In Matthew chapter sixteen, Jesus establishes his church the same way his Father established the universe: he spoke. And in creating his church he gives us a promise concerning it: the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18 ESV). Jesus is telling us that his church-the same church you and I are part of, along with everyone who has ever placed their faith in Jesus-is so great that hell itself will not be able to reckon with its power and progress.
