Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God defending His Church is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His unwavering commitment to protect and preserve His people. This divine protection is not only a testament to God's faithfulness but also serves as a source of encouragement and strength for believers.Old Testament Foundations The roots of God's defense of His people can be traced back to the Old Testament, where God repeatedly intervenes on behalf of Israel, His chosen nation. In Exodus 14:14, during the Israelites' escape from Egypt, Moses assures the people, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This promise of divine intervention is a precursor to the protection God extends to the Church in the New Testament. The Psalms frequently echo this theme, portraying God as a fortress and shield for His people. Psalm 46:1-2 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas." Such imagery underscores the assurance of God's defense against any adversarial forces. New Testament Assurance In the New Testament, the Church is often depicted as the body of Christ, and God’s defense of it is both spiritual and physical. Jesus Himself promises protection to His followers. In Matthew 16:18, He states, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This declaration affirms that the Church will withstand all spiritual assaults. The Apostle Paul further emphasizes God's protective role in Ephesians 6:10-11, urging believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Here, the metaphor of armor signifies the spiritual defense God provides to His Church. Divine Protection in Persecution Throughout history, the Church has faced persecution, yet God's defense remains evident. In Acts 12, when Peter is imprisoned, the Church prays fervently, and God sends an angel to miraculously free him (Acts 12:5-11). This account highlights the power of prayer and God's intervention in times of crisis. Revelation 12:11 speaks to the ultimate victory of the Church, stating, "They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they did not love their lives so as to shy away from death." This victory is attributed to divine protection and the sacrificial love of Christ. God's Faithfulness and the Church's Response The defense of the Church is rooted in God's covenantal faithfulness. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Paul reassures believers, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." This promise of protection is contingent upon the Church's faithfulness and reliance on God. Believers are called to trust in God's defense and remain steadfast in their faith. In 1 Peter 5:8-9, the Church is admonished to "be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith." This vigilance is part of the Church's active participation in God's protective plan. Conclusion The theme of God defending His Church is a profound testament to His enduring love and commitment to His people. Through both Old and New Testament narratives, believers are assured of divine protection, encouraging them to stand firm in faith amidst trials and tribulations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 89:18For the LORD is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 4:5 Isaiah 49:25 Matthew 16:18 Library Walls and Gates The Church Saved, and Her Enemies Disappointed. The Church Saved, and Her Enemies Disappointed. On the Church and Its Head Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church. The Providence of God The Capitula of the Council. The Epistles of Paul The Decretal Letter of Pope vigilius. The Rivers of God Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. T. (K. J. V. And Others) Church: Christian, Divinely Established Church: Church of the Firstborn Church: Church of the Living God Church: City of the Living God Church: Congregation of Saints Church: Congregation of the Lord's Poor Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished Church: Divisions In, to be Shunned Church: Family in Heaven and Earth Church: General Assembly of the Firstborn (People) Church: God Provides Ministers For Church: God's Husbandry (Farm) Church: Golden Candlestick (Lampstand) Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: Harmonious Fellowship of Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Asia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Babylon Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Caesarea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cenchrea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Cilicia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Corinth Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Ephesus Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galatia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Galilee Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Jerusalem Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Joppa Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Judaea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Pergamos Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Philadelphia Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Samaria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Sardis Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Smyrna Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Syria Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thessalonica Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Thyatira Church: Lot of God's Inheritance Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed Church: Mountain of the Lord's House Church: Pillar and Ground of the Truth Church: Prophecies Concerning Prosperity of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Church: Salt and Light of the World Church: Sought Out, a City not Forsaken Church: Strength and Glory of God Church: Temple of the Living God Church: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Church: Worship of, to be Attended The Church is Edified by the Word The Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord The Church: Christ, the Foundation-Stone of The Church: Christ, the Head of The Church: Clothed in Righteousness The Church: Defiling of, Will be Punished The Church: Displays the Wisdom of God The Church: Extent of, Predicted The Church: Glory to be Ascribed to God By The Church: God Provides Ministers For The Church: Ministers Commanded to Feed The Church: Not to be Despised The Church: Purchased by the Blood of Christ The Church: Saints Baptised Into, by One Spirit The Church: Sanctified and Cleansed by Christ The Church: Shows Forth the Praises of God The Church: The Body of Christ The Church: The Object of the Grace of God The Church: The Wicked Persecute Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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