We are Ekklesia - the called out ones!

As always, REVIVAL is how my heart beats. There is a desperation in my spirit to pray into that on a weekly, and often times a daily, basis. Our world is so broken and yet so completely oblivious to their lack.

“Ekklesia” – this was the original word used to identify the early church. It means “assembly” or “gathering” OR more powerfully “the called out ones”. This beautiful descriptor aligns with the whole of the New Testament, denoting that we are called to be a people who are counter-cultural. We are “new creations” and should no longer be defined by our old sinful selves or patterns. We have been SET APART to be a people whose identity no longer lies in self but in Jesus!

These New Testament believers were a “rebellious” group, living with radical commitment to a man who claimed to be the Way, the Truth and the Life; claimed to be one with the Father and yes, claimed to be God’s Son, the Messiah (see all of John 10)!

Can you imagine if the Messiah had not already come, what His reception would be today? I would like to think I’d be one who was drawn, one who knew the scriptures and was awaiting “the one to come”, but I am not convinced I would be. We live in a cultural where one either believes everything they hear or one who is skeptical about every leader who comes onto the scene. Along with that, we have the skepticism in the Church – we are quick to question anyone who is not “like us”. Too liturgical, too seeker-sensitive; religious, believes in the gifts; charismatic, fundamental; women in leadership, men-only leadership; sprinklers, immersion… The list of differences would take a whole book to compile.

But let’s go back to this early picture. There is such simplicity in it. It was simply about a group of “radical” men and women who followed the RISEN ONE, the Son of God, the Messiah – Jesus! It was enough to simply be about Him and walking as He walked. They were called by Jesus!

Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18 AMP

We ARE a people set-apart! We are the called ones! We are a people called to be the light of a city on a hill. Our identity in this should be crystal clear and blazing for all the world to see; not a fuzzy glimpse or a shadow.

And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. 15 Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. 16 You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. Matthew 5:14-16 (VOICE)

We are meant to be world-changers, ambassadors, a voice that pours out His hope and love and light to a lost and broken world.

Pray that we, the Bride, would come into alignment with His heart for the Church.

Last weekend I had the beautiful privilege to be part of a cross-church prayer meeting. The initial conversation between a pastor and a mayor turned into something that only God could have done… One conversation led to a meeting of six elected officials and 16 churches (meaning LEADERS/pastors from 16 churches) and many other believers in the community. These local officials were EACH given a chance to share the most pressing needs of their communities and HOW the Church could come alongside to support and breathe life.

I felt like it was worthy of a dance party! Hallelujah King Jesus! It was the seeds of prayer, an open door, and churches that were willing to say YES to Jesus being the name above all other names (Methodist, Baptist, Charismatic, Episcopal…). I see REVIVAL on the horizon in my sweet little community! I choose to press in and continue praying! I can only imagine how He is going to begin to weave all these pieces together; I know it will exceed all our wildest expectations! He is stirring up His Church!!! To Him be all the Glory!

It is easy to let doubt creep in. We are all so good at doing our own thing. And yet Jesus in on display in all these beautiful expressions of faith! He prayed that we would specifically be a people who were/are ONE.

Holy Father, I am about to leave this world
to return and be with you,
but my disciples will remain here.
So I ask that by the power of your name,
protect each one that you have given me,
and watch over them so that they will be united
as one, even as we are one. Matthew 17:11 TPT™

It wasn’t just a lofty idea on the Lord’s part. It is the heart of the Kingdom! It is the heart of our triune God!

I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, 21 that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me. I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected and completed into one, so that the world may know [without any doubt] that You sent Me, and [that You] have loved them, just as You have loved Me. John 17:20-23 (AMP)

I am excited to be praying specifically for the ripples of unity in the Church – for the Bride to find, again, that central place to unite. His name is Jesus – the all-sufficient sacrifice for all of mankind!