“Ecclesia”

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 2:5

The ecclesia, the Church are the called out ones of God. Those who have come out of sin—darkness—and are now walking in obedience to God, in His marvelous light. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Cor 6:17-18.

The Bible refers to Lot and his family who escaped Sodom and Gomorrah. Likewise, we are to look forward having been called out, not to look back to the former things as his wife did. As the children of Israel who were delivered from Egypt, likewise, we are not to desire the things of old which lead to death, but to continue in righteousness, as the Ecclesia. We are to walk as called, looking and hasting to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

The Ecclesia are a people from every tribe, nation and tongue. The ecclesia which are a great multitude but very few in comparison to all the world. We are to worship the Father in Spirit, in truth, in holiness, in obedience and righteousness with love, all the days of our life.

“For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.” - Ezekiel 34:11-13

“Five-fold Ministry”

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:11-12

Every one in the Body of Christ has the ministry of reconciliation—to call people to repentance and tell them about the gospel of  Jesus Christ that is able to save their souls! Jesus instructed this to all His disciples. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:19-20). Every individual is to serve (minister) within their capacity and with the gifts of the Spirit given to each (1 Peter 4:10).

In addition, for the functioning of the Church/Body of Christ, Jesus gave the roles of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers so that:

1. we come to the unity of the faith

2. and of the knowledge of the Son,

3. unto a perfect man [being the Body],

4. unto the measure of the stature of Christ. 

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Ephesians 4:14)

According to the Bible, Jesus has listed roles as such. He did so for the above reason, not to elevate individuals and their personalized ministries/organizations but rather for the unification and edification of the Body. If you would observe, He called the Apostles then taught them. They did not appoint themselves neither did they elevate themselves nor personalize any ministry of their own in any way.

“Communion”

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 22:19-20

Communion is not for special events neither is it an occasional event. Jesus instituted communion and the breaking of bread and drinking of wine in fellowship fellowship and in remembrance of Him. This is the Body’s acknowledgement of their Head and His sacrifice, His covenant with His people. Most professing Christians do not understand the spiritual and historical context behind the fellowshipping of the brethren as the Body of Christ and the communion therein in acknowledgement of His sacrifice. For most, it is just a thing to be done out of routine rather than by reason. However, we are warned of how we partake of the communion. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 explains the consequences and realities for many who drink of the cup ‘unworthily.’ We are told to examine ourselves (2 Cor 13:5) if we truly are of the faith and walking in true covenant and obedience to Christ, before taking the communion. Anyone who partakes of the cup without discernment dishonors what Jesus instituted and even bring themselves into condemnation. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” (1 Cor 11:28-29).