In His teachings, Jesus made it clear that the Christian church is meant to stand against the devil’s influence, declaring that the gates of hell will not overcome it. This promise gives believers confidence that, no matter the what challenges we face, God’s power always prevails.
On this episode of Faith Boost, Pastor Andrew McLennan talks about Samson. Even though Samson made mistakes, Hebrews 11 remembers him as a hero. Some people focus only on his failures, but he is honoured alongside great figures like Samuel, David, and Abraham. God chose Samson to lead and judge Israel for 20 years, showing that he had an important role.
One memorable story about Samson is when he was in Philistine territory. He waited quietly until midnight, and then he got up to demonstrate God’s strength. Surrounded by the Philistines, he showed his power by ripping up the gates of the city. This action symbolised God’s victory over His enemies.
God’s Power Always Prevails
The gates were meant to protect the city, but by tearing them down, Samson challenged the enemy’s control. This story is similar to what the Christian church is called to do today. We are also meant to stand firm and boldly fight against evil. ‘This is a picture of the Christian church picking up the gates of hell and just throwing them down,’ says Andrew. ‘They were defying the authority of the devil.’
Jesus told His followers not to hide but to go out and share the Gospel. This is even more important now, as we see more ideas that oppose Christianity, especially in the West where humanism, atheism, and anti-God sentiments are growing. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. He gave the church the keys to heaven and the power to bind and loose.
‘We’re to go into all the world with love and compassion and the power of God in our hearts,’ says Andrew. ‘And we are to speak and declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the very gates of hell won’t stop us. Then we can see the Kingdom of God expand all across the earth.’
The World is a Harvest Field
‘Jesus doesn’t see the world as an enemy that we should run from and hide from. It’s an opportunity. It’s a harvest field that we are called to go into.’
Make sure you tune into Faith Boost and let your faith grow! It’s perfect for your busy schedule and available anytime on Vision’s website and app. Listen to Andrew’s full message below, and join us next time for another episode of Faith Boost!
