Ekklesia
Ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah) is the New Testament Greek word for ‘church.’ Today when we hear ‘church’ most of us think ‘building.’ But when our ancient ancestors in the faith heard ‘ekklesia’ they never would have thought ‘building.’ In fact, there were not any church buildings for the first 300 years of Christianity’s existence!
So Christ Fellowship is going to spend the Fall focusing on this mysterious ancient word. What is the EKKLESIA? What is its essence? Why has God made it is his primary vehicle for changing the world? What does it mean for an individual Christ-follower to be a part of it?
These questions are critical for the very reason that few people ever think to even ask them! But if what John Piper writes is true (and it is), then this will be one of our most important sermon series at Christ Fellowship.
"The church of Jesus Christ is the most important institution in the world. The assembly of the redeemed, the company of the saints, the children of God are more significant in world history than any other group, organization or nation. The United States of America compares to the church of Jesus Christ like a speck of dust compares to the sun. The drama of international relations compares to the mission of the church like a kindergarten riddle compares to Hamlet or King Lear. And all pomp of May Day in Red Square and the pageantry of New Year's in Pasadena fade into a formless grey against the splendor of the bride of Christ. Take heed how you judge. Things are not what they seem. "All flesh is like grass. And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord (and all His family) abide forever" (1 Peter 1:24,25). The media and all the powers, and authorities and rulers and stars that they present are a mirage. "For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). The gates of hades, the powers of death, will prevail against every institution but one, the church." – John Piper
