So we have been talking about the "Ekklesia" for the last several months. What did Jesus mean when He told Peter, ..."upon this rock (Peter) I will build my Ekklesia"? It is something I have been praying about for over two years, since I first heard Ed Silvoso share the meaning, historically, of what an "Ecclesia" was back in the times when Jesus made this declaration to Peter.
After years, and more so, the last 6-8 months, letting this thought take shape in my mind, I have a few thoughts I thought I would process through here. Just a disclaimer, I am in no way admitting I have understanding on this topic, just a few "what ifs", and possibilities, as I have meditated prayerfully on this topic.
First, if you haven't read Ed Silvoso's book, Ekklesia, you can pick it up on Amazon, Kindle, or Audible. I suggest the audible and physical book. I listen to it so I can re-think though things while doing things like folding laundry or getting ready in the morning rather than allowing my mind to think whatever it wants too. (Just a tip for scattered ADD people out there!)
Ekklesia = People
Consider this with me. Ekklesia is an assembly, but not really. The "assembly" of an Ekklesia is not reserved to a large public gathering at a set time and place. The convening of the Ekklesia, comparatively according to the ancient Roman Conventus, "where two or more are gathered", can be any gathering of it's citizens. (Chapter 1 in "Ekklesia", by Ed Silvoso) So, as I began to meditate on this, I realized that one of the greatest differences I see in the body of Christ is those who walk in confidence in their identity in Christ and the power of God that is so present in their lives. In fact, if you would consider this with me, I began to notice a shift in myself and those around me the more we digested this message of "Ekklesia". I do not believe it was because we were enlightened to higher Biblical knowledge, but I believe there is power and authority in Christ released when you know, believe, and with no question, understand the significant role we play as ambassadors to our King.
SHIFTING
I began thinking about what was shifting in my thinking that translated to my behavior. Why couldn't my city become one of the cities that Dr. Silvoso talks about in his book? And what needs to happen in my life and the believers in my city, or I'll say, in the San Francisco Bay Area, for us to experience a spiritual culture shift where people around us are BLESSED because we are here among them? I think that shifting is actually happening already, and it's a little scary, and a lot exciting. The shifting we (myself and those around me) are feeling is happening when we go into stores, businesses, parks, to our neighbors, and we know the power of God #1 is inside us and #2 is desired to be released to those around us.
We are the Ekklesia
Shifting my mindset has empowered me to get out of my head, and it has begun to shed off more layers of dullness that I have felt under the surface in my heart. Considering possibilities, like, "what if that person really wants Jesus in their life and the have been praying for someone to talk to, and I am that person?" "What if I am the answer to my neighbors prayer?" What if God's plan for my neighborhood, is ME?
If this is true, then what is my response?
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