August 11, 2019 - Summer Series Building Blocks, Belong in Community Kingdoms + Covenants Part 2

August 11, 2019 Paul uses the word “Church” amongst many other possibilities... First, the Greek world behind our “church” is ekklesia Second, usage of the term “church” reveals a tighter connection to kingdom Third, this term “church (ekklesia,ἐκκλησία) refers to Israel Expanded throughout the Roman Empire, now gathered out of the world and over against the world. The term “fellowship” (koinonia, κοινωνία) refers to the inner life that creates unity of life in the ekklesia in the world. The term “church” then defines a community under the God of Israel and King Jesus, over against those who are not part of that people of God. Kingdom mission is church mission, church mission is kingdom mission, and there is no kingdom mission that is not church mission (McKnight, KC, 96). REVIEW: COVENANT, take sex for example... KINGDOM OF GOD: Most basically: people governed by Jesus. Five Differences Between The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of the World 1. A contrast of trusts 2. A contrast of aims 3. A contrast of scopes FINAL THOUGHTS We are about belonging to a new family, new kingdom, and sustained by new ways of thinking about others (Covenant). 4. A contrast of responses 5. A contrast of battles We are about three major concepts of belonging: Covenant, Kingdom, and Church. These are all centred on Jesus. When they are not, they cease to be church, kingdom of God, and covenant. These are empowered by the Holy Spirit, not simply our will. This is what makes them possible. God’s power at work in and through them. Sources: G. Boyd, S. McKnight, M. Bates, Others CHURCH “the church is what is present and peopled in the realization of the kingdom now... There is no kingdom now outside the church... I contend kingdom and church need to be seen as much closer than most see them today (McKnight, KC, 87). (CF Matthew 13:16-17, Colossians 1:13, 4:11; Revelation 1:6).