There is an interesting verse in Matthew 16:18, "The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it". Christians look at this promise that Satan and this world will not prevail over the Church, as meaning the Church would always exist, no matter what Satan throws at it. That's true. If we are not careful, however, we can see this verse as an excuse for hunkering down, bunkering down, riding out the inevitable storm to survive the onslaught from Satan and his world. But is that all Jesus was saying?

Dan Taylor

Pastor, United Church of God

Dan Taylor serves as the pastor of the Lubbock, Texas  United Church of God congregation. He is married and he and his wife Corinne have of two children. He formerly served as a writer and head of the research department for the Plain Truth and other other Church publications for 13 years. Prior to serving as pastor he worked in the high tech field for 22 years.