top of page
Search
Writer's picturepastorolita
Dec 9, 201910 min read

The Obedient Family (Part 2)- Study Note: Ekklesia

Updated: Dec 23, 2019

The Obedient Family (Part 2)- Study Note: Ekklesia


Modern language often uses the word "church" in ways that differ from the Bible. For example, a recently published dictionary says that "church" means "an edifice [building] for public worship," and also "a Christian denomination." What happens when people use these definitions in reading the Bible? They are likely to be confused because the Bible never has those two meanings for "church."


If we are truly interested in understanding the Bible, we must learn how the Bible defines its own words. We can do this by seeing how, when and where the Bible uses words. Often a word's setting or context makes that word's meaning clear. This is true of the word "church." The NT's message about unity within one church stands in conflict with today's fragmentation into many "denominations" and "divisions of Christianity." In the same way, anyone familiar with the Bible realizes that it uses "church" to refer to people, not a building. In the first nine chapters of Acts, the family of God is called "all who believed... their people... them (their number)... those who obey Him... the church... the disciples... brothers... saints... the whole group" (Acts 2:44,47; 4:23,32; 5:11-14,32; 6:1-5; 8:1,3; 9:1,13,26,30-31). Compare Acts 8:1 with Acts 9:1, and you will see that "the church" is simply another way of saying "the Lord's disciples" (cf. 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13; Php 3:6).





Study Note: Ekklesia

Original Languages People today who want to go deeper into the study of biblical words need to consider the languages in which the Bible was first written. The NT was written in the common (koine) Greek language of the first century. Ekklesia was an old word used by the Greeks for assemblies or gatherings, especially meetings of all the voting citizens of a city. (Ekklesia comes from two words: ek meaning "out," and kaleo meaning "call," hence the people called out to a meeting.) When the Old Testament was translated into Greek, ekklesia often translated the Hebrew word qahal, which was used for gatherings such as the mustering of troops for battle. In Dt, it was especially "the congregation" of all the Israelites that God called out of Egypt and gathered at Sinai.

NT writers were obviously aware of these older uses, which they borrowed a few times. The Greek use can be seen in Acts 19:32,39,41 where ekklesia refers to the gathered citizens of Ephesus. The Hebrew use can be seen in Acts 7:38 where Stephen talked about the Israelite "assembly" in the wilderness. Apart from such cases, NT writers used the word ekklesia exclusively for the followers of Christ, especially as He gathered them in the years after His resurrection. Ekklesia appears in only two passages before Acts. Mt 16:18 records Jesus' promise, "I will build My church." Mt 18:17 records His instructions for discipline in "the church." (In that context, Mt 18:20 records His promise to be present even "where two or three come together [Greek: synago]" in His name.)

Christ's Ekklesia Begins While Luke never uses ekklesia in his Gospel, he goes on in Acts to use it 23 times (20 times for Christ's followers). This matches the fact that Jesus used the future tense in Mt 16:18, "I will build My church." At that time His ekklesia was still to come. This also matches the NT teaching that the ekklesia rests on the foundation of Jesus as the crucified Christ (Mt 16:16-21; Acts 20:28, Eph 1:20- 2:16; Heb 2:9-17; 9:16; 12:22-24). His death, burial and resurrection form the heart of the Gospel (1 Cor 15:1-4), which serves as Christ's way of calling (kaleo, 2 Th 2:14). He calls people out of (ek) the world's darkness (Col 1:13; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Cor 6:14-17; Heb 13:13). Scripture makes no direct play on the two words that join to form ek-klesia. But the earliest Christians easily recognized that Christ's gathering or ekklesia was made up of those called out by the Gospel.


This explains why we do not read of the church as existing before Acts. Christ had to die and rise again for the Gospel to be preached as an accomplished fact. In this sense, the first Gospel call was broadcast on the Pentecost soon after Christ's resurrection (about A.D. 30). From that day, the Lord "added" all who believed and obeyed the Gospel (Acts 2:41 with 2:47; 5:11 with 5:14). Acts then speaks often of the ekklesia as a vital and growing reality. The ekklesia fears (Acts 5:11), enjoys peace (9:31), hears (11:22), meets (11:26; 14:27; 15:30), prays (12:5), has elders (14:23; 20:17,28), sends (15:3), welcomes (15:4), decides (15:22), and receives greetings (18:22). Clearly the ekklesia is neither a lifeless structure (such as a building), nor an impersonal institution, nor an idea that exists in heaven alone. As 1 Tim 3:15 shows, the ekklesia is the living family of God.

Use Of Singular And Plural Scripture often uses the definite article and the singular form: he ekklesia, which means the church. (He is pronounced like "hay.") He ekklesia can refer to all members around the world that gather in a spiritual sense with Christ (Eph 1:22-2:6; 3:10,21; 5:23-32 cf. Heb 12:22-23). At the same time, he ekklesia can refer to all members throughout a city (Acts 8:1,3; 11:22,26; 13:1; Rom 16:1; 1 Cor 1:2; Rev 2:1), and to members that meet in a private house (Rom 16:5; 1 Cor 16:19; Col 4:15; Phm 1:2 cf. Rom 16:23). Early copies of the NT even apply he ekklesia to members throughout a region (Acts 9:31). These cases emphasize that the church keeps its singular nature it remains one church even when it spreads abroad and meets in many places.

That essential unity should be remembered when we come to the plural form ekklesiai. Paul "went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches" (Acts 15:41 cf. Rom 16:4; 1 Cor 16:1,19; 2 Cor 8:18-24; 12:13; Gal 1:2; Rev 1:4,11,20; 22:16). "All" such churches shared greetings, and they shared in loving deeds (Rom 16:16; Acts 15:23; 1 Cor 16:1,19; 2 Cor 8:1,18-19,23-24; 11:8,28; 12:13; Gal 1:1-2). They remained united in the teachings of "the faith" (Acts 16:5; 14:22; 1 Cor 4:17; 7:17; 11:16; Col 4:16; cf. Col 1:23; 1 Tim 1:3; 4:1-3). Their unity grew from their common relationship to God and to Christ (1 Th 1:1; 2 Th 1:1), as the following phrases show:

• all the churches of Christ (Rom 16:16 cf. Rev 1:10-20; 2:1).

• the churches of God (1 Cor 11:16; 1 Th 2:14; 2 Th 1:4 cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Cor 1:2).

• all the congregations of the saints (1 Cor 14:33 cf. Heb 12:23)

• churches of Judea that are in Christ (Gal 1:22).


The NT's use of these plural forms, therefore, never implies division. "The churches" simply means "the congregations" of Christ's one church or body. Each local congregation meets regularly, and that meeting is also called ekklesia (1 Cor 14:19,28,34-35). 1 Cor 11 and 14 emphasize that the details of this assembly should reflect God's nature as loving, strengthening, peaceful and orderly.


Just as Jesus promised, He is present even in the smallest gathering ("where two or three come together in My name"). Thus, whether viewed as universal, or regional, or local, the living Christ's presence blesses His ekklesia. Whether viewed as a congregation of thousands, or as a church that meets in a home, or as the first small assembly in a new place, the ekklesia remains the family that the Son gathers for His Father. This is the church where you belong, or where you ought to belong!





Dear Members or Friends, True Disciples or Leaders and Rulers

Lord Jesus' first disciples included His apostles. But they were not the last disciples, for He trained them to train others.

"Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus our King did not say, "Make believers." A person may have some sort of belief, but never become a disciple. Our King Jesus does not say, "Make worshipers." People may give prayers and offerings without being disciples. All disciples believe and worship, but not all 'believers' and 'worshipers' are disciples. Our savior and King Jesus commands, "Make disciples." That term, as commonly used at that time, means, "Train learners who are committed to following their Teacher's instruction and example." Lord and our healer Jesus reinforces the meaning of continuing learning by saying, "...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Some refer to Matthew 28:20 as the second half of the Great Commission. It may be more difficult to fulfill, but it is essential for spiritual health as you "grow up in your salvation." Hearing and obeying Christ our Lord and Savior, these are like air to the disciple. To stop breathing that air is to cease being a disciple.

INTRODUCTION AND TESTIMONY

Grace Kingdom Ministry international(G.K.M.I) was birthed in 2011 December in Buru Buru Phase 5 ,Nairobi,Kenya when the founder or Visionary Pastor Stephen Olita met the Lord Jesus Christ and gave him a vision of the Kingdom of God, to preach the Kingdom of God to all Nations Mathew 24:14 and to teach about our Lord Jesus Christ as we to raise leaders in Africa starting with Kenya, Africa and the Whole world. Acts 28:31, Philippians 4:13.

Grace kingdom ministry international is a Church, Leadership and Humanitarian organization with it headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya in Kiambiu Slum in Buru Buru phase one on outering road. We are mandated to address both spiritual, mental or emotional and physical needs for the oppressed people in our society including Widows, Orphans and disables, James 1:26-27.

We have seen and we are still seeing all kinds of crimes, Sexual abuse, murder,prostitution,adultery,rape,gang warfare Galatians 5:16-26 in our streets taking toll on our people especially targeting our young People with drugs and drug dealers are influencing our youth or our young People. Now is our responsibility as a Church to invest all our efforts into Sports, Business, Arts, Films and Music, Talents, Skills and gifts search and to bring our young People out of crime in our streets to our Lord Jesus Christ and to know Him better through these activities so they can discover their Purpose, Passion, Potential and their destiny which is a hope and a future.

OUR VISION-Transforming followers into leaders and leaders into agent of change (Raising Leaders and Rulers, shaping vision, influencing society and culture through Christ).Philippians 4:13

OUR MISSION-Preaching the kingdom of God, Teaching about Lord Jesus Christ and saving the lost at any cost. Mathew 24:14

Our Church as Leadership organization is mandated to train and raise over 3 Billions disciples or Leaders in Nairobi, Kenya ,the whole Africa and the whole world between now 2019 to 2035 and beyond. These trained Leaders will in return train others Disciples close to over 3 Billion and these circles of Multiplication goes on and on by grace and will or mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ as we preach the kingdom of God and teaching about Lord Jesus Christ as we follow His instruction to fulfill the great commission in Mathew 28:18-20.This is the main core of our vision and mission of our organization and we are looking for resources to fulfill this goal and plan from our Partners and well-wishers around the World including you and others.

SUBJECT:KENYA,AFRICA and The WHOLE WORLD are IN NEED OF YOU.Take action now.Don't watch things happening.make a difference.

WE Grace Kingdom Ministry International(G.K.M.I),WE are trying to plant our over 11 Churches and Orphanages(James 1:26-27) in Kenya,Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab),Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North) , Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA for the Glory of GOD to fulfill the Great Commission Mandate in MATHEW 28:18-20 at a cost of over USD 7 Million.Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts 12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13.

Our vision and Mission is focused beyond 2035 if we will be alive by that time but if not we are planning it now for the generation now and the coming new future generation. As per below stated, We have two phases,Phase one is for Kenya to raise over 20 million leaders and Phase Two is the whole of Africa and the whole world to raise over 3 Billion leaders from now to 2035 and beyond. We believe we will fulfill this great commission by reaching out to the whole World or Nations by the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as He commanded us to preach in Mathew 24:14 and Mathew 28:18-20 if these resources are met as suggested.

We have targeted to raise over USD 7 Million to plants or build the following Churches in Nairobi and the whole Kenya ,Africa and the whole world namely,Eastleigh,South B and C and along Ngong road ,Kibera area,Eastern province in Thika Makongeni, Nyatta plateau,Machakos,Nakuru,Kitale,Kisii,Homa Bay,Migori,Kuria Land,Kisumu,Siaya,Busia, Malawi,India,Pakistan,Uganda,Ghana,South Africa,Tanzania,DRC Congo,Zimbabwe,Somali(al-Shabaab), Nigeria(Boko Haram), Sudan (South and North),Philippines,Haiti ,Zambia,Australia, Onalaska Washington State USA. These Churches will include all the necessary facilities and resources for training Leaders or Disciples with also centers for feeding for the orphans and other vulnerable Children. Our own Radio ,TV station,Books,Publishing Company, Print Media, Universities, Holy Bible Colleges and institutes,Banks,Media centers and institutes for music and film making, Hotels resorts and Business buildings. and other systems of influence for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8,Acts 9:31.Acts12;24,Acts 16:5,Revelation 2:9-10, Revelation 3:7-13,Galatians 3:14,26-29.

Any support to help us raise the needed funds as mentioned in the above for the planting or building of these Churches in Nairobi ,Kenya, Africa and the Whole world as explained in the above will be will be honored and appreciated for the sake of saving souls for the kingdom of God to fulfill the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mathew 28:18-20.

WE need Partners, Holy Bibles, Financial Support, Lands in the Cities, Towns or Villages near you to do this worthy noble cause. Acts 4:28-37.

The following are our Church Bank details. Bank Name: Kenya Commercial Bank Swift Code:KCBKENX Bank Code:100 Branch Code:0107 ACCOUNT NUMBER:1253041768.

Also you can use Western Union Money Transfer or Money Gram addressed to Stephen Olita,+254722761587,email:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com.Please also do send me the copy of the Bank Slip to enable me access the Money and do the will of GOD. James 1:26-27 New International Version (Niv),Luke 6:38,2 Corinthians 9:5-15.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD PARTNER WITH US AND DONATE ANY RESOURCES INCLUDING MONEY. https://web.facebook.com/groups/1773715129514690/ https://www.facebook.com/GRACE-KINGDOM-MINISTRY-521008011400445/\

Contact me for more information Pastor Stephen Olita,+254722761587,+254734939308 or email me:pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com


For Kingdom of God Preaching’s and Teachings Series in Relationship,Equipping,Attitude and Leadership(R.E.A.L) Ask for them in Series in Books,Tapes,Audios,Videos,DVD’s,CD’sVCD’s,MP3’s,MP4’s and in Flash disks. Please call +254722761587,+254734939308 Or Email us: pastorolita@gmail.com,gracekingdomministry@gmail.com,pastorolita@yahoo.com

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

bottom of page