…I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).
The Church of Jesus Christ has grown! We’ve grown in understanding, in knowledge and in the exercise of our authority and dominion in Christ. It doesn’t matter that there’s an adversary who’s all out to oppose the Church and hinder the work of the Gospel; his efforts are futile. The Church is marching on, and Jesus said the “Gates of Hell” shall not prevail against it.
Jesus gave us dominion over the dethroned princes of darkness, over principalities, powers and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. He put us in charge, to run things in the earth. In some countries, states and cities, some leaders are boasting against the Church; they’ve sworn themselves to be enemies of the Church. Well, they’ll take their place in history just like those before them.
Referring to His Church, the Lord Jesus said, “Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (Luke 20:18). When Saul of Tarsus spearheaded the persecution of Christians in the early Church, Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and made him realize that he (Saul) was on a futile endeavour. The Bible specifically described Saul as “…breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord…” (Acts 9:1).
Then, the Bible says, “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do…” (Acts 9:3-6). Hallelujah!
In Joshua 10:40, the Bible shows what happened to those who came against God’s people during the time of Joshua. It says, “So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.” Not one of them escaped; Joshua defeated them all!
The 42nd verse says, “And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time….” How? “…because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” Hallelujah! We’re on the winning side of prophecy. We win only, and always. So, have no fear; serve God joyfully.
CONFESSION
Dear Father, thank you for strengthening your Church and stirring up courage in your children to do your will and fulfill their call in the Gospel. The grace for salvation is at work even now, as your children hold forth the word of life, opening the eyes of those whom the god of this world has blinded their minds, and turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 2:14; Acts 4:29-31
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-year Bible Reading Plan
Revelation 12; Micah 6-72-year Bible Reading Plan
Acts 2:1-13; 2 Chronicles 34
