Acquaintance: Someone you have social contact with, but without any real emotional attachment.
Friend: Someone you trust, respect, have affection for, and are loyal too. Friendships demand a greater responsibility. A close friend will have a strong personal attachment.

The foundation of all true friendships is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13

So ask yourself this question; In our relationship with God is he our friend or acquaintance?
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"Review of The New Apostolic Epoch by S. Douglas Small"

This Manifesto is a true clarion call to the Body of Christ! It is sounding forth with a true Apostolic tone that resonants through both spirit and flesh. Dr. Small's insights and nature are clear indications that this manifesto is Spirit birthed and Spirit breathed.


Our resolve therefore should be, to be a people of humility and dedication to the very thing for which we have be called. It is the underlining theme of this work and carries with it the very heart of Father God.

Repentant Before the LORD 

“AND My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways
, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. NOW My eyes will be open and My ears attentive
to the prayer offered in this place” (2 Chronicles 7:14-15).

For over twenty years now many in the prayer movement have been using this text in coming together to pray and REPENT for
every sin, known and unknown, yet we have seen no real change or transformation. Only when in small pockets were there is
a real humility and seeking God and turning away from sin have we seen true transformation.  As we God’s People move forward,
we must take counsel with heaven and move with clarity and discernment.

​Therefore, we must ask ourselves these questions:

• Do we accurately carry the Name of GOD?
• Are we praying prayers that touch heaven? 
• Are we posturing in true humility and submission to Holy Spirit? 
• Are we seeking God’s face and the glory of His majesty, or just His hand of provision? 
• Do we really have a repentant heart and follow through with our conduct, or simply go through the motion of “continually repenting” with no change of course? 
• Why do we continually speak of “our healing the land”? When it is only Almighty God that can do this deep work!

These are just a few of the questions that are raised as we walk through 2 Chronicles 7:14.
This text never said; "If my people will"...It only refers to GOD with this expression, God says; "If I ever", friends we must
read the WORD with understanding. 

Please look it up in the TANACH (Hebrew translation of scripture), the Interlinear Bible, NASB, even the Message Bible .
There has been a whole doctrine of teaching on “If my people”, when it’s not even an accurate translation of text,
but added because man wanted the emphasis on his works, and not on God. We have missed the mark for too long in our
intercession. See verse 18: It is God who will establish the throne of David, not man. It is God’s land mentioned in
verse 20. Please READ 2 Chronicles Chapter 7 to understand the fullness of the text. We miss out on so much by not digging
out the rich treasures within GOD’S WORD! 

CONTEXT< CONTEXT< CONTEXT gives us the insights needed to understand our position and authority not only in prayer,
but in our declarations.

MY PRAYER :Father we repent of our taking credit for what only you can do LORD. Heal us now Father and heal the land
in which you alone are sovereign. We trust in you alone LORD to accomplish your will in us and through us.

“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.
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:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
5. 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.
This week’s Questions:
1. What is the true purpose for the ekklesia?
2. What did the first century believers feel was their divine commission?
3. What were Jesus’ specific instructions to His followers?
4. What is the gospel?
5. How does our view of the Messianic Kingdom affect our understanding our assignment as the ekklesia?

Today 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:

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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)
4. 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:

1. As a “called out one” what was the first century believer’s concept of the church’s purpose, function and role in the earth?
2. Who was the leader or Lord of first century believers, both Jew and Gentile?
3. What had He called them out to do?
4. What form governance was in place for the early church body? Or was there one?
5. 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.

​

A VERY significant sign happening RIGHT NOW....Mars is in Sagittarius....It’s a sign in the heavens that a Great War is coming to the earth...ARE you prepared? This was revealed to me as I sat out under the stars by the campfire in north GA mountains over the Labor Day weekend. 

Father God has appointed times..not just feasts but, also fasts, some of these appointed times are everlasting. The “Household of God” is not preparing the nations for the Kings return, this includes all those calling themselves Christians....For some of them have never met Yeshua the Messiah, the King of Israel, the great Rabbi and High Priest...John 1:43-51, Matthew 21:5, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Isaiah 9:1-7

Revelation is what we need...
”my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...they have forgotten the “Torah” of thy God “....Hosea 4:6
Torah does not mean law, it means Divine Instruction! Pay attention, listen to what is being revealed in this scripture!
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Pray that the remnant will arise and declare the true WORD of the LORD.
WATCH FOR GREAT SHIFTS TO COME...CHAOS AND DISORDER ARE COMING...
The faith of many will be shaken as their preconceived religious notions will be exposed as false. ...Jeremiah chapter 23, see cross references.

Greek thinking and mindsets will be broken as the true Remnant align with Holy Spirit and the Jewish King Messiah, Israel moves into position to receive HER King, Yeshua Messiah and the nations are brought to the valley of decision.

NOW is the time to seek Father’s heart, dig deep into His Word and yield completely to Holy Spirit. Stop listening to false voices and teachers of apostasy. Seek truth, seek righteousness...seek the Kingdom. Matthew 6:33


DE 09/12/2018