Ekklesia Part 1
“A great awakening often starts with a rude awakening.”
Graham Cooke
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:13-18 (NIV)
18 I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this truth of who I am will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build my church—my legislative assembly, and the power of death will not be able to overpower it!
Matthew 16:18-19 (TPT)
Ekklesia -a secular institution operating in the marketplace in a governmental capacity.
Those who believed the word that day numbered three thousand. They were all baptized and added to the church. 42 Every believer was faithfully devoted to following the teachings of the apostles. Their hearts were mutually linked to one another, sharing communion and coming together regularly for prayer. 43 A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had. 45 Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. 46 Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. 47 They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life.
Acts 2:41–47 (TPT)
Characteristics of the Ekklesia (Church) in the book of Acts.
- Members being devoted to their leaders’ teaching
- Individual and corporate prosperity to provide for every need inside and outside their circles
- Daily additions (numerical growth) happening
- Ongoing and expanding favor with outsiders, especially those in authority in their city
- Signs and wonders being performed in the public arena. (Acts 5:12)
- PEOPLE
- CITIES
- NATIONS
- Bless the lost
- Fellowship with them
- Minister to them/heal the sick
- Proclaim that “the kingdom of God has come near to you”
- Discipling nations- Redemption in the marketplace
- Labor as worship- Unlocking the gates
- Elimination of systemic poverty – spiritual, relational, motivational, material
