When Christ Jesus commended Peter for the recognition that he, Jesus, was the Christ, the Son of God, the Master proclaimed that his church would be built on that foundational understanding. He further characterized its divine protection with these words: “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (see Matthew 16:13–20). No error, no disease, no discord of any kind can ever undermine or resist the healing power of a church built on Christ and its healing, regenerative, and saving power.
I experienced this comforting protection years ago while serving as First Reader of my branch Church of Christ, Scientist. I had just invited the congregation to join me in silent prayer. Frankly, I practically croaked the invitation because I had almost lost my voice by the time I’d gotten to this point in the service.
Although struggling with cold symptoms earlier in the week, I felt ready to conduct the service that Thanksgiving morning. But by the end of the second hymn, my voice had faded to almost nothing. It’s hard not to panic at moments like that—it took a huge effort to stop my thought from racing ahead: “What happens when we start reading the Lesson-Sermon?” “Is anybody going to be able to hear me?” “I can’t let the congregation down like this …. ” I reached out with all my heart to feel God’s presence, which I needed then more than ever.
