A. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. (Matthew 16:18)
Matthew 16:18 Is the first instance of the word church in the New Testament. The word church, as used by Jesus, is derived from the Greek ekklesia, which means the “called out” or “assembly.” In other words, the church that Jesus is referencing as His church is the assembly of people who have been called out of the world by the Gospel of Christ.
Jesus emphasizes the fact that the powers of death would not be able to contain Him. Not only would the church (body/people of Christ) be established in spite of the powers of Hades or hell, but the church would thrive in spite of these powers. The church will never fail, though generation after generation succumbs to the power of physical death, yet other generations will arise to perpetuate the church. And it will continue until it has fulfilled its mission on earth as Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).
This gives us confidence in our efforts in church planting! Even in the midst of intense spiritual warfare and difficulty, God’s purposes will ultimately prevail. We can be assured of His help as we follow His leading.
B. One of the greatest ways to measure the advance of the Gospel and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Current research shows that with the increasing global population, an estimated 5 million new churches are needed in the next 5-10 years just to keep pace. Present global population is approximately 7 billion people. By 2050, that number will likely increase to about 11 billion. As the number of people increase, so does the need for the number of churches to reach the lost.
C. A primary goal of the Great Commission should be a church for every people that becomes the base for getting the Gospel to every person. (Romans 15:9)
Romans 15:9 explains that our prerogative should be the establishing of churches among the Gentiles. The world Gentiles is derived from the Greek ethnos, which means every nation and people. Until every unreached group of people on the earth has heard the Gospel, our task is not complete. Prophecy indicates there will be believers from every people group gathered around the throne.
D. The church is a visible expression of what is to come- God’s Kingdom ruling over the earth. (Psalm 96:3)
The church is a visible representation of the rulership, authority, and kingdom of Christ in present-day operation. Despite the problems and dysfunction, the church is to be an expression of God’s purposes. For this purpose, God is jealous for His church, and as church planter,s we ought to remember that the church is the bride of Christ and must be treated accordingly.
E. The Church universal is made up of all redeemed people from every nation who claim Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Therefore, every people group on earth needs some form of church. (Romans 1:5)
The apostle Paul indicates in Romans 1:5 that we have received the grace, direction, and responsibility of leadership for the establishing of God’s kingdom within the nations of the earth.
F. The Church is the bride of Christ for whom Christ is returning. (Revelation 19:7-9, 2 Corinthians 11:2 )
Jesus is waiting for His bride to complete her purpose. He is looking for a pure, spotless bride who is made up of people from all nations. The language used in 2 Corinthians 11:2 indicates that He is eagerly seeking His bride. It is with great anticipation that He waits for the church to be ready!
However, Christ cannot return until the harvest is complete. Since no man knows the hour (Matthew 24:36), as the laborers of the harvest, we should continue working diligently until our Savior comes.