And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. NKJV Matt 16:18

This is one of the most famous verses for the church in the bible and yet we often miss its meaning.
The first observation is that Jesus is not saying that Peter himself is the Rock on which he is building his church to elevate Peter, but to simply say that Peter has been proved to be right and trustworthy for the task. The Roman Catholic church have used this verse to elevate Peter above all the apostles and build a doctrine on it, this was never Christ’s intention or thinking.
The next part of the verse gives the reason why, it is Christ himself who will build his church, not Peter, Paul or anyone else.
Peter was certainly the one to be used to lay the first foundation as he preached faithfully in Jerusalem, but everything about the church was from God. Jesus himself, the Holy Spirit, the doctrine and teaching and last but not least salvation can only come through these gifts from heaven.
This leads to the second observation, it is Christ who builds his church and not us. As much as we plan programs, events and services, we have to remember that without prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, true growth will never occur. As we prepare for a season of evangelism, whether is be Crestwood or the work on Lakeside, let us remember what our role is. Ours is to be the workforce, the Lord is the one to make it happen and ultimately to receive the glory. Remember because it is his Church, he loves her with everything he has, and has no intention of damaging or destroying that which he has built.
The last observation is simply to look at the action of the church, here the church is seen not in a defensive mode as often portrayed but in an offensive, attacking formation. The gates of hell will not prevail. In other words, the power of the church will be stronger than the power of hell. The gates are its defence and the church that is built by Christ has the authority and power to break down the gates of hell and rescue those that are been drawn towards it. This is a fresh way of thinking, but it is a biblical way, the church instead of loosing lives to Satan, is storming the gates of hell and dragging people away from the pit of hell. No wonder Paul goes on to say that we are in a spiritual battle. How often are we storming hell, or are we just defending our castle.

Labels: Battle, Build, Church, Hell

I was looking at a video for the film “Rat Race” yesterday and the review on the box cover says about the film

“Frantic, Furious and FUNNY AS HELL”

As funny as this 12 rating film is, I ask the question what is funny about hell?

The bible says this about Hell

“And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It’s better to enter the
Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’ Mark 9 47-48

Those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 8:12

Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10-15

Hell is never a thing to joke about. It is as real as heaven. Hell is darkness weeping and gnashing of teeth (Separation and loneliness). Hell is Hell there is no better word to use.
We must appreciate something of the horror of Hell if we are ever going to make witnesses for the Lord Jesus.
Don’t let this world drag you down into believing that every little thing will eventually be alright– because unless you are saved by the grace of God and have your sins forgiven, judgment awaits you.

But for those who are in Christ

“Nothing can ever separate you from the love of God"

… nothing, zilch, nil, naught, none.

Please don’t joke about Hell.

Labels: Deceive, Hell, Joke, Reality