Sunday Sermon: The Lord Says the Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against You

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

This word came to my spirit while I was just sitting and thinking about what to prepare for this Sunday. It dropped in strong and clear: “The gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” And I take comfort in that, because right now – it’s been all-out war.

But I don’t fight my battles. God does the fighting.

My Spiritual Warfare in 2025

Over the past few months, I’ve felt the full brunt of hell knocking—both literally and spiritually. It’s as if the gates of hell were stationed right outside my life trying to destroy me. I’ve battled stress, physical pain, depression, insomnia, persecution, discrimination, mysterious health issues, and emotional wounds. It’s been relentless.

I find myself constantly praying—more than I ever have in my life. Talking with God. Asking. Reasoning. Wondering what is happening. And yet, through it all, I know—God is on the case.

If you know me, you know I give 100% to everything I do—whether it’s this ministry, my work, my relationships, or my writing. When God gives me an assignment—like a teaching, a book, or a lesson—I pour everything into it. That’s how He made me. That’s how I operate. But doing all this requires strength—and my health hasn’t allowed me to operate at full capacity. This year, I decided to focus more on my health and my home.

I’m dealing with some real challenges – fibroids, anemia, fatigue – and they affect my ability to function. It’s a huge mountain in my life. Yet through it all, the Holy Spirit has been my help and my strength.

God keeps bringing me back to this word from Jeremiah 1:19 (NKJV):

“They will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.”

That scripture has become my anchor. People quote it to me—prophets, friends, even strangers. Just last week, a friend prophesied and said:

“They will fight you, and yes, God allows it, But they will NOT prevail. You are a child of God, A woman of God. God is shaping you. He can always count on you to obey.”

For most of my life, I’ve asked God, “Why me? Why so much?” But the truth is, He only gives us what we can bear. And somehow, I bear much. I know some of you feel the same way -carrying more than seems fair.

Why the Gates of Hell Are at My Door

This ministry is growing—Revealing the Christian Life Ministry now reaches tens of thousands globally. When I started, I was just writing what God gave me—words of prophecy, declarations, warnings. I felt like I was carrying a spiritual weight that had to be released in obedience.

Since then, we’ve birthed books, teachings, podcasts, recordings, prayer series, and the Declarations book series & Spiritual Warfare book series. Now we’re expanding the RTCLM Foundation into Africa. And I haven’t done this in my own strength—it’s all been GOD.

And that’s why, spiritually, I understand why the gates of hell are at my door.

From prayer requests, we see people under attack—dealing with abuse, lack, danger, sickness, witchcraft, joblessness, heartbreak, and despair. And we pray for everyone.

How Do We Counter the Gates of Hell?

Stand in Faith. I’ve been saved since I was a child, so I know God. I’ve seen Him move. I trust that He is faithful.
Talk to Him. I pray, yes. But often I just talk—like having a conversation. I speak declarations. I pour out my heart.
Receive Spiritual Encouragement. In certain seasons, God sends seasoned ministers, pastors, and prophets to speak life and declare His Word over me. Sometimes it’s a sermon that pops up on my timeline at just the right moment.
Feed on the Word. God directs me to specific scriptures. Often, it’s the Psalms. Lately, it’s also Proverbs—because I need wisdom.
He Ministers Through People. God uses select people to minister to me. Not everyone can stand beside you when the gates of hell are blazing. But He will send those who carry the fire and the Word.
He Draws Me to Himself. Some people call it “isolation,” but I call it God’s “Me Time.” I pull back from others and lean into God. My soul craves Him. Nothing else satisfies. He fills me up.

This pulling away can feel cold to others, but I leave the Holy Spirit to work on that part. The truth is that people can drain you. They take, and take, and take—but rarely pour back. That’s why every minister must tap into the Source—Almighty God.

Once I do that, God fights and wins the battles, and I can come back, filled, and ready to minister again.

Be Encouraged

I share my trials with you not for pity—but to encourage you. You are not alone. You are not alone in passing through the valley of the shadow of death or facing the gates of hell. Whether you’re facing depression, heartbreak, financial loss, injustice, witchcraft, sexual perversion or spiritual attack—you are not alone.

Remember Job? Even he went through hell—but God permitted it because He knew Job could bear it. And in the end, Job was restored.

So I say to you today:

Stand firm.
Take courage.
Do not fear.

The gates of hell are not more powerful than the God you serve.

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” —Matthew 16:18 (NKJV)

Satan is a defeated foe. Trust God. Seek Jesus Christ. Read your Bible. Fast. Pray. Stand your ground. Then watch God work.

I pray these words find a foothold in your life and grow like a mighty seed. May the Lord be with you. May you trust Him. May you serve Him. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and reflect on your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step and trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

*****

About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. In addition to her passion for writing, Fyffe is actively involved in community outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.