038| I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH: THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER| 30 DAYS OF FASTING AND PRAYERS

BUILDING THE CHURCH THROUGH TRAVAILING PRAYER Minister: Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Okronipa Message Summary The growth, victory, and establishment of the Church are anchored upon the foundational ministry of prayer. Drawing from Matthew 16:18, Jesus declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." While the promise of victory is guaranteed, the practical execution of building the church and repelling the gates of hell requires believers to engage in knowledgeable, fervent prayer. Prayer without revelation is mere noise, but prayer rooted in the Word operates as a divine spiritual law. Because God gave dominion of the earth realm to man (Genesis 1:26), spiritual activity and divine intervention require human cooperation through prayer. Believers are mandated not to faint, but to enter into the deeper dimensions of intercession—moving past surface-level petitions into spiritual labor, travail, and birthing (Galatians 4:19; Colossians 4:12). Through this kind of prayer, spiritual resistance is broken, the harvest of souls is reaped, and the Church advances with undeniable power. Sermon Notes Main Scriptures: Matthew 16:18; Psalm 138:2; John 1:1; Luke 18:1; Luke 10:19; Galatians 4:19; Colossians 4:12 1. The Church as Christ’s Personal Project The Master Builder: Jesus specifically said, "I will build My church." The Church is His personal possession, and working to advance it makes the believer a co-laborer with Christ. Persistent Resistance: The "gates of hell" actively attempt to resist the expansion of the Church, but they are stripped of the power to prevail when the Church takes its place in prayer. Beyond Social Entertainment: Modern Christianity frequently waters down its spiritual heritage with entertainment. The true power and impact of the Church return when it prioritizes prayer and the ministry of the Word. 2. The Legal Necessity of Prayer Prayer Based on Knowledge: Prayer without spiritual understanding produces noise without impact. True prayer is the application of spiritual laws. God’s Earthly Operating System: In Genesis 1:26, God assigned dominion over the earth to man. Consequently, God works through human vessels to execute His divine will on earth. John Wesley’s Principle: "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." Prayer gives heaven legal permission to intervene in terrestrial affairs. The Primacy of the Word: In Psalm 138:2, God has magnified His Word above all His Name. Effective prayer enforces what God has already decreed in His Word. 3. The Dominion of the Believer Over Darkness Demonic Trespassing: Demonic spirits seek human bodies or circumstances to express their works of darkness. Without legal right, their presence is illegal. Luke 10:19 Authority: Believers have been given authority to tread on serpents, scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, with the covenant guarantee that nothing shall by any means hurt them. Overcoming False Fears: Believers must not live in intimidation of witchcraft or occultism. When light shines and spiritual authority is exercised, darkness must bow. 4. Entering the Realm of Labor and Travail in Prayer Prayer Beyond Words: There is a dimension of intercession that transcends ordinary articulation—entering into spiritual groaning and birthing. Birthing Christ in Men (Galatians 4:19): Paul spoke of travailing in birth again until Christ was formed in the believers. Discipleship, spiritual growth, and maturity require spiritual labor. The Ministry of Epaphras (Colossians 4:12): Epaphras, an ordinary church member, was commended for laboring fervently in prayers that the church might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. The Historical Pattern: Great moves of God, such as the revivals under Charles Finney and Father Nash, were birthed not on public platforms, but through hidden, agonized prayer meetings. Key Declarations & Prayer Points Declaration: "The Church of Jesus Christ is marching on, and the gates of hell shall never prevail against it!" Declaration: "I am a co-laborer with Christ; I take my place on the altar of intercession to birth the purposes of God in my generation." Prayer for the Spirit of Prayer: Lord, pour out the spirit of grace and supplication upon the church. Raise up modern-day Epaphrases who will labor fervently for the maturity and advancement of the saints. Prayer for Kingdom Advancement: Enforce Kingdom dominion over your city, community, and nation; dismantle every gate of hell contending against the growth and revival of the Church.