“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 16:18
Shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the famous Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour, he abused and ridiculed Christians and their faith.
By the end of his speech, it seemed Bukharin had dismantled the whole Christian belief system. Soon after, spectators were invited to bring forth their questions.
An Orthodox priest stood up and asked to speak. The request was granted, and he turned, faced the crowd, and gave the traditional Easter greeting, “He is risen!” The crowd instantly rose to its feet and replied resolutely, “He is risen indeed!”
There’s no shortage today of voices proclaiming the message of the cross is foolishness. And it can often seem as if belief in Christ is on its way out. But don’t be disheartened! Hundreds of millions around the world believe just like you – that Jesus died and rose again!
Yes, secularism is growing. But be encouraged that the gates of hell will never prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ!
Prayer Challenge
Pray that God would reveal Himself to those who’ve bought into a secular mindset – and that they’d come to believe Jesus is truly risen!
Questions for thought
Do you ever feel discouraged by the increasing secularism of the world?
How does Jesus’ promise that His Church will never be overcome bring you comfort?