The Church That Jesus Builds -Pastor Michael A. DADA

October 2026 Sunday Thanksgiving Service Message: The Church That Jesus Builds - RCCG Hungary Mission 20th Anniversary Anchor Texts: Matthew 16:18 says: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Hebrew 2:11-12 says: “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” Luke 18:8 says: “I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Point One | The Church That Jesus Builds Matthew 16:18 says: “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” 1. Christ is the sole owner and builder: By stating "I will build my church," Jesus establishes that the church belongs to Him, and its ultimate growth and foundation rely on His initiative, not merely human effort. 2. Built on a firm foundation: The declaration "on this rock" points to a solid foundation—traditionally understood as either Peter's monumental confession that Jesus is the Messiah, or Christ Himself as the ultimate bedrock. 3. Invincible against evil: The assurance that "the gates of Hades will not overcome it" promises that the powers of death, hell, and evil will never ultimately defeat or dismantle the church. 4. An offensive, conquering force: Gates are defensive structures, meaning the church is envisioned not as hiding behind walls, but as actively pushing back the darkness and liberated humanity from the realm of death. 5. A future-oriented, sure promise: The phrase "I will build" highlights an ongoing divine plan that extends beyond Jesus' immediate earthly ministry to encompass believers throughout history. In Revelation 1:12-13 says: “And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.” Revelation 1:20 says: “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 2:1 says: “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;” These passages reveal how the Apostle John sees a vision of the glorified Christ: explain that the seven candlesticks represent the seven churches, and describe Jesus as "the one who walks among the seven golden lampstands" (or candlesticks). The meaning and significance of these for us in the past 20 years and counting is: • His Active Presence: Christ is not distant; He moves actively within His assemblies. • His Observation and Care: His walking signifies His inspection, knowledge, and intimate care for the spiritual state of each congregation across Hungary. • His Priesthood and Light: He moves among them to tend the lamps, ensuring they give light in a dark world. Hebrews 3:1 Point Two | Overview of 7 Major Kingdom Benchmarks for Divine Response A. Covenant | Psalm 50:5 says: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalms 18:26 says: “With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.” Deuteronomy 7:12 says: “Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:” B. Holy Communion | Shedding of the blood overpowered Pharaoh. Exodus 13:15 Luke 22:19-20 C. EBA - Emotional Bank Account/Administration | Malachi 1:6-8 Ephesians 4:30 says: “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” D. Honouring the Set-Man | Moses blesses Joshua | Numbers 27:18-23 E. Releasing of Intangible Blessings | Isaac and Jacob Genesis 27:26-29 Genesis 28:1-5 F. The Scent of Blessing Job 14:7–9 Deuteronomy 33:10 says: “They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and Israel thy law: they shall put incense before thee, and whole burnt sacrifice upon thine altar.” Genesis 27:27 says: “And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:” G. Anointing for the Congregation | Isaiah 27:10