. The powers of darkness cannot withstand the light of the Gospel working through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every word you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation, we have a gift for you. First, kindly click this link so we can connect with you and help you grow in Christ.
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Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 16:18 TLB You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it.
Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Luke 10:18-19 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 & Ecclesiastes 9-10
