I am an insider!

I am an insider!

I am part of the Ekklesia – (ek·klay·see·ah ) What in the world is that?  It’s the word used in the first Bible for ‘church.’  Paul called those gatherings of Believers the ‘ekklesia.’  The word was not associated with spirituality. It was actually a political word!  Before there were TV’s, radios, phones, newspapers, texting, or email, the most effective way to share community news was to call the people to the town square. If there was an issue to be decided, only citizens could participate in the debate and the voting. When they were called into a gathering, they were the ‘ekklesia,’ literally – ‘the called out ones.’

God assembles His people and hands them a high purpose- to take His Light and Life into a dark and dying world!  We are His Church. Note the capital ‘C.’ That denotes the universal Body, those who are “called out” to be ‘in Christ.’  It’s not about “my church” or your church. The Church encompasses people of many persuasions concerning styles of worship and particular practices of faith. We diminish the glory of God’s design and hinder God’s work when we make the assumption that ‘our’ group is ‘the’ church. The Church is made up of all those who have heard the Spirit’s call and received Christ Jesus as Lord by faith. Paul urges us to follow his example and to give "thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth." (2 Thessalonians 2:13, NIV) The Church is God’s assembly, not my club! Neither you nor I get to choose who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out.’ He elects, we accept! Being part of God’s ‘ekklesia’ is a high holy calling!

It is a privilege as a member of God’s own ‘ekklesia!’ This calling brings with it real responsibility.  “We are Christ’s ambassadors,” the Bible says. We represent Him!  So, "live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3, CEV)

Being part of God’s chosen people does not make us superior, and because it is His calling and His work, we have no reason for pride or arrogance.  Our model is Jesus Himself who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28, NIV)

You can be an insider! Believe the Good News about Jesus Christ. Let the Spirit of God flow into your life. Hear the call to the ‘ekklesia.’ Then, live a worthy life, filled with love for Christ, connected to His Church, and overflowing with compassion for those who are yet to be called into His great assembly.

Take this word from the Word with you today. Meditate on it.
"…when he comes to receive glory and praise from his holy people. ….you will be among those praising him on that day, for you believed what we testified about him. And so we keep on praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of the life to which he called you. And we pray that God, by his power, will fulfill all your good intentions and faithful deeds.Then everyone will give honor to the name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:10-14, NLT)

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Rise up, O Church of God,
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind
And soul and strength
To serve the King of kings!

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