Ekklesia - The Church (Matthew 16:18-19; 28:19-20; 1 John 5:14-15)

SPIRITUAL CHANGE

There definitely needs to be a shift; a change; a renewing of the mind, to the spiritual and scriptural concept of the (ekklesia). [see Fulfilling Purpose]. The defensive, drawn back from the world, understanding of, and function of the overwhelming majority of "churches", has left the impression that the term is specifically those who are "called out" from society; separate and apart; or, mistakenly protected or reserved for something exclusive, but different from society.

GOVERN SOCIETY

The (ekklesia), in fact, were the very people that ran society. They were the voting members of the society, the legal citizens, who directed all that went on in the city-states, for the benefit of all society. For us to back away from that mandate only leaves that position of authority void, for usurpers to step in and take over the direction and influence of conducting the spiritual climate of that town or city.

Jesus said He would build His (ekklesia), "church", and it would take over the legal right of governance, away from demonic influences and they alone would have the authority to stop spiritual activity against His will (binding) or allow those things that further His kingdom (loose)  (Matt.16:18-19).

ALL AUTHORITY

Jesus said, "All authority is given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matt.28:18). He then said that He wants us to go and exercise this spiritual authority, and declare His will as King, being His representatives on the earth, teaching everyone the rules of the kingdom and how to function spiritually, while on the earth (Matt.28:19-20).

We are not to live within the confines of the towns or cities we exist in, with passive acceptance, holding on until the King returns. We are to run these communities, exercising spiritual authority; changing the atmosphere; directing change; declaring what is and what shall be.

The (ekklesia) met regularly to administrate change; make altering decisions; and generally, direct every function of the city. Their meetings all started with worship to the god(s) of the city and then each member had a right and responsibility to voice their measure of influence over every decision.

PRAISE and WORSHIP

Praise and worship in the (ekklesia) is not a preamble to preaching. Not only does it usher in the manifest presence of God, but the praises of God in our mouth and declaring the word [will] of God, in the spiritual realm, executes vengeance upon the nations, punishments upon the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute upon them the judgment written. This honor have all His saints. (Psalm 149:6-9). This is the binding and loosing spoken of by Jesus.

PRAYER

We also need to change our concept of "prayer", both privately and publicly. When we come together as the (ekklesia) to make and form decisions, this is not an exercise in futility. Many prayers are never answered because the King only executes or carries out, and responds to, His will. He specifically told us that we can have boldness to come before Him, because if we demand anything for ourselves, according to His will, because we have a legal right to possess what we are demanding, He hears us, and because He hears us, whatever we demand for ourselves, because it is our legal right, we know we have the requests that we desired of Him (1 John 5:14-15). [This is the meaning of the Greek word (aiteo) translated "ask" in the passage].

WHATEVER YOU DEMAND

Again, Jesus, the King, said, "whatever you demand for yourselves, because it is your legal right, as my representative in the earth, when you boldly declare and confidently assert my words, out loud, you will receive, right now, in the spiritual realm, what you demanded, and that request will manifest in the earth" (paraphrase of Mark 11:24) [The word translated "prayer' is (proseuchemai) which means to make bold or confident assertions about oneself; to brag or boast].  

When we gather together as the "church" on Sunday morning, or whenever we meet, we are to execute, and bring into force, spiritual law. 

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours