The Church: storming the walls

chapter 1

Here's a verse for meditation:

"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." (Matthew 6:18)

Let me add a disclaimer that this is how Phil Skei broke it down. I can take no credit for most of the ideas presented here, only the interpretation and style of presentation.

First item of business: "it." May be referring to "this rock," but more likely is referring to the antecedent "my church." The gates of Hades will not overcome Christ's church.

Next, what are gates? Gates are part of a wall. Back when the bible was written, walls surrounded cities for protection.

Now what does overcome mean? One meaning is defeat. The protective gates of Hades will not defeat Christ's church.

(This next part is my own commentary.) Yes, Christians know that hell is not going to defeat the Church. We know that victory belongs to Christ. We're on the winning team. But how come some of us act like we are the ones who need protecting walls?

Let's back up (this is Phil's brain at work again here). Imagine Hades is a city surrounded by a large wall with imposing gates. Is it on the offensive? Or would that image suggest that we are storming the gates?

Some Christians think or act as though we need to protect the Church. But maybe the Church needs to do some plundering.

Let me do the teacher thing and ask, what are some of the ways that you have seen the Church on defense? Where should it be more on offense?