Matthew 16:18 says, “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.”

 

Simon Peter had the greatest revelation that any individual could have:  Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God! He was more than a good man with morals, a great teacher or an accurate prophet, but He was the only begotten Son of God who had all authority from heaven and a personal relationship with God the Father! This revelation was how the church would be built and established! 

 

The church is far beyond a 501(c)3 organization! It was never designed to be a “religious system”. The Greek word for “church” in this passage of scripture is “ecclesia”, which in the Greek culture was similar to that of a city council. They established the culture for a city, being representatives of what residents longed to accomplish in that particular region. They were separated from everyone else, but they would listen to their passions, desires and needs. Therefore, the church must receive the revelation they are more than a denomination or a specific people group on Sunday mornings. They are the ecclesia of the kingdom of heaven. They are to act as ambassadors representing another world, people who and listen to God’s voice and what He longs to accomplish for this generation. The foundation of the ecclesia is the revelation of who Jesus Christ is! 

 

Since this was the revelation upon which the church was built, even the gates of hell will not prevail (overpower) against it! Therefore, if it seems like hell is prevailing, then you have to ask yourself, “What church am I a part of?” Because if the church you are a part of is one that is being overpowered by sin, works of darkness and the culture of this world, then it may not be the “ecclesia” that was birthed on the Day of Pentecost! 

 

Notice something. The gates of hell would not prevail against the church. Apostle Gary Miracle once asked, “Have you ever seen gates start a fight or beat anyone up?” Absolutely not! The reason is because the church is not to always be on the defensive, but the offensive. You cannot expand the kingdom of God if your entire focus is within and defending what you have versus advancing the cause of Christ. We do not wait for hell to invade the territory of God’s people, but we are called to storm hell’s gates! A victorious, overcoming church invades enemy-held territory and prepares knowing that God is on their side! So, be encouraged today! Stand your ground and see the salvation of the LORD!