Sermon # 2 - Stand On God's Promises And His Faithfulness Series

Today, the seventh Sunday after Easter is observed by many all over the world as Pentecost Sunday to commemorate the day when the Holy Spirit of God was made manifest to the disciples and believers in the early church. In order for this to happen we read in Acts 2:1, “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” (ESV)

This oneness of heart and mind was the most important aspect that was needed for the powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Up until this time there were differences even among the disciples, they competed with each other, and were envious of one another. However, before Jesus ascended up into heaven, He commanded them to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and they did so with one accord in one place.

Sadly, this oneness is missing in many families, in society, in the church and even among leaders who are serving the Lord. Divisions never come from the Lord, but originates from Satan and people. This is a prayer we need to pray that God will being this unity in our families, in our churches, in society, in the world, and among those who minister in the name of the Lord. If we harbor bitterness towards each other, and are separated from each other, how can we enter into the kingdom of heaven?

The Lord taught us that when we come to pray, and before we lay our gift at the altar, we should make sure that we should settle any issues, bitterness or disagreements that we have with others. Where there is no unity, even our offerings are not acceptable to God. Let us therefore settle any differences, quarrels, misunderstandings, heartaches that we have with others realizing that we are all headed towards the same eternal kingdom. Let us be humble, and willing to settle all the disputes and differences, so we can be ready and prepared to enter into God’s kingdom.

The church belongs to Jesus

We read in Matthew 16:18, “And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” (MSG)

This implies that the church does not belong to any man, but belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Lord says, ‘I will build my church’ it does not imply that He is raising a building, but bringing together those who believe, from various backgrounds to be part of His body, the church. Every one of us who has been washed with the blood of Jesus, and have become part of the church, who have the standing as children of God are members of this great body of Christ, irrespective of our location or the name of our church. Only the Lord builds the church, and He is the owner of the church, and each one of us are members of the church.

As the church grows, the gates of hell are at war with the church hoping to scatter the ones whom God has brought together. We are assured that the gates of hell can never prevail against the church, because it is the Lord who builds the church. Many mighty kings, empires and kingdoms have tried to destroy the church, but nothing could or can stop the growth of the church. Even in countries which are totally against Christianity, there is still a remnant of people who sincerely follow the Lord Jesus. The gates of hell are at war against the church because Satan’s intent is to take the multitudes to hell, but the Lord Jesus is turning the hearts of people to Himself, so that their feet which are treading the path of destruction, are turned back to walk in the way of eternal life. As more and more people are saved, and enter the kingdom of God, the gates of hell is fearful and tries hard to stop this growth.

As we compare the people of Israel to the church we will learn some important lessons.

The enemy is fearful of the growth of the church

We read in Numbers 22:3, “The Moabites were very afraid because there were so many Israelites. Besides, the Moabites couldn't stand these people.” (GW)

The Israelites were so numerous that the Moabites were afraid of them. This is a strange thing because Moab was a well-established kingdom with a king, whereas the Israelites were like nomads who were travelling around in tents.

This is a fact even today that as the number of believers is growing, the enemy is filled with panic that this growth will become innumerable, and that they will come to power. Remember that there are thousands of people who believe in the Lord Jesus who may not openly profess the same. In some places they claim that there are no churches officially, but it is a fact that even in such places there are large groups of people who believe and follow after Jesus.