What if the Church is More Powerful than We’ve Ever Imagined?
In his inspiring message, “I Will Build My Church,” Pastor Gary Skinner shares decades of firsthand experience seeing lives, cities, and even nations transformed through the power of Jesus and His church. Speaking at Elevate Life Church in Frisco, TX, he reminds us that the church is not declining—it is advancing.
And the reason is simple: Jesus Himself is building it.
What a God We Have
One of the most powerful themes throughout this message is a simple truth: “What a God we have—and how fortunate we are to have Him.”
No life is too broken. No situation is too far gone. Jesus specializes in turning the unfortunate into the fortunate. This truth was lived out in Uganda, where Pastor Gary and Marilyn Skinner obeyed God’s call despite extreme danger, uncertainty, and sacrifice.
Their story reminds us that God still speaks—and when He calls, He provides.
Faith Over Fear in the Calling
When faced with real danger, fear was a natural response. But faith required a decision.
As shared in the message, there are moments when we must choose:
- Will fear define us?
- Or will faith lead us?
That choice changes everything. A single decision to trust God can shape a lifetime—and even impact generations.
The Power of God’s Presence
From a broken-down hotel with no electricity to a thriving church impacting thousands, one thing remained constant: the presence of Jesus changes everything.
When Jesus shows up, lives are transformed. Not just individually—but corporately. Cities shift. Nations change.
This is the foundation of the church—not programs, not buildings, but the presence of God.
I Will Build My Church
At the center of this message is Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 16:
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
This is not just a statement—it’s a promise.
Jesus didn’t say you will build it. He said I will. That means:
- The church is His responsibility
- The church is His vision
- The church is His mission
Our role is to partner with Him.
What the Church Really Is
Pastor Gary challenges a common misconception: the church is not a building, an event, or an organization.
The church is people—called out, set apart, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
It is:
- The body of Christ
- The voice of Jesus in the earth
- The hope of every community
As Ephesians 1 describes, the church is how Jesus expresses Himself in the world.
That means the world is not central—the church is.
Becoming the Church in Our Generation
If the church is the hope of the world, then we are called to reflect Jesus in every area of life.
That looks like:
- Humility – letting go of personal recognition
- Servanthood – putting others first
- Sacrifice – dying to self daily
- Obedience – following Jesus wherever He leads
As Philippians 2 teaches, Jesus modeled this perfectly—laying down His life so others could be lifted up.
This is the call of every believer: not just to attend church, but to be the church.
The Future of the Church is not Uncertain. It is Unstoppable.
Why? Because Jesus said, “I will build my church.”
No opposition, no culture shift, and no circumstance can stop what God is building. The real question is: will we partner with Him?
If you’re ready to be part of something bigger than yourself, we invite you to experience Elevate Life Church in Frisco, TX.
