DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: MAY 23 THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL (3) SCRIPTURE: MATT. 16: 13 – 16; 2 Thess. 1: 6; 2 Cor. 6: 16 – 18

Under this devotional, two series have been discussed. We had discussed the Rock and the Gates of hell in devotional form. Today’s devotional will look into the “church” Jesus Christ said He will build so that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. By explanations, the word “church” Jesus referred to is from the Greek word “Ecclesia” or “Ekklesia”. In Bible Studies and Bible Teaching, we are told that Ecclesia means assembling of people called out by God. This means it stands for the “called out ones.” This explains why we are told that Christians are not to do things that the world is doing. We are been called out of them and are supposed to live like saints (2 Cor. 6: 16 – 18). But something stands unique, why Jesus Christ said: “I will build my church…”

Originally, the Greek word “Ecclesia” was used for body of citizens gathered to discuss the affairs of the State. In the Greek Translation of the Old Testament, Ecclesia, was a word for the gathering of Israel, summoned for a definite purpose, or a gathering regarded as representatives of the whole nation. Jesus used the word “church” in the New Testament. He used the Greek word “Ecclesia” for church. But He said “My Church” making it different from the gathering of people. The Greeks and the Jews really made the gatherings of people, in the space of time to discussing the affairs of their people a political forum. They retagged it Assembly of Free Citizens. A gathering of judicial and legislative people, but the slaves and the aliens were not to attend the meeting. Jesus wants a platform, which people set aside as God’s families will meet together. Reason He said “my church.” We Christians belong to this church, reason our gatherings are referred to as assembly of the chosen people of God.

Jesus would not want His church be dominated by worldly governments, where the winners take it all. Jesus wants a church without stains of sins. Jesus wants a church that everybody sees one another as same family. Jesus wants a church that the people are members of community that helps each other and builds up each other. While being the kind of church He wants, He will now protect the church from being overtaken or completely destroyed by the collaboration of satanic and world powers. As Christian, you are a single church as individual and Jesus is there for you. He will not allow you to be completely over run by your enemies. We concluded yesterday by saying that, God sees it a righteous thing to afflict those who afflict you (2 Thess. 1: 6).

As long as we behave ourselves as true Church Jesus established on Himself (the Solid Rock), we will ever be defended by Jesus, God the Almighty and the Holy Spirit. As long as Christians worldwide live within the standard Jesus set out for His Church, He will never allow whatever government to topple Christianity. You are to expect a wonderful exposition on devotional tagged “The Church Jesus Built” coming very soon. Remain focused and fearless. God will surely disgrace the gang up of the enemies of the church of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

LORD JESUS, you have come to save me. You have established me as your Church in the world. Please LORD, I don’t want to behave differently from the nature of the church you established. Amen.

POSITIVE DECLARATION:

I belong to God’s own assembly, the spiritual holy family of God. I am blessed already. Hallelujah!!

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