Fat Shepherds – Ezekiel 34
This passage is a prophetic message against the shepherds of Israel. It uses a lot of imagery concerning sheep and what they do, and is being applied to the leaders of Israel. As a prophetic message, we believe it continues to applicable to His people. So look at the shepherds of today. Do you see the same sins?
Ekklesia – What it is and isn’t.
This word is the Greek word that is translated “church”. We look at the historical Greek and Christian definitions, as well as the modern dictionary definition. While we don’t want to dwell on literal definitions, it is a good place to start, and to see how the meaning of the word has changed over time. We are always pushing for God’s designs and pictures, so we need to find that meaning and walk in it.
How does the Bible define “church”? These are some pictures that can be gathered from Scripture.
- Community of believers united in faith, filled with the Holy Spirit, seeking God and His ways together, caring for each other (Acts 2; Acts 4:32-35; Ephesians 4)
- A body with Christ as the Head, whose members are working in giftings (1 Corinthians 12, esp vs 27; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4)
- The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9; Rev 21:1-4; Ephesians 5:22-23; also Hosea)
- God’s household/temple/building (1 Corinthians 3:9-17, 1 Timothy 3:15, Hebrews 3:5-6, 1 Peter 2:1-10)
- A declaration of God’s glory (As fullness – Ephesians 1:18-23; As manifold wisdom – Ephesians 3:8-12)
These pictures can be seen as united/progressive. The Church is: a community of believers, which makes up the parts of the Body, which is also the Bride of Christ (because the bride and groom are one flesh), and this “family” is the household of God. This unity/family declares the glory of God.
Song
“Waiting on Pentecost” by Wilson and Macqueen
For more info:
www.sunministries.org
Theme music: “The Resistance” by Josh Garrels (www.joshgarrels.com) licensed by Marmoset Music (www.marmosetmusic.com)
Other music:
“All I Need” by Enter the Worship Circle (www.entertheworshipcircle.com).
“Rugged Old Hand” by Ben Pasley.
Both used by permission of Ben Pasley of Enter the Worship Circle