This post is a part of the Five Minute Friday link up. I write for 5 minutes with no heavy editing and see what happens. To read all the posts for this week, click here.
In Matthew chapter 16 we are shown a dialog between Jesus and His disciples in which Jesus asks them who people are saying that He is. Some say He is Elijah, some say He is John the Baptist come back from the dead. That one never made sense to me since Jesus and John were alive at the same time, but I digress.
Jesus then asks them, “Who do you say that I am?” And Peter speaks up, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus applauds this statement, telling Peter that it’s not something he came up with on his own, but that was revealed to him by the Father. And then He says this, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
Note that: I will build My church. It’s not our job.
I didn’t think a lot about that statement until fairly recently when my pastor and I were talking about the religious climate in America. He reminded me that the church is safe. It may have to go underground, but the gates of hell will not prevail against it. He is doing the building. Not us. Not our great programs and beautiful buildings and charismatic preachers.
No matter what, we don’t have to worry about the church, we don’t have to worry about Jesus, we don’t have to worry about the Scriptures. God can do that plenty fine by Himself, and you know what?
We know who wins in the end.
Compelled 
Gates are a defensive weapon. So I think Jesus was telling Peter that the Church He would build would become an offensive weapon, against which the gates of hell must give way. Provided we prayerfully prepare, and go in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can advance and take enemy territory. God proved at Jericho He can tear down walls—gates are no different!
good point, so rather than tearing down, they must give way if they’re not prevailing. Thanks for pointing that out.
It is encouraging to know that God is building his church and it will prevail- that while we have a part to play, it doesn’t all depend on us!
I know, right? That’s way too much pressure!
Positive words are grace. Visiting you #33 at FMF.
Thanks, Diane. They certainly are.
His church. I like that.
Fancy a sonnet, inspired by your post?
Man’s church has gotten strange indeed,
sometimes it’s downright weird.
Some places say it’s a sin to speed,
and though shalt not wear a beard.
A lot of preachers like debate
on subjects…oh, where to begin?
of the pre- and post-trib fate,
and angels dancing on a pin.
I think maybe the Big J’s laughing
watching the madding theology
and the battles of church staffing…
and He taught beneath a tree!
I think that when in His Presence we walk,
He’ll be giggling way too hard to talk.
#2 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-dying-spouse-578-die-like-you-are.html
Nice, Andrew! But He just might be weeping at the mess we’ve made of things! Good thing He loves us so much.
Isn’t it wonderful to know who wins in the end!!? And to be on the winning side:)
Absolutely! Gives us hope to keep carrying on. Thanks, Jennifer!