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Christ Embassy New Jersey, 2733 NOTTINGHAM Way. SUITE 11, Hamilton Township, NJ (2026)

06/18/2026

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD.

THURSDAY JUNE 18 2026

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT IS THE ANSWER
..Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

The solution to the challenges associated with the flesh, the world, and temptation is heeding the definitive instruction from the Word of God to walk in the Spirit. From some of our earlier studies, we observed that the flesh operates by desire, the world by influence, and temptation by internal inclination.

But there’s a higher life in Christ. When you walk in the Spirit, His life that’s inherent in your recreated human spirit is expressed effortlessly. That’s why He didn’t call us to fight the flesh, the world, or the devil but to simply live according to our nature. The flesh has been crucified (Galatians 5:24), you’ve overcome the world (1 John 5:4), and the devil is defeated (Hebrews 2:14).

Walking in the Spirit, therefore, is not a struggle; it’s the expression of your true nature. It’s walking in the Word, where the fruits of the spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance—flow naturally from within you. This is the life of the Christian. Christianity isn’t a religion, and it’s not a struggle with sin, the flesh, or the devil; it’s the transcendent life in Christ. It’s the unveiling and manifestation of the Christ-nature in you. Hallelujah!

You’re not called to battle the flesh, the world, or the devil. You’re called to live the life of the Spirit. As you give yourself to the Word and yield to the Holy Spirit, His life in you gains the ascendancy over the flesh. Therefore, walk in the Spirit, consciously and consistently, expressing your true nature in Christ; in doing so, you rise above all limitations and live triumphantly every day.

PRAYER / CONFESSION

I walk in the Spirit, conscious of my divine nature in Christ, and I manifest His glory and righteousness. I live by the power of the Spirit. The life of Christ is expressed in and through me, producing love, joy, peace and excellence. I walk in victory every day, fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. Hallelujah!

FURTHER STUDY

Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 8:13-14 NIV

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 7:54-60; Acts 8:1-8; 2 Chronicles 31-32

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Isaiah 4

06/17/2026

Rhapsody Of Realities

THE REAL SOURCE OF TEMPTATION

Wednesday, June 17th
Pastor Chris

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed (James 1:14)

The Word of God reveals something profound about temptation and how it comes. Temptation doesn’t begin outside; it begins from within. We just read it: “… every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust....” It didn’t say by someone else’s actions or external pressure; it says you’re tempted when you’re lured by your own lust.

That means the source is internal. Only what your heart already craves can tempt you. So, when people fall into temptation, it’s not the environment that caused it but the inclination of their heart. It’s not what they were exposed to but what they were already attracted to.

The Bible gives us the progression: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). First, there’s attraction, then contemplation, followed by conception, and finally, manifestation. It doesn’t start with the act; it begins with what was allowed from within.

That’s why the focus should always be on your heart. The Bible says to guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). It’s about what you permit to take root within you. Many try to avoid temptation by avoiding situations; while that may be helpful, the real issue is the condition of the heart.

A man is not tempted simply because something exists; he is tempted because something in him responds. This is why blaming others for your slips, errors, or temptations is disingenuous. The Scripture is clear: you’re tempted when you’re drawn away by what already has a hold on your heart.

That means the responsibility is personal. And this isn’t to bring condemnation but understanding, because once the source is understood, the solution becomes clear. You don’t deal with temptation through fear; you overcome it with the light of God’s Word and by walking in the Spirit. When you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that gives me understanding. I’m not led by wrong desires; I walk in the Spirit and manifest the nature of righteousness. I live above every influence of the flesh, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

James 1:13-15 NIV When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Galatians 5:16-21 NIV So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, or**es, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 7:1-53 & 2 Chronicles 29-30

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 & Isaiah 3

06/16/2026

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD.

TUESDAY JUNE 16 2026

SET YOUR AFFECTION ON HIM

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).

The Spirit, through the Apostle John, gives a clear and uncompromising instruction that must be understood in its full weight and implication: love not the world. This is a direct call to absolute separation in affection and alignment from the things of this world.

The world, in this context, isn’t the physical earth or the people in it but the godless system of the world that’s governed by the senses, driven by lust, sustained by pride, and opposed to God’s divine will and purpose.

It brings to mind the profound admonition of the Spirit in Colossians 3:1-2, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Your love should be on the Father; your affection should be set on heavenly realities and not on the things of this world.

Read again the latter part of our opening verse; it says, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” It shows that the issue isn’t merely the external association or relationship with the world but internal affection. This is why the example of Demas in 2 Timothy 4 is so instructive.

In Paul’s letter to Philemon, Demas was listed among Paul’s fellow labourers and companions in ministry, a witness of divine power. Yet, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul declares, “...Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world....” Demas’ detour from the work of the ministry was a result of his affection; he had loved this present world.

Worldliness, therefore, is not first a matter of conduct but of inclination. It draws, it appeals, and presents alternatives, and over time, it produces separation from one’s calling and divine purpose. But as a Christian, you’re crucified to the world, and the world is crucified to you: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

Therefore, don’t think like the world or live by its standards. Love the Lord wholly and truly, and live in the consciousness of your oneness with Him and separation unto Him. Let His Word guide your life. Let your love for Him compel and constrain you at all times (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

PRAYER / CONFESSION

Dear Father, thank you for the light of your Word that aligns my heart with your will. My affections are set on you, and I walk in the consciousness of my dominion over the systems of this world. I live unto you, to fulfil your call and destiny for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

James 4:4; Romans 8:5-9 NIV; Matthew 6:21; 1 John 2:15-17

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 6:1-15; 2 Chronicles 26-28

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Isaiah 2

06/15/2026

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

THE FLESH HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED

MONDAY, 15TH JUNE
Pastor Chris

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24).

There exists a common misconception among many that the flesh must continually be “crucified” or subdued through repeated struggle and effort. But the Scripture presents a different reality: the Christian has already crucified the flesh.

The Complete Jewish Bible renders our opening scripture beautifully; it says, “Moreover, those who belong to the Messiah Yeshua have put their old nature to death on the stake, along with its passions and desires.” This is not a process but an accomplished reality: your old nature is dead: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The reason many still struggle with the flesh is simple: they attempt to achieve what has already been accomplished, applying effort where understanding is required. The more they strive, the more they become subject to the very thing they’re trying to overcome. That’s not how it works. Live in the Word. Accept what the Word says about you.

Even the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21 are not attributed to demons but to the flesh itself, indicating that the issue is not external but internal. Understand that this doesn’t place the Christian in a position of disadvantage, because the solution is not found in suppression but in substitution: “...walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

The emphasis is not on eliminating the works of the
flesh but on living in the Spirit and by the Spirit, walking in the light and reality of God’s Word. As you walk in the Spirit, the life of the Spirit is manifested in you and through you, and the influence of the flesh is displaced. It helps
to understand why the Bible says “...Sin shall not have dominion over you...” (Romans 6:14).

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the substitutionary work of Christ that has translated me from death to life, sin to righteousness, and from darkness to light. I walk in the Spirit and live in the reality of my new nature, manifesting the life of righteousness and dominion, today and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Galatians 5:16, 24 NIV So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Romans 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 5:12-42 & 2 Chronicles 23-25

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 & Isaiah

06/14/2026

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

YOU'VE OVERCOME THE WORLD

Sunday, June 14th,
Pastor Chris

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).

Our opening scripture presents a truth that should fundamentally change your perspective concerning the world and its influences: you've overcome the world. This is not a promise but a declaration of present truth. You've overcome the world and its crippling and corrupting influences. You've overcome the world's system, its economy, economics, and politics.

This is why it's important as a Christian that you know who you are. Always be mindful of your identity; you're born of God; and for that reason, the Scripture says you've overcome the world! It doesn't say strive to overcome the world; neither does it suggest a progressive attainment of victory.

This has nothing to do with your effort but the result of what Christ has already done. He said in John 16:33, "...be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." He didn't do it for Himself; He did it for you. Your victory is a present reality rooted in your oneness and identity with Christ and your faith in His finished works.

The world operates through sensory perception and natural reasoning. But as Christians, we live by faith: "...as it is written, the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). The life in Christ is governed by faith. To walk by faith is to live above the world's system, to live in transcendence over it.

We're not called to fight the world, the flesh or the devil. We've overcome the world. We've crucified the flesh. We're superior to the devil. What we're called to do with the world is to tame it and not to love it: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world..."(1 John 2:15). The absence of affection neutralizes influence.

This was what Paul meant when he said by the Spirit in Galatians 6:14, "...the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." You're dead to the world. The systems of this world have no claim, no hold, and no defining power over your life because though you're in the world, you're not of this world (John 15:19). Blessed be God!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the victory I have in Christ. I walk by faith and not by sight, living above the systems and influences of this world. I'm not subject to the world; I've overcome it, and I live in that consciousness today, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

1 John 5:4-5 AMPC
"[4] For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. [5] Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?"

Galatians 6:14
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

1 John 2:15 NIV
"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 4:32- 5:1-11 &
2 Chronicles 20-22

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

2 Corinthians 3:11-18 &
Songs Of Solomon 7-8
‎.....................

06/13/2026

Rhapsody Of Realities

HE BROUGHT US OUT TO BRING US IN

Saturday, June 13th
Pastor Chris

And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers (Deuteronomy 6:23)

There’s always divine intentionality behind God’s actions. When He brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, it wasn’t to abandon them in the wilderness. The exodus or “coming out” of Egypt was never the end goal; it was the pathway to their inheritance. The “bringing in” was the ultimate purpose. His purpose for bringing them out was to take them in!

This foreshadows what God accomplished for you in Christ Jesus. Salvation is far more than deliverance from sin; it’s the entrance into righteousness. It’s induction into liberty and dominion. Colossians 1:12-13 says, “Giving thanks unto the Father…Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

Notice He didn’t bring you out of darkness and leave you at the mercy of Satan and the circumstances of life; rather, He brought you into His marvelous light, into a life of ever-increasing glory and unending victories. So, it’s not enough to celebrate that He brought you out of sin or out of darkness; the real deal is where He brought you into, where you are now.

He brought you out of pain, sickness, disease and infirmities that He might bring you into health. He brought you out of poverty that He might bring you into wealth. In Acts 26:17-18, we see this divine pattern again; it says, “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God….”

He emphasizes the transition into something higher, a divine relocation. He’s brought you into Himself; you’re in Him now. You live in the realm of divine authority, love, glory and power. Therefore, reign and rule in righteousness, dominating the forces of this world. Blessed be God!

CONFESSION

I live in righteousness, health, abundance, wisdom and dominion. I’m in Christ, and I’ve embraced my inheritance in Him. I reign in life, fully aware of my translation into the Kingdom of God’s Love-Son. Thank you heavenly Father, for the redemptive work of Christ and the glorious life it has ushered me into, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

‭‭Deuteronomy 6:23 AMPC And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in to give us the land which He swore to give our fathers.

‭‭1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

‭‭Colossians 1:12-13 NIV and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 3:1-10 & Songs Of Solomon 5-6

06/12/2026

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12TH 2026

DISCERN THE SOURCE

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan… (Matthew 16:23).

Not everything that sounds right is from God. Not every thought, idea, or opinion that comes nicely is inspired by the Spirit. You must learn to discern. In Matthew 16, for example, the Lord Jesus asked His disciples, “… whom say ye that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

Peter answered, “...Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Then the Lord said to Peter, “…Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).

But shortly afterwards, when the Lord Jesus began to speak about His death, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “...Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee" (Matthew 16:22). Notice what happens next: immediately, the Lord “…turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23).

This was the same Peter: one moment, he was speaking by revelation from God, the next moment, Satan is speaking through him. But the Lord Jesus discerned the source of the words Peter spoke. He didn’t address Peter as a person; He addressed the source and said, “Get thee behind me, Satan.”

That means you must discern the source of every word, inspiration and action. When you speak, it should always be from God. Your thoughts should always be inspired by the Holy Spirit so that your words will synchronize with God’s perfect will.

Peter spoke from personal desire. He wanted an earthly kingdom. He wanted a position. He wanted a system that favoured him. What sounded like concern was actually self-interest. So, don’t judge things by how they sound; you’re to discern them by the Spirit.

Not every good-sounding word or emotional reaction is spiritual. That’s why you must stay filled with the Spirit and let the Word of God dwell in you richly. 1 John 4:1 declares, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God….” 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us not to despise the Word (prophecies) but to test everything and hold fast to that which is good and edifies. In other words, discern the source.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for granting me spiritual discernment. I’m not led by appearances or emotions; I’m led by your Spirit. I recognize the source of thoughts and words, and I walk in alignment with your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 16:16-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 3:1-26; 2 Chronicles 12-15

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

2 Corinthians 2:8-17; Song of Solomon 3-4

06/11/2026

Rhapsody Of Realities

DON’T DELAY TO APPLY GOD’S WORD

Thursday, June 11th
Pastor Chris

…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7)

It’s unfortunate that, out of indifference or lack of spiritual discipline, some Christians neglect to confess God’s Word concerning their lives, assuming they can always do so later. But spiritual things don’t work that way.

When you delay to apply God’s Word against the adversary, you create room for his operations to persist. Don’t allow it. Deal with him promptly and decisively, giving him no place. The Scripture is clear: “Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27).

The instruction in our opening verse is equally clear: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” That resistance is not for a later time; it is for the very moment he attempts to afflict your body or interfere with your circumstances. You don’t postpone it; you confront it immediately with the Word. To delay is to yield ground, but to act on the Word is to enforce your dominion.

Speak the Word and exercise your faith as the Scripture instructs: “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Refuse to accommodate anything contrary to what God has said about you. This is the life of faith. You respond with the Word at once and align your actions with the truth you have received.

Always remember that Satan is a defeated foe; you’re superior to him. You’ve already overcome him and all his demons. Keep them where they belong—under your feet. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the power of your Word in my life. I respond immediately to every situation with your Word, enforcing my dominion and walking in the reality of all that you’ve made available to me in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 2:22-47 & 2 Chronicles 8-11

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 2:1-7 & Songs Of Solomon 1-2

06/10/2026

Rhapsody Of Realities

Wednesday, June 10th
Pastor Chris

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1)

Our opening scripture says, “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” That means take advantage of His grace, understand what that grace has brought to you and accomplished for you, and appropriate it. For example, God says He’s given you divine health in the Gospel (3 John 1:2); don’t try to get it, choose to walk in divine health. Make up your mind about it and refuse to allow anything to cause you to compromise.

The Word also says He’s brought you into a large place, a wealthy place (Psalm 18:19). Then in 2 Corinthians 8:9, it says, “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ already at work for your prosperity.

Therefore, stop hoping or praying to prosper; live in prosperity. Enjoy your prosperous life in Him. That’s how to be strong in His grace: knowing what the Word says and living accordingly. It’s not enough to say, “I believe I’m healed” and remain on the bed; act on the Word. It makes no difference what symptoms you may feel; declare, “I have the life of God in me. I walk in divine health.”

When you speak like that, you’re not trying to convince God; you’re acknowledging what He’s already done. It brings to mind the testimony of a man who had been on crutches for a long time. He always spoke about what the devil had done to him. But one day, his pastor corrected him: “Don’t tell us what the devil has done; tell us what the Lord has done.”

He was then shown the Scriptures, “…by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). The moment he saw it, he declared, “I’m healed! If God said He’s done it, then I’m healed.” On his way home, still using his crutches, he kept testifying. But as he stepped off a bus, he stumbled and fell, and his crutches went in the opposite direction.

As he tried to get up, he realized he could stand and walk without them. The Word had become real to him. He acted on it, and it produced results. That’s g TV advantage of God’s grace. You’re not waiting for God to act. Rather, you’re living in the consciousness and manifestation of what He’s already done, walking in the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel. Hallelujah!

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the grace that is in Christ Jesus. I take advantage of that grace and walk in the reality of all that you’ve made available to me. I live in your Word and manifest its truth in my life today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1 Year Bible Reading Plan : Acts 2:1-21 & 2 Chronicles 5-7

2 Year Bible Reading Plan : 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 & Ecclesiastes 11-12

06/09/2026

Rhapsody of Realities

THE CHURCH IS THE ADVANCING FORCE

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
Pastor Chris

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

Many people interpret the Lord Jesus’ statement about the gates of hell as though the Church were under constant attack from the powers of darkness. But that’s not the picture the Lord gave. Gates represent authority and control. In ancient times, the gate of a city was the place where decisions were made and authority was exercised.

So, the “gates of hell” refers to the authority of the kingdom of darkness. When the Master said: “...I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” He wasn’t portraying the Church as a victim
trying to survive the attacks or onslaughts of darkness. Rather, it reveals the Church as an advancing force.

The kingdom of darkness already existed when Jesus spoke those words. The Church was the new entity being introduced into the earth. Therefore, the picture is not of hell attacking the Church; rather, it’s the Church advancing against the authority of darkness. They can’t withstand the
Church or hold out against our advancement.

We’re advancing with the authority of Christ, bringing light where there’s darkness and establishing God’s will on the earth. Through the Gospel, the influence of the Kingdom of God expands, pushing back the authority of darkness.

Every time the Word is preached, lives are transformed, the power of God is manifested, and the Lord adds to the Church such as should be saved. Hallelujah! Rejoice that you’re a part of the triumphant and advancing Church of Jesus Christ, the restraining force against evil in our day.

PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for making me a part of your victorious Church. I walk in the authority of Christ and advance the influence of your Kingdom everywhere. The powers of darkness cannot withstand the light of the Gospel working through me, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 16:18 [TLB] You are Peter, a stone; and upon this rock I will build my church; and all the powers of hell shall not prevail against it.

Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Luke 10:18-19 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4 2

2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Corinthians 1:1-11 & Ecclesiastes 9-10

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