Did The Gates Of Hades Prevail?

Q

You have visited the seven churches in Turkey which are spoken of in the Book of Revelation. Paul spread the gospel to many cities in Turkey and wrote some of his best letters to the churches in Turkey, and the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26) in Antioch – which is in Turkey. Considering Jesus said that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against the church (Matt 16:18), why is Turkey so predominantly Islam?

A

It is true that the Church had its birth as much in Turkey as in Israel. Much of the New Testament was either written from Turkey or to congregations there or both. And it’s also true that Turkey today is a predominantly Islamic country. But while many individual congregations in many countries have disappeared over the centuries, the Church still exists and the gates of Hades have not prevailed against it. Nor will they.

Ezekiel prophesied that in the latter days Turkey would join a coalition against Israel and attack the promised land (Ezekiel 38: 1-6). This requires Turkey to change sides, something that has already happened.