DCLM Daily Manna Saturday 11 May 2024 

TOPIC:  Nothing Can Conquer Us

TEXT:  Matthew 16:13-19 (KJV) 
¹³ When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

¹⁴ And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

¹⁵ He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

¹⁸ And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

¹⁹ And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

KEY VERSE
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18

DCLM Daily Manna 11 May 2024 MESSAGE

The Church of Christ has continuously fulfilled the Lord’s prophecy that it would experience a victorious march through history despite the antics of Satan and his agents. More than 2,000 years after our Lord projected this triumph for His kingdom, the body of Christ has recorded success after success. The Church has overcome world powers and empires, which worked to destroy the faith. She has survived the cruel machinations of pompous royalty that felt challenged by the more potent majesty of Jesus. She has defeated the combined forces of doctrinal dissent, false philosophy and hurtful ecumenical pursuits; all orchestrated by the devil throughout the centuries.

Our Lord was aware that fierce spiritual and physical battles lay ahead of those called out of the world to form His Church. So, He prophetically planted in us the unfailing power to march on in victory. The “gates of hell” would surface to attempt to destroy the brethren, He warned, but they shall not prevail against the Church.

READ DCLM Daily Manna Friday 10 May 2024 – Beyond Comprehension

The Early Church also benefited from the prophecy. Waves of persecution and martyrdom did not stop her growth. From a small beginning of hundreds of believers in Christ, some 3,000 were added by the Lord. Then 5000 came along. Next, it was uncountable multitudes all in the face of “the gates of hell”.

Christ’s Church is made up of true believers in Him. We carry with us His invincible and triumphant Spirit. As He can never be defeated, so are we unstoppable in the work of winning the world for Him. When we consecrate our lives in purity and obedience to serve Him, we are guaranteed the supernatural power and backing to move on to final victory.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: They labour in vain that seek to conquer the Church of Christ.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Samuel 30-31