Day 18- We are the ekklesia
As believers, we are in the world together as the body of Christ; let’s use our gifts for His glory.
What is ekklesia?
In Matthew 16:18, the word Jesus used for "church" is ekklesia (Strong's #1577), and it is so translated in the King James Version 115 times. This Greek word means "an assembly" or "a group of people called together for a purpose."
Today’s Scripture
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.†—Romans 12:3-8
Additional Scripture
Romans 12:9-16
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 25-27
Reflect on the Word
God loves diversity, yet He calls us to be one. There is no such thing as private Christianity. As Jesus’ body, if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. We should share one another’s burdens in other to help lighten them. Likewise, if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Believers need to be able to empathize with others, to join in their struggles as if they themselves were experiencing them. They should suffer with others, offering kindness, concern, compassion and a shoulder to cry on when needed
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.†—Romans 12:3-8
Additional Scripture
Romans 12:9-16
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 25-27
Reflect on the Word
God loves diversity, yet He calls us to be one. There is no such thing as private Christianity. As Jesus’ body, if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. We should share one another’s burdens in other to help lighten them. Likewise, if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Believers need to be able to empathize with others, to join in their struggles as if they themselves were experiencing them. They should suffer with others, offering kindness, concern, compassion and a shoulder to cry on when needed
Praying for those who need God
2. BIND THE SPIRIT THAT BLINDS THEIR MINDS
The truth can be right in front of some people, and they still can’t see it because something is in the way, blocking their view of God. We can pray against whatever is in their way so that they can see the light of God.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,†has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4-6
PRAYER:
“Father, bind the evil spirits that are blinding the minds of the people around me. In the name of Jesus, I pray that they would be able to see clearly, to recognize who You are, and to give their hearts to You. Remove all hindrances the enemy would use to distract them from Your truth. Open their eyes, Lord, that they might see Jesus.â€
Prayer + Contemplation
1. Let us be kind to one another with brotherly love and honor. Pray and ask who you need to offer extra kindness to this week. Write their name down, and ask God to show you how to bring them supernatural kindness.
2. Pray for God to remove selfish behavior from the body of Christ.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to perfect us in our oneness with Jesus
The truth can be right in front of some people, and they still can’t see it because something is in the way, blocking their view of God. We can pray against whatever is in their way so that they can see the light of God.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,†has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4-6
PRAYER:
“Father, bind the evil spirits that are blinding the minds of the people around me. In the name of Jesus, I pray that they would be able to see clearly, to recognize who You are, and to give their hearts to You. Remove all hindrances the enemy would use to distract them from Your truth. Open their eyes, Lord, that they might see Jesus.â€
Prayer + Contemplation
1. Let us be kind to one another with brotherly love and honor. Pray and ask who you need to offer extra kindness to this week. Write their name down, and ask God to show you how to bring them supernatural kindness.
2. Pray for God to remove selfish behavior from the body of Christ.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to perfect us in our oneness with Jesus
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2024
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Offering PraiseDay 2- Expressing gratitude, worship His nameDay 3- Seeking His presenceDay 4- True repentanceDay 5- Transparency and trustDay 6- Walk worthyDay 7- On our kneesDay 8- He is our deliveranceDay 9- Our first callingDay 10- A solid foundationDay 11- Shelter from the stormsDay 12- Hear His voiceDay 13- The Armor of GodDay 14- No longer condemnedDay 15- Authority in prayerDay 16- In it for the long haulDay 17- Unity in loveDay 18- We are the ekklesiaDay 19- Spirit filled boldnessDay 20- Prayer WalkingDay 21- Strength to soar
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