Build Your Church

“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” (Matthew 16:18 NLT)

The church is more than a physical structure. Many limit their understanding of “church” to a building, but Scripture teaches that the building is not the church the people are.

The Greek word for church, Ekklesia, means “the called-out ones.” We are those who have been redeemed by the Lord, called out of darkness and into His marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9). Believers collectively form the church, which is the body of Christ on earth.

Sadly, different doctrines and denominational interests have divided Christians. Instead of standing united as believers, many defend their denomination at the expense of the cause of Christ. Prayer is needed if Christians must return to unity. The Lord desires one church, one body, and one purpose.

We are God’s foot soldiers on the earth, and strategic prayer is necessary if God is to carry out His plan of building His church. Whatever God desires to do in the earthly realm must be prayed for. Prayer gives Him the legal right to intervene, because He has ordained that He works on earth in response to the petitions of His people.

When Christians are united, the kingdom of darkness loses its grip, and national transformation follows. Our schools, politics, healthcare, military, business, media, and families experience God’s influence through a united church.

Two Expressions of the Church

1. The Universal Church

This refers to all believers across every nation, tribe, and tongue who call upon the name of the Lord.

2. The Local Church

The local church is a community of believers within a geographical location who gather to worship, pray, fellowship, and learn God’s Word.

Biblical Descriptions of the Church

The Household of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:6–9; 21:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2)
The Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22–23)
The Temple of God (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19–22)

The Responsibilities of the Church

The church’s mandate goes far beyond attending services. We are called to influence and transform our world through the power of the gospel.

1. Worship

“Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”
— Ephesians 5:19

Worship is our first responsibility it aligns our hearts to God and ushers His presence into our midst.

2. Influence

We don’t influence by force but by example.

“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
“You are the light of the world… let your good deeds shine out for all to see.”
— Matthew 5:14–16

The world should be able to look at the church and see Christ.

3. Transforming Lives

The church is God’s instrument to move people from darkness into light through the gospel.

“It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”
— Romans 1:16

The gospel still heals, restores, delivers, and changes destinies.

4. Destroying the Works of the devil

We are called to bind, loose, and destroy the works of the enemy. Many in society suffer silently because they lack the spiritual authority to resist satanic operations.

“The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.”
— 1 John 3:8

The church continues this mission.

5. Intercession

Leaders, rulers, and those in authority are the enemy’s prime targets. Wrong laws can cripple a nation spiritually. Our prayers shield them and empower God’s will to be done.

“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority…”
— 1 Timothy 2:1–4

Intercession is a spiritual covering for nations.

6. Walking in Love

The world is starving for love. We carry the love of God, and every act of genuine love reveals Christ.

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
— Ephesians 5:2

Love is the church’s most powerful witness.

7. Exercising Authority

The church is God’s legislative body on earth. We enforce the victory of Christ and expand the kingdom of God.

“Behold, I give you authority…”
— Luke 10:19

Authority is not for boasting it is for building God's kingdom.

A Call to Rise

As believers, we must rise to the responsibility of praying for our nation. When our land experiences peace and spiritual progress, we too enjoy peace and progress.

The gates of hell are aggressively resisting the church, but Jesus has guaranteed our victory. We must be strong in the Lord, stand firm in faith, and continue the mission He entrusted to us.

The church is God’s chosen instrument.
The church is undefeatable.
And the church will prevail.

Further Study: Ephesians 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Bible Reading Plan: Luke 20- 24

Pray each prayer missile for at least 2 minutes or until you sense a release in your spirit.

1. Father, build your church in India in Jesus' name. (Matthew 16:18)

2. Father, give me the prayer burden to pray for this nation in Jesus' name. (Ezekiel 22:30)

3. I join my faith with other Christians, and we weaken the strongholds of darkness over this city and nation in Jesus' name. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

4. Oh Lord, pour out your love on the churches in India, that we may be united and work together for the advancement of your kingdom on earth in Jesus' name. (John 17:21)

5. Over this city and nation, we claim new territories for Christ in Jesus' name. (Joshua 1:3)

6. Any laws that are against godly principles, values, and the church, let them be reversed in Jesus' name. (Isaiah 10:1-2)

7. We release the peace of God over our city and nation in Jesus' name. (Jeremiah 29:7)

8. Father, let your will be done over our city and nation in Jesus' name. (Matthew 6:10)

9. Father, I pray that You would grant Pastor Michael, his family, and his team boldness and power to proclaim the Word of God in all circumstances and at all times, in Jesus’ name. (Acts 4:29)

10. Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that mighty signs, wonders, and miracles that will baffle human knowledge and understanding and that will dumbfound the scientific world take place in the Karuna Sadan church services. (Acts 2:22)

11. Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask that You would bless Pastor Michael, his family, and the team with supernatural wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to birth programs and activities that are catalysts to revival and church growth. (Proverbs 2:6)

Day 13: 40 Days Fasting & Prayer

Build Your Church

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