1984 and Jesus’ Ekklesia
Where am I and how did I get in this handbasket?! Some days when I wake up and look at our nation I ask that question. What we’re seeing played out in our world right now, at a greater magnitude than I’ve seen in my 51 years, is a battle of kingdoms. It isn’t new, […]
Authority and Power
The ekklesia had an inauspicious beginning: They were hiding in the upper room. True, they were praying, but I bet there was no small measure of fear in their group. Luke doesn’t mention their fear, but I think we can assume it was there. A conspiracy against this band of disciples reached the highest positions […]
But Some Doubted
“The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name […]
The (Real) Message of the Church
“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.” (Luke 16:16, NIV84) When was the last time you saw someone so excited about the kingdom of God that he’d force his way in? […]
The Church and the Gates of Hades
“… and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18, CSB) This is Jesus’ very first mention of “the church” as he’s responding to Peter’s confession of Jesus as Messiah. That truth would be the bedrock of the church – the church would build […]
