The church is under attack like never before. It is under attack around the world. And it is under attack in our own nation. Our culture summarily mocks, marginalizes, and dismisses Christians as lunatics.
Overseas, communists and Islamic terrorists are murdering our brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s enough to cause a Christian to become downright discouraged.
But I have good news for you today: We may lose a battle here or there, but we’re going to win the war. Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against the church (see Matthew 16:18).
In ancient times, armies used the military tactic of breaking down the gates of an enemy’s fortress and hitting them with a battering ram. Once inside, they would destroy the opposing army.
In the same way, Jesus is saying that Satan and his forces are unable to withstand or prevent the onward march of the Christian faith.
Don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about a militant Christianity where we force conversion. Rather, I’m talking about loving followers of Christ seeking to persuade people to turn from their sins, believe, and be forgiven.
After the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto reportedly said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”
I feel, in some ways, that the church today is a sleeping giant. The Devil has declared war on our country. He has declared war on our culture. He has declared war on the church. And he has declared war on our young people. Meanwhile, it seems as though the church is collectively taking a nice, long nap.
It’s time for us to put on the full armor of God. It’s time for us to fight back with the spiritual weapons God has given us.
