The Church Militant: Not a Fragile Bride, But a Victorious Force

Introduction:

The Bible paints a powerful image of the Church – not a passive entity waiting for rapture, but an active force for good. Drawing inspiration from Abraham’s promise and Jesus’ own words, this message explores the concept of the “Church Militant.” We’ll see how the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to engage in spiritual warfare, bringing freedom, healing, and light to the world (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

After Abraham obeyed God’s command to offer Isaac as a sacrifice upon the altar; God gave him a promise; In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying, I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand on the sea shore, your descendants shall possess the gates of their enemies. (Gen. 22: 17)

The New Testament teaches that “only those” who are of faith (through Jesus Christ) are sons of Abraham, thus the blessing bestowed upon Abraham is theirs. (Gal. 3:7,14)

The sons of Abraham were not supposed to turn their backs to their enemies in battle, the enemy was expected to turn and run, because God Almighty was in their midst. When the Lord Jesus promised to build “His Church”, it was founded upon the same foundation; the gates of hell, “shall not” prevail upon it. (Matt. 16:18) And they preached everywhere, the Lord confirming the Word with signs following. (Mark 16:20). Just like Himself overcame in every battle, His Church too must do the same.

Oftentimes, the Church of Christ is depicted as a docile bride, fragile and helpless only awaiting Christ’s return, so she can go home to be with Him, forever, but this picture is wrong, while the Church is here, it is expected to do what the Lord commanded; setting captives free, healing the sick, demolishing strongholds, casting down imaginations and bringing into captivity everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. (2Cor. 10:45).

Now we know that the Church of Christ is in actual battle, although not against mere men of flesh, but against satanic influence upon lives, against demonic oppression, the Apostle Paul calls this enemy principalities and powers, spirits of wickedness operating in the heavenlies. (Eph. 6:12). There are no areas in which Christ’s Church is expected to fail because Jesus dwells in the Church by the Holy Spirit. He who defeated death and sin indwells His Church, He gave this promise, “Lo, I am with you always”. (Matt. 28:20). But this is misunderstood to mean great men of faith, evangelists, etc. The Church is composed of every child of God who is blood-washed, spirit-filled, and walking in God’s presence continually.

Look at Joshua in the Old Testament; God told him; No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will not leave nor forsake you. (Jos. 1:5) And we know from the record in the Bible, that Joshua subdued every enemy, conquered territories for God’s people, and caused victories in many battles, all because he believed God’s promise. The Church which Joshua typifies, although as we’ve seen that the enemy now is even more subtle, yet God’s promise has not been withdrawn, His Word will never by any means pass away. It was the Lord Jesus Himself who gave these promises; I give you power, over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19). When He said “nothing” shall hurt the Church, He meant it.

What do I see? “The Church Militant”, changing situations by proclaiming the gospel truth, changing lives from darkness to light, from the power of darkness) to God, making the heathen obedient through God’s power, the world must be brought to its senses and exclaim; Those who have turned the world upside down have come here too! The Bible records that “no one dared to join them”, but all men highly esteemed them. (Acts 5:13) It is time the true Church be consulted to pray for secular matters that affect the nations, not the other way around. We however must understand this one truth; That Christ’s Church is not the religious organizations as we know them. Every time the daily newspapers quote the Church, it is usually what the heads of denominations say, that is not what God calls His Church. It is where “two or three” are gathered in His name.

Sometime in 1998, the Holy Spirit taught me from the gospel of Luke Eleven, He said; Just as the man in the parable went for bread at the “midnight hour”, so shall I send people to you in their “midnight hour of need”, while to others I will send you at their “midnight hour of need”, They all need the “Bread of life”, keep the Bread warm and always available.

Knowing that the Bread of life is God’s Word, for man shall not live by bread alone. I sought to know how to do this.

But I discovered that it was not my effort God was asking for, it was my obedience He demanded. I want to take this opportunity to challenge you, dear child of God, no matter where you are, whatever your position in society, whatever your environment right now, there is only one position God expects you to be in; Victory. Join that old gallant soldier the Apostle Paul in a shout of triumph; In all these things, we are more than conquerors, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Conclusion:

The Church Militant transcends religious organizations. It’s the collective of believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, who actively spread God’s word and fight spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:12). This message serves as a call to action, urging every child of God to embrace their position of victory in Christ (Philippians 4:13). By offering the “Bread of Life” – God’s word – the Church Militant can transform lives and bring hope to a world in need.