Walking through the Scriptures: Our Identity As the Church
The Ekklesia -
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly (panegyris) and church (ekklesia) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24
Over the next few weeks we are going to be unveiling the deep truths found in God’s Word as it relates to His “Called Out ones” the Church of the Firstborn. During this time of deep study and mediation on God’s Word ask Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment into the deep things of God. Many today use terms that they are unfamiliar with, or are misinformed on, or perhaps even misguided in their understanding of. This term” ekklesia” is being used across many denominational lines, as well as in varies movements within “Christian” circles. It would be wisdom on our part to know exactly what God’s Word has to say on the matter if we are to fully comprehend our identity as The Church in God’s eternal plan of salvation and restoration of all things in Christ Jesus.
Please incorporate the scriptures cited to give clarity and insights to what Father God is teaching us as His “called out ones “ for a special purpose. Take bite size portions and chew on them. Release the meat of the Word into your spirits and let it fill you with faith as Father God unfolds these revelations.
The above scripture indicated the depth of Father’s God eternal plan and high-lites His multi-dimensional household, made up of varies groups of which we are a part of. This material will call for focus, prayer, and great discernment as your faith meets with God’s faith in the unfolding revelation of Divine mysteries from the pages of His written Word and Holy Spirit.
Each week we will be considering specific questions as regards the material below.
Please do not just go with previous concepts or doctrines you may had heard, let’s “Look Anew” at what the Word of God is teaching us through Holy Spirit. You will may find there are doctrines or concepts you have known in the past, things that have been changed in order to mislead or deceive, or you may just find a refreshed understanding that will give you greater insights as to your calling. Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you in both asking and answering needed questions for the Body of Christ during this season of refinement.
QUESTIONS:
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Ecclesia (or Ekklesia) in Christian theology means both: a particular body of faithful people, and the whole body of the faithful. Latin ecclesia, from Greek ekklesia had an original meaning of "assembly, congregation, council", literally "convocation".
Strong’s Definitions
ἐκκλησία ekklēsía, ek-klay-see'-ah; from a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):—assembly, church.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1577: ἐκκλησία
ἐκκλησία, ἐκκλεσιας, ἡ (from ἔκκλητος called out or forth, and this from ἐκκαλέω); properly, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly; so used
1. among the Greeks from Thucydides (cf. Herodotus 3, 142) down, an assembly of the people convened at the public place of council for the purpose of deliberating: Acts 19:39.
2. in the Sept. often equivalent to ÷ÈäÈì, the assembly of the Israelites, Judges 21:8; 1 Chronicles 29:1, etc., especially when gathered for sacred purposes, Deuteronomy 31:30 (Deuteronomy 32:1); Joshua 8:35 (Joshua 9:8), etc.; in the N. T. thus in Acts 7:38; Hebrews 2:12.
3. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance or tumultuously: Acts 19:32, 41.
4. in the Christian sense,
a. an assembly of Christians gathered for worship: ἐν ἐκκλησία, in the religious meeting, 1 Corinthians 14:19, 35; ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, 1 Corinthians 14:34; συνέρχεσθαι ἐν ἐκκλησία, 1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. Winers Grammar, § 50, 4a.
b. a company of Christians, or of those who, hoping for eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake; aa. those who anywhere, in city or village, constitute such a company and are united into one body: Acts 5:11; Acts 8:3; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Philippians 4:15; 3 John 1:6 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 122 (116)); with specification of place, Acts 8:1; Acts 11:22; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Revelation 2:1, 8, etc.; Θεσσαλονικέων, 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Λαοδικέων, Colossians 4:16; with the genitive of the possessor, τοῦ Θεοῦ (equivalent to éÀäåÈä ÷ÂäÇì, Numbers 16:3; Numbers 20:4), 1 Corinthians 11:22; and mention of the place, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1. Plural, αἱ ἐκκλησίαι: Acts 15:41; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 2 Corinthians 8:19; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 3:6, etc.; with τοῦ Θεοῦ added, 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Romans 16:16; with mention of the place, as τῆς Ἀσίας, Γαλατίας, etc.: 1 Corinthians 16:1, 19; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Galatians 1:2; τῆς Ἰουδαίας ταῖς ἐν Χριστῷ, joined to Christ (see ἐν, I. 6b.), i. e. Christian assemblies, in contrast with those of the Jews, Galatians 1:22; ἐκκλησίαι τῶν ἐθνῶν, gathered from the Gentiles, Romans 16:4; τῶν ἁγίων, composed of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:33. ἡ ἐκκλησία κατ' οἶκον τίνος, the church in one's house, i. e. the company of Christians belonging to a person's family; others less aptly understand the phrase of the Christians accustomed to meet for worship in the house of someone (for as appears from 1 Corinthians 14:23, the whole Corinthian church was accustomed to assemble in one and the same place; (but see Lightfoot on Colossians 4:15)): Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2. The name ἡ ἐκκλησία is used even by Christ while on earth of the company of his adherents in any city or village: Matthew 18:17. bb. the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth; collectively, all who worship and honor God and Christ in whatever place they may be: Matthew 16:18 (where perhaps the Evangelist employs τήν ἐκκλησίαν although Christ may have said τήν βασιλείαν μου); 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 5:23ff,27,29,32; Philippians 3:6; Colossians 1:18, 24; with the genitive of the possessor: τοῦ κυρίου, Acts 20:28 (R Tr marginal reading WH τοῦ Θεοῦ); τοῦ Θεοῦ, Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 3:15. cc. the name is transferred to the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven: Hebrews 12:23 (on this passage see in ἀπογράφω, b. and πρωτότοκος, at the end). (In general, see Trench, § 1, and B. D. under the word , especially American edition; and for patristic usage Sophocles Lexicon, under the word.)
WORD USED FOR ASSEMBLY #3831 in Hebrews 12:22 -23 contrasting the use of Church #1577
*Strong’s #3831
Outline of Biblical Usage
a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities
Strong’s Definitions
πανήγυρις panḗgyris, pan-ay'-goo-ris; from G3956 and a derivative of G58; a mass-meeting, i.e. (figuratively) universal companionship:—general assembly.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3831: πανήγυρις
πανήγυρις, πανηγυρισεως, ἡ (from πᾶς and ἄγυρις from ἀγείρω), from Herodotus and Pindar down;
a. a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities.
b. universally, a public festal assembly; so in Hebrews 12:22(23) where the word is to be connected with ἀγγέλων (so G L Tr (Tdf.); yet see the commentaries). (The Sept. for îåòÅã, Ezekiel 46:11; Hosea 2:11 (Hosea 2:13); Hosea 9:5; òÂöÈøÈä, Amos 5:21.) (Cf. Trench, § i.)
Above reference are from:THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database.
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc.
All rights reserved. Used by permission. BibleSoft.com
The Ekklesia -
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly (panegyris) and church (ekklesia) of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Hebrews 12:22-24
Over the next few weeks we are going to be unveiling the deep truths found in God’s Word as it relates to His “Called Out ones” the Church of the Firstborn. During this time of deep study and mediation on God’s Word ask Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and discernment into the deep things of God. Many today use terms that they are unfamiliar with, or are misinformed on, or perhaps even misguided in their understanding of. This term” ekklesia” is being used across many denominational lines, as well as in varies movements within “Christian” circles. It would be wisdom on our part to know exactly what God’s Word has to say on the matter if we are to fully comprehend our identity as The Church in God’s eternal plan of salvation and restoration of all things in Christ Jesus.
Please incorporate the scriptures cited to give clarity and insights to what Father God is teaching us as His “called out ones “ for a special purpose. Take bite size portions and chew on them. Release the meat of the Word into your spirits and let it fill you with faith as Father God unfolds these revelations.
The above scripture indicated the depth of Father’s God eternal plan and high-lites His multi-dimensional household, made up of varies groups of which we are a part of. This material will call for focus, prayer, and great discernment as your faith meets with God’s faith in the unfolding revelation of Divine mysteries from the pages of His written Word and Holy Spirit.
Each week we will be considering specific questions as regards the material below.
Please do not just go with previous concepts or doctrines you may had heard, let’s “Look Anew” at what the Word of God is teaching us through Holy Spirit. You will may find there are doctrines or concepts you have known in the past, things that have been changed in order to mislead or deceive, or you may just find a refreshed understanding that will give you greater insights as to your calling. Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you in both asking and answering needed questions for the Body of Christ during this season of refinement.
QUESTIONS:
- What does the word ekklesia mean?
- Textually what does it most often indicate?
- How many times is ekklesia used in the Greek text?
- How has it been translated in modern Bibles?
REFERENCE MATERIALS
Ecclesia (or Ekklesia) in Christian theology means both: a particular body of faithful people, and the whole body of the faithful. Latin ecclesia, from Greek ekklesia had an original meaning of "assembly, congregation, council", literally "convocation".
Strong’s Definitions
ἐκκλησία ekklēsía, ek-klay-see'-ah; from a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both):—assembly, church.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1577: ἐκκλησία
ἐκκλησία, ἐκκλεσιας, ἡ (from ἔκκλητος called out or forth, and this from ἐκκαλέω); properly, a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly; so used
1. among the Greeks from Thucydides (cf. Herodotus 3, 142) down, an assembly of the people convened at the public place of council for the purpose of deliberating: Acts 19:39.
2. in the Sept. often equivalent to ÷ÈäÈì, the assembly of the Israelites, Judges 21:8; 1 Chronicles 29:1, etc., especially when gathered for sacred purposes, Deuteronomy 31:30 (Deuteronomy 32:1); Joshua 8:35 (Joshua 9:8), etc.; in the N. T. thus in Acts 7:38; Hebrews 2:12.
3. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance or tumultuously: Acts 19:32, 41.
4. in the Christian sense,
a. an assembly of Christians gathered for worship: ἐν ἐκκλησία, in the religious meeting, 1 Corinthians 14:19, 35; ἐν ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις, 1 Corinthians 14:34; συνέρχεσθαι ἐν ἐκκλησία, 1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. Winers Grammar, § 50, 4a.
b. a company of Christians, or of those who, hoping for eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake; aa. those who anywhere, in city or village, constitute such a company and are united into one body: Acts 5:11; Acts 8:3; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Philippians 4:15; 3 John 1:6 (cf. Winer's Grammar, 122 (116)); with specification of place, Acts 8:1; Acts 11:22; Romans 16:1; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 6:4; Revelation 2:1, 8, etc.; Θεσσαλονικέων, 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Λαοδικέων, Colossians 4:16; with the genitive of the possessor, τοῦ Θεοῦ (equivalent to éÀäåÈä ÷ÂäÇì, Numbers 16:3; Numbers 20:4), 1 Corinthians 11:22; and mention of the place, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1. Plural, αἱ ἐκκλησίαι: Acts 15:41; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 2 Corinthians 8:19; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 3:6, etc.; with τοῦ Θεοῦ added, 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Romans 16:16; with mention of the place, as τῆς Ἀσίας, Γαλατίας, etc.: 1 Corinthians 16:1, 19; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Galatians 1:2; τῆς Ἰουδαίας ταῖς ἐν Χριστῷ, joined to Christ (see ἐν, I. 6b.), i. e. Christian assemblies, in contrast with those of the Jews, Galatians 1:22; ἐκκλησίαι τῶν ἐθνῶν, gathered from the Gentiles, Romans 16:4; τῶν ἁγίων, composed of the saints, 1 Corinthians 14:33. ἡ ἐκκλησία κατ' οἶκον τίνος, the church in one's house, i. e. the company of Christians belonging to a person's family; others less aptly understand the phrase of the Christians accustomed to meet for worship in the house of someone (for as appears from 1 Corinthians 14:23, the whole Corinthian church was accustomed to assemble in one and the same place; (but see Lightfoot on Colossians 4:15)): Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2. The name ἡ ἐκκλησία is used even by Christ while on earth of the company of his adherents in any city or village: Matthew 18:17. bb. the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth; collectively, all who worship and honor God and Christ in whatever place they may be: Matthew 16:18 (where perhaps the Evangelist employs τήν ἐκκλησίαν although Christ may have said τήν βασιλείαν μου); 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 5:23ff,27,29,32; Philippians 3:6; Colossians 1:18, 24; with the genitive of the possessor: τοῦ κυρίου, Acts 20:28 (R Tr marginal reading WH τοῦ Θεοῦ); τοῦ Θεοῦ, Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 3:15. cc. the name is transferred to the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven: Hebrews 12:23 (on this passage see in ἀπογράφω, b. and πρωτότοκος, at the end). (In general, see Trench, § 1, and B. D. under the word , especially American edition; and for patristic usage Sophocles Lexicon, under the word.)
WORD USED FOR ASSEMBLY #3831 in Hebrews 12:22 -23 contrasting the use of Church #1577
*Strong’s #3831
Outline of Biblical Usage
a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities
- a public festal assembly
Strong’s Definitions
πανήγυρις panḗgyris, pan-ay'-goo-ris; from G3956 and a derivative of G58; a mass-meeting, i.e. (figuratively) universal companionship:—general assembly.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3831: πανήγυρις
πανήγυρις, πανηγυρισεως, ἡ (from πᾶς and ἄγυρις from ἀγείρω), from Herodotus and Pindar down;
a. a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities.
b. universally, a public festal assembly; so in Hebrews 12:22(23) where the word is to be connected with ἀγγέλων (so G L Tr (Tdf.); yet see the commentaries). (The Sept. for îåòÅã, Ezekiel 46:11; Hosea 2:11 (Hosea 2:13); Hosea 9:5; òÂöÈøÈä, Amos 5:21.) (Cf. Trench, § i.)
Above reference are from:THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON, Electronic Database.
Copyright © 2002, 2003, 2006, 2011 by Biblesoft, Inc.
All rights reserved. Used by permission. BibleSoft.com
Walking through the Scriptures: Our Identity As the Church
The Ekklesia Part 2 -
"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you,
he is to be accursed!” Galatians 1:6-8
Today we will focus on the foundational concept of the “ekklesia” the church as called out ones. We recognize there are many events and other important things taking place in the world today, but we ask that we remain centered on Christ Jesus and the purposes FOR WHICH He has called us forth. Today let us pray into that purpose as specific points are highlighted in the text below.
Scriptures to ponder: Pay specific attention to detail;
Ask Who, What When, and Why - Be Precise and always Note CONTEXT
Matthew 28:18-20 - Who has been granted all authority and what is the commission of the church?
Note context:
Matthew 18:15-20 - Within the church there is relational authority affecting both heaven and earth.
Ephesians Chapter 1 - Positional authority and purpose. Pay specific attention to detail. Ask who, what, when, and why, as this covers varies aspects of our relationship, position, and authority IN CHRIST JESUS.
Ephesians 6:10-20 - Who’s armor, what does the words resist, struggle and stand firm mean? What was Paul an ambassador of in this text?
~
As we will be considering specific questions as regards “ecclesiology”, the doctrine of the church. This is one of those foundational subjects we must know as we understand our Identity as The Church. Please don’t go by preconceived concepts or doctrines, let’s “Look Anew” at what the Word of God is teaching us through Holy Spirit, as we reason from the scriptures to receive God's thoughts on every matter.
Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you in both asking and answering needed questions for the Body of Christ during this season of great deception and apostasy even within main stream churches and “Christian” movements. We are examining all things in light of the scriptures in order to clear up any misleading or false concepts being released by so many voices of well known leaders today. It has been stated; “one’s eschatology will affect his ecclesiology”. May we be clear in our understanding of our Identity as the Church, so it leads us to an accurate knowledge of the end times and eschatology.
As we are considering the foundational understanding of who and what we are as His called out ones. We will be also examining the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Messianic Kingdom, and many aspected related to God’s purposes in the earth and heaven. We will understand the importance of using precise terms, as some confusion has come in using similar terms or references when they have difference in meaning or purpose. Thus, this can lead to error in interpretation or application.
Our God is a God of order and not confusion, so let us rightfully divide the WORD.
“The roots of the word ecclesiology come from the Greek ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia (Latin: ecclesia) meaning "congregation, church"[notes 1] and -λογία, -logia, meaning "words", "knowledge", or "logic", a combining term used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge.
In Christian theology, ecclesiology is the study of the Christian Church, the origins of Christianity, its relationship to Jesus, its role in salvation, its polity, its discipline, its destiny, and its leadership. Ecclesiology is, therefore, the study of the Church as a thing in itself, and of the Church's self-understanding of its mission and role.” * Wikipedia
Answers to last weeks Questions:
This weeks Questions:
PLEASE USE REFERENCE MATERIAL AND SCRIPTURES AS OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE SOUND BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING AND PRAY WITH ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Wisdom Key: Always use several translations of the Bible in your study as well as Bible Dictionaries, Lexicons and Strong’s Concordance. Not all Bibles are translations, many new versions are paraphrases and not very accurate for study purposes. Some have been textually changed to met the author’s viewpoint or particular doctrine.
The Ekklesia Part 2 -
"I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you,
he is to be accursed!” Galatians 1:6-8
Today we will focus on the foundational concept of the “ekklesia” the church as called out ones. We recognize there are many events and other important things taking place in the world today, but we ask that we remain centered on Christ Jesus and the purposes FOR WHICH He has called us forth. Today let us pray into that purpose as specific points are highlighted in the text below.
Scriptures to ponder: Pay specific attention to detail;
Ask Who, What When, and Why - Be Precise and always Note CONTEXT
Matthew 28:18-20 - Who has been granted all authority and what is the commission of the church?
Note context:
Matthew 18:15-20 - Within the church there is relational authority affecting both heaven and earth.
Ephesians Chapter 1 - Positional authority and purpose. Pay specific attention to detail. Ask who, what, when, and why, as this covers varies aspects of our relationship, position, and authority IN CHRIST JESUS.
Ephesians 6:10-20 - Who’s armor, what does the words resist, struggle and stand firm mean? What was Paul an ambassador of in this text?
~
As we will be considering specific questions as regards “ecclesiology”, the doctrine of the church. This is one of those foundational subjects we must know as we understand our Identity as The Church. Please don’t go by preconceived concepts or doctrines, let’s “Look Anew” at what the Word of God is teaching us through Holy Spirit, as we reason from the scriptures to receive God's thoughts on every matter.
Allow Holy Spirit to speak to you in both asking and answering needed questions for the Body of Christ during this season of great deception and apostasy even within main stream churches and “Christian” movements. We are examining all things in light of the scriptures in order to clear up any misleading or false concepts being released by so many voices of well known leaders today. It has been stated; “one’s eschatology will affect his ecclesiology”. May we be clear in our understanding of our Identity as the Church, so it leads us to an accurate knowledge of the end times and eschatology.
As we are considering the foundational understanding of who and what we are as His called out ones. We will be also examining the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, the Messianic Kingdom, and many aspected related to God’s purposes in the earth and heaven. We will understand the importance of using precise terms, as some confusion has come in using similar terms or references when they have difference in meaning or purpose. Thus, this can lead to error in interpretation or application.
Our God is a God of order and not confusion, so let us rightfully divide the WORD.
“The roots of the word ecclesiology come from the Greek ἐκκλησία, ekklēsia (Latin: ecclesia) meaning "congregation, church"[notes 1] and -λογία, -logia, meaning "words", "knowledge", or "logic", a combining term used in the names of sciences or bodies of knowledge.
In Christian theology, ecclesiology is the study of the Christian Church, the origins of Christianity, its relationship to Jesus, its role in salvation, its polity, its discipline, its destiny, and its leadership. Ecclesiology is, therefore, the study of the Church as a thing in itself, and of the Church's self-understanding of its mission and role.” * Wikipedia
Answers to last weeks Questions:
- What does the word ekklesia mean? The word does not connote any special power or authority. It basically and simply means “called out ones”, indicating purpose. “Ecclesia (or Ekklesia) in Christian theology means both: a particular body of faithful people, and the whole body of the faithful. Latin ecclesia, from Greek ekklesia had an original meaning of "assembly, congregation, council", literally “convocation”. This is the PRECISE MEANING
- Textually what does it most often indicate? Most often it pertains to either a Jewish and Christian group of individuals called out with a purpose of assembly, congregation, council", literally “convocation” for religious or sacred purposes.
- How many times is ekklesia used in the Greek text? Used 115 times………… A special note is that only twice does it reference none believers, Pagan Gentiles****see “ Thayer's Greek Lexicon # 1. among the Greeks from Thucydides (cf. Herodotus 3, 142) down, an assembly of the people convened at the public place of council for the purpose of deliberating: Acts 19:39. ***And then … see Lexicon # 3. any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance or tumultuously: Acts 19:32, 41." These two references in context DO NOT REFER TO BELIEVERS! Therefore, any reference to the word “ekklesia” as a governing body with legislative authority for the Believer is not contextually sound in this instance. While the scriptures do indicate and reference the authority of the Believer, it is not in reference to governing over individuals or governmental agencies. And only used in a positional delegated authority in covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ. ( Matthew 28:18-20, Note context: Matthew 18:15-20, Ephesians Chapter 1 and 6:10-20; do your own research and always consider context, who is speaking and who are being spoken to. CONTEXT< CONTEXT< CONTEXT)
- How has it been translated in modern Bibles? It is often translated as “church” however, this is not to imply a building were individuals were to meet. As early believers met in synagogues and personal homes. The word indicating a synagogue - (the meeting or the place) is Strong’s # G4864.
This weeks Questions:
- As a “called out one” what was the first century believer’s concept of the church’s purpose, function and role in the earth?
- Who was the leader or Lord of first century believers, both believing Jew and Gentile?
- What had He called them out to do?
- What form governance was in place for the early church body? Or was there one?
- Did the first century church indicate in anyway they were to take dominion or authority over the governments of the earth before Christ’s return to setup His Messianic Kingdom?
PLEASE USE REFERENCE MATERIAL AND SCRIPTURES AS OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE SOUND BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING AND PRAY WITH ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD OF TRUTH.
Wisdom Key: Always use several translations of the Bible in your study as well as Bible Dictionaries, Lexicons and Strong’s Concordance. Not all Bibles are translations, many new versions are paraphrases and not very accurate for study purposes. Some have been textually changed to met the author’s viewpoint or particular doctrine.
Walking through the Scriptures: Our Identity As the Church
The Purpose of the Ekklesia -
“To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”… Ephesians 3:21
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”…Ephesians 4:11-13
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. “…Mark 16:15
The information below is not of my concerns alone, but these points were shared over 100 years ago by a prominent Bible theologian and scholar Clarence Larkin. It was at this time of “enlightenment” that many christian sects and groups were forming. Larkin warned the Church at that time of these false doctrines slipping into mainstream Christianity and what the outcome would be; We see it today ! So, beloved we must know not only our identity in Christ, but our identity as the “ekklesia” lest we be deceived into what Larkin warned would be the final outcome, an apostate church thinking it was “preparing the world for the kingdom”, yet they were actually in partnership with the world serving the purposes of the antichrist in the last days.
The church, which began in Acts 2, exists for three specific, divinely ordained reasons. First, the church exists to glorify God. Second, the church exists to edify or build up members. God has placed spiritual gifts in the body of Christ for the purpose of our being built up, so to become spiritually mature, and reach unity. Third, the church exists for the purpose of accomplishing world evangelism and to fulfill the Great Commission.
So your views as the true purpose of the church and your understanding of what the first century followers of Jesus Christ believed they were called out to do will affect the way you walk out your faith and assignments in the Lord.
Scriptures to ponder: Pay specific attention to detail;
Ask Who, What When, and Why - Be Precise and always Note CONTEXT
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:14-20
Ephesians Chapters 3 & 4
Acts Chapters 1-4
PRAYER FOCUS :
Father we ask for your direction as we seek to fulfill your purpose in “calling us out” from the world and darkness. Remind us of our divine commission and mandates.
As in years past and becoming manifest again today some are promoting an understanding that does not express the truth about the true purpose and nature of the ekklesia and its connection to the Messianic kingdom. One of these movements is the “kingdom now dominion theology," this teaching significantly alters the divine design for the church. This view opens the door not only to deception, but becomes a major distractions to the true gospel message of the first century and our Lord Jesus Christ being preached.
Part of the “kingdom now theology” brings this basic assumption: The church in some sense is the kingdom, and therefore has a divine right to rule; or it is the business of the church to “establish” fully the Kingdom of God among men. However, by doing this we lose our “pilgrim” character, and effectively become part of the world in seeking to grasp the reins of political power and rule by the sword.The implications of a “present ecclesiastical kingdom” are unmistakable, and has historically always led in one direction, political control of the state by the church. Thus, misleading the body from God’s design for his church, which is too evangelize and make disciples by teaching and preaching the Gospel, the essence of the Great Commission. We the ekklesia are to be a positive influence in this fallen culture, a light in the darkness, but we are not called to rule and reign in the PRESENT AGE with kingdom authority. It is at Christ’s return that HE WILL establish his earthly, Messianic Kingdom, the church is to await until that glorious day. (2 Timothy 4:1-8) The administration of which we are apart and awaiting. (Ephesians 1:9-10 ; also see Colossians 1:13-20)
Seeing the church as the kingdom also causes the church to substitute social causes for the preaching of the true gospel. The gospel becomes eclipsed by humanitarian concerns, then our priorities become out of order. The gospel should move us to charitable acts, but it should not be allowed to distract us from our true purpose and calling.
One final thought on this, our understanding as to Israel’s position and purpose in the last days is also essential to our knowing our purpose of being the “called out ones”.
The church has never replaced Israel in His eternal purposes! Jesus Christ - Yeshua is called the King of Israel, not the King of the church. He was declared the King of the Jews and will reign on the throne of King David on earth during the Messianic kingdom for 1000 years. ( John 1:19; 12:13 ; Matthew 27:11, 27, 37, 42 ) The Eternal Kingdom is a different separate kingdom in purpose and scope which we will discuss later. Remember precision in terms is very important to interpretation and application in context of scripture.
Repeating for emphasis:
The church, which began in Acts 2, exists for three specific, divinely ordained reasons. First, the church exists to glorify God. Second, the church exists to edify or build up members. God has placed spiritual gifts in the body of Christ for the purpose of our being built up, so to become spiritually mature, and reach unity. Third, the church exists for the purpose of accomplishing world evangelism and to fulfill the Great Commission.
Answers to Last week’s Questions:
NOW I leave the answers for this week’s questions for you to research:
The Purpose of the Ekklesia -
“To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen”… Ephesians 3:21
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”…Ephesians 4:11-13
“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. “…Mark 16:15
The information below is not of my concerns alone, but these points were shared over 100 years ago by a prominent Bible theologian and scholar Clarence Larkin. It was at this time of “enlightenment” that many christian sects and groups were forming. Larkin warned the Church at that time of these false doctrines slipping into mainstream Christianity and what the outcome would be; We see it today ! So, beloved we must know not only our identity in Christ, but our identity as the “ekklesia” lest we be deceived into what Larkin warned would be the final outcome, an apostate church thinking it was “preparing the world for the kingdom”, yet they were actually in partnership with the world serving the purposes of the antichrist in the last days.
The church, which began in Acts 2, exists for three specific, divinely ordained reasons. First, the church exists to glorify God. Second, the church exists to edify or build up members. God has placed spiritual gifts in the body of Christ for the purpose of our being built up, so to become spiritually mature, and reach unity. Third, the church exists for the purpose of accomplishing world evangelism and to fulfill the Great Commission.
So your views as the true purpose of the church and your understanding of what the first century followers of Jesus Christ believed they were called out to do will affect the way you walk out your faith and assignments in the Lord.
Scriptures to ponder: Pay specific attention to detail;
Ask Who, What When, and Why - Be Precise and always Note CONTEXT
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:14-20
Ephesians Chapters 3 & 4
Acts Chapters 1-4
PRAYER FOCUS :
Father we ask for your direction as we seek to fulfill your purpose in “calling us out” from the world and darkness. Remind us of our divine commission and mandates.
As in years past and becoming manifest again today some are promoting an understanding that does not express the truth about the true purpose and nature of the ekklesia and its connection to the Messianic kingdom. One of these movements is the “kingdom now dominion theology," this teaching significantly alters the divine design for the church. This view opens the door not only to deception, but becomes a major distractions to the true gospel message of the first century and our Lord Jesus Christ being preached.
Part of the “kingdom now theology” brings this basic assumption: The church in some sense is the kingdom, and therefore has a divine right to rule; or it is the business of the church to “establish” fully the Kingdom of God among men. However, by doing this we lose our “pilgrim” character, and effectively become part of the world in seeking to grasp the reins of political power and rule by the sword.The implications of a “present ecclesiastical kingdom” are unmistakable, and has historically always led in one direction, political control of the state by the church. Thus, misleading the body from God’s design for his church, which is too evangelize and make disciples by teaching and preaching the Gospel, the essence of the Great Commission. We the ekklesia are to be a positive influence in this fallen culture, a light in the darkness, but we are not called to rule and reign in the PRESENT AGE with kingdom authority. It is at Christ’s return that HE WILL establish his earthly, Messianic Kingdom, the church is to await until that glorious day. (2 Timothy 4:1-8) The administration of which we are apart and awaiting. (Ephesians 1:9-10 ; also see Colossians 1:13-20)
Seeing the church as the kingdom also causes the church to substitute social causes for the preaching of the true gospel. The gospel becomes eclipsed by humanitarian concerns, then our priorities become out of order. The gospel should move us to charitable acts, but it should not be allowed to distract us from our true purpose and calling.
One final thought on this, our understanding as to Israel’s position and purpose in the last days is also essential to our knowing our purpose of being the “called out ones”.
The church has never replaced Israel in His eternal purposes! Jesus Christ - Yeshua is called the King of Israel, not the King of the church. He was declared the King of the Jews and will reign on the throne of King David on earth during the Messianic kingdom for 1000 years. ( John 1:19; 12:13 ; Matthew 27:11, 27, 37, 42 ) The Eternal Kingdom is a different separate kingdom in purpose and scope which we will discuss later. Remember precision in terms is very important to interpretation and application in context of scripture.
Repeating for emphasis:
The church, which began in Acts 2, exists for three specific, divinely ordained reasons. First, the church exists to glorify God. Second, the church exists to edify or build up members. God has placed spiritual gifts in the body of Christ for the purpose of our being built up, so to become spiritually mature, and reach unity. Third, the church exists for the purpose of accomplishing world evangelism and to fulfill the Great Commission.
Answers to Last week’s Questions:
- As a “called out one” what was the first century believer’s concept of the church’s purpose, function and role in the earth? To be a witness of the Gospel into the whole world, by preaching, teaching and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Who was the leader or Lord of first century believers, both believing Jew and Gentile? They looked to one leader as their Lord Jesus Christ, they looked at his disciples as teachers of the gospel to build up and edify the body.
- What had He called them out to do? Matthew 28:18-20, and they were to become ambassadors of the gospel or ambassadors for Christ; to act as a representative of Christ preaching the gospel of Christ. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Ephesians 6:20) They were to witness or testify about Him and how God had opened the door to salvation to not only the Jews, but also to the Gentiles.
- What form governance was in place for the early church body? Or was there one? The first century church followed the Jewish order within the congregation, that of a counsel of elders who presided over the needs of fellow believers as servant leaders. examples of: Acts 6:1-6; 13:1-4 ;15:1-35 Also see Strong’s #4245 ;of which was called elders or presbyter, as ministers to the congregation. This is not to be confused with the hierarchal arrangement of the Catholic Church.
- Did the first century church indicate in anyway they were to take dominion or authority over the governments of the earth before Christ’s return to setup His Messianic Kingdom? Initially Jesus disciples thought he would set up His earthly kingdom at that time, however, the Lord corrected their understanding and gave them the assignment of being no part of this world, but fight the good fight of the faith, preaching, teaching, and be at the work of evangelism until He returns. On “That DAY” they will sit with him in His kingdom. The Messianic Kingdom is a literal earthly kingdom that will be established in Jerusalem when Jesus the Messiah returns and He will sit on the throne of David as He is the King of Israel.
NOW I leave the answers for this week’s questions for you to research:
- What is the true purpose for the ekklesia?
- What did the first century believers feel was their divine commission?
- What were Jesus’ specific instructions to His followers?
- What is the gospel?
- How does our view of the Messianic Kingdom affect our understanding our assignment as the ekklesia?