Scripture

“Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

Observation

Jesus and his disciples come to the region of Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus asks them, “Who do people say I am?” They reply that some say John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the other prophets.

Then Jesus asks them, “Who do you say I am?” Simon answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus goes on to say that on the rock of this confession, He will build His church, and the powers of hell will never overcome it.

Application

Ever since Jesus was born, satan has been trying to destroy the church. He tried to kill Jesus as a baby, then at the cross. He tried to kill the disciples. All through the centuries, and all around the world, the church is under constant attack.

Yet all of the power of evil cannot overcome it.

Although the church is struggling in the West, miracles are happening all around the world. Much of sub-Saharan Africa is now dominated by Christianity. the Islamic Republic of Iran is experiencing mass salvations. In China, where persecution has been happening since 1947, it is estimated that 30% of the population is christian.

Although the New Living Translation has it that that hell will not conquer the church, the original wording is that the gates of hell cannot overcome the church. In other words, hell is on the defensive and cannot withstand the power of the gospel.

Many people despise the church and sneer at the gospel. But many, many more people are being saved everyday.

We need to pray daily for our neighbours, friends, and family members to be saved.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that victory is yours. The gates of hell will never withstand the power of your people under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Amen