Great Church

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. Now if that is truly the case, why do we see so many churches in decline? Why does the mission of a local church rise and fall with the arrival and departure of each pastor? The answer is simple. And sad.