TO: The Global EKKlesia – One New Man (Ephesians 2: 15, 16)

From the twelve disciples chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ has come millions of Christians who worship in cathedrals, churches of all sizes, stadiums, store fronts and even open air assemblies.  Colleges, seminaries, hospitals, schools and more have been built and sustained by The Faithful around the world. There are differences in style of worship, music, liturgy, sacraments, doctrine and church government, yet all are united by faith in the one risen Christ.

Obviously, there are many denominations, but all say that Jesus Christ is the Sovereign head of the church - The EKKlesia.  Each church body sets forth its process by which one can be accepted into the assembly.  Generally, a spiritual awakening that results from hearing the gospel message preached and a profession of faith proclaimed, begins the process of discipleship.

The meaning of the word church is EKKlesia (ek-lay-see-a) or called out ones.  Then, at what point does a person become a part of the EKKlesia?  Is it at confirmation, baptism or receiving Holy Communion?  What is the lowest common denominator of our union with Christ?

So much divides Christian assemblies and it reminds me of the early church when the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians and instructs them that there should be no divisions or schisms (Greek) concerning their religious leaders.  A report had come to him that some where claiming to be followers of Paul, some of Apollos, some of Cephas (Peter) and some of Christ.  He asks them “is Christ Divided?” (I Corinthians 1:10 - 13 KJV).  He instructs them to take their eyes off of humanity and place them squarely on Christ, who is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Sadly, what the first century church was able to do by the Holy Spirit, that is to elevate Jesus Christ to be the Head of the church, the modern church, to its detriment, has not been able to do.  Rather, it has elevated pastors, bishops and other higher tiers of ecclesiastical authority to be the voices to which the people respond and the congregants do not know the voice of the shepherd.  Jesus said of himself “… the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.  And a stranger will they not follow…” (John 10: 4, 5 KJV).  

Beneath the many layers of repairable fractures is a common experiential core that is the lowest common denomonator of the Christian faith, which is, being born again!  The EKKlesia, the called-out ones, are birthed at the place where faith plus repentance intersects with Divine redemption.  This is who they are before a choice is made about what church to affiliate with.  This marks the place of the first love for Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit has been actively drawing that person to the Savior and a new name is written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21: 27 KJV).

The EKKlesia is in every church but everyone in the church is not in the EKKlesia!  By divine assignment, I am blowing the Shofar to call his people back to him.  He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Shalom,
Coram Deo
Edward Donalson Jr.
CEO The EKKlesia, Inc.