The gates of Hades will not prevail?

And I tell you, you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Matt 16:18

Wednesdays at Faithbridge we are studying a new book called Key Christian Beliefs. I borrow from that work in this reflection.

These days we find a deep tension among those who follow Jesus. Some want Jesus but reject the Church. Others want Church but reject Jesus. However, since the Church is the body of Jesus, we do not get to make these choices.

As we mature in discipleship and faith, we can grow to value the wonder that the church is. Despite internal turmoil and external persecution, the church continues. It is the intentional extension of Jesus ministry in the world today. The Church established hospitals as early as fourth century, then universities of the medieval period and universities in the modern period as well. It protests injustice and defends the causes of the poor and needy. And more.

What would our lives be like without the work and blessings provided by the Church? Many terrible things that have happened in the Church. But too often just like prayers, we fail to be grateful for those answered prayers or for the long list of good benefits the church brings to us all. Sure, we are indebted to many institutions: military, medical, business, industry and civic causes. But none can supply what Jesus calls the Church to provide.

The Church provides us with the unchanging truth about God and the good news of the gospel. One of the great blessings of the gospel is we are co missioned. Yes. We get to belong to a local church. We get to serve in its ministries. We get to sustain this institution called the Bride of Christ. Good news! We get to nourish and build up the Bride until the Groom returns in final victory! Best of all it was Jesus' idea. Matt 16:18

Pastor Ricky Huggins

Faithbridge GMC

Fall 2026