Introduction

Greetings, beloved family of God. It's such a joy to be gathered here today, united in faith, bound by love, and fortified by the eternal truth of God's Word. We are here, not by accident, but by divine appointment. Our gracious Father, in His infinite wisdom, has drawn us together to consider a truth so profound, it has the power to transform not only our lives but also the world around us.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the sixteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel, verse 18. Let's read it together: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."

This passage is a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring strength of the church, and a reminder of the incredible promise that our Lord has made to us. It speaks of a church that prevails, a church that holds the power of God, and a church that perseveres through the ages. It's a church that, despite the trials and tribulations of this world, stands firm on the Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we ponder on this powerful passage, let's remember the words of the great Dietrich Bonhoeffer who once said, "The Church is the Church only when it exists for others...not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.”

Imagine that! We are part of a divine institution, the body of Christ himself. We are not simply a gathering of individuals, but a unified body, built on the rock-solid foundation of Christ's love and sacrifice.

As we stand on this foundation, we are invincible. The gates of Hades will not overcome us. We will prevail. We hold power, not of ourselves, but the power granted to us by our Lord. And we will persevere. Despite the storms that may rage around us, we stand firm, anchored in the promise of our Lord.

Promises of the Prevailing Church

There is a promise that is as profound as it is powerful in this text. It's a promise that was made to Peter, but it extends to us all. It's a promise that has echoed through the ages, reverberating with the strength and assurance of our Lord. It's a promise that the church, built on the rock-solid foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, will prevail.

The promise of the prevailing church is not just about endurance, but about victory. It's not just about survival, but about triumph. When Jesus told Peter that the gates of Hades will not overcome the church, He was not merely saying that the church would withstand the onslaught of evil. He was saying that the church would conquer it. The church, in its divine power and authority, would stand victorious against the forces of darkness.

This promise is not about merely standing still and hoping for the best. It's about actively engaging! We engage in the spiritual battle, armed with the power of God, and emerging victorious. It's about standing firm in the face of trials, tribulations, and temptations, and not just surviving, but thriving.

The promise is also one of unity. When Jesus spoke to Peter, He was not just speaking to him as an individual, but as a representative of the church. The church is not a collection of individuals, but a unified body. It's a body that stands together, fights together, and prevails together. The promise of the prevailing church is a promise that we are stronger together, that we are united in Christ, and that nothing can stand against us.

This unity is also a unity of spirit. It's a unity that transcends differences, that bridges divides, and that binds us together in love. The promise of the prevailing church is a promise that we are one in Christ, and that this unity is our strength.

This also promises genuine growth. When Jesus told Peter that He would build His church, He was not just speaking about a static structure, but a dynamic organism. The church is not just a building, but a body. It's a body that grows, that expands, and that reaches out. The promise of the prevailing church is a promise that the church will grow, not just in numbers, but in influence, impact, and spiritual maturity.

This growth is not just quantitative, but qualitative. It's not just about adding numbers, but about deepening faith. It's about growing in the knowledge of God, in the likeness of Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The promise of the prevailing church is a promise that we will grow in every way into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Finally, the promise of the prevailing church is a promise of hope. When Jesus spoke to Peter, He was not just giving him a mission, but a message. A message of hope for a world in despair. The promise of the prevailing church is a promise that we are bearers of this hope, that we are ambassadors of this hope, and that we are heralds of this hope.

Power of the Prevailing Church

There is power in the fact that the church has prevailed since the time of Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO