Not Even the Gates of Hell

Psalms 74:4, 7-8 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; they set up their banners for signs. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; they have defiled the dwelling place of Your Name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land.

Matthew Henry wrote, "This psalm appears to describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans." As we have the opportunity to read the entire psalm, we must face the fact that the world is not friendly toward God, the things of God, or God's people. Today, many will talk about God, and even say, "God bless you." However, the line is drawn when we proclaim the Name of Jesus. We are instantly labeled as fanatics, called narrow-minded, and even accused of using hate speech. They vandalize our church buildings, burn them, and desire nothing more than to eliminate us. These days they are trying to simply frighten us into staying out of our places of worship, and convincing us that it is too dangerous to gather together. The war against Christianity is not a new one. From the moment it was established, Satan and his demons have sought to destroy it. He has tried every trick in the book. He has tried to destroy it from the outside, with little success. On the contrary, it seems like when the attacks come from without, it only strengthens the resolve of God's people. However, he has also used a method that has brought greater success. That method is internal, an attack from within. He uses those whom we gather with to worship corporately. He instigates useless arguments, and uses our own pride and fleshly desires to destroy and divide us from within. We must not allow ourselves to be discouraged or silenced. If they burn our buildings, or shut them down, what does it matter? We, who are born again believers, ARE the church! Those buildings are only meeting places. If the attacks come from within, we must then put away foolish arguments, humble ourselves before the Lord, love one another, forgiving each other, as God forgave us for Christ's sake. The bottom line is, that if we are not careful, the devils and the world will succeed in silencing our voices. That cannot happen! Jesus said that not even the gates of hell shall prevail against the church. Let us not fall victim to the devils' trickery or the fear of men. Instead, let us stand together and proclaim Jesus and the Gospel message. As for fearing men, I will simply leave you with Jesus' own words from Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).