Prevailing Church
The Ekklessia Of Glory And Victory
Jesus said, "I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:18
In the creation account that Moses received, God allowed Moses to stand within the cleft of the rock and peer into the glory of God as He passed before him. Moses was allowed to behold God in this unique way that God alone designed. He told Moses that He would cover him with His hand as He passed and that He would remove His hand to behold His back. According to scripture, Moses had talked with The Lord face to face as with a friend; but in this particular encounter, God would not show His face to Moses but His back. In the King James Version it gives us a snippet of comical language which says; that Moses saw God's "hind parts or back parts." Stay with me here...that doesn't mean that God "mooned" Moses with His hind or back end. What this means in the literal Hebrew is that when Moses looked out the from the clef of the rock as God passed by on Mount Sinai, he was given the ability and access to peer into where God had been in eternity past — before time began — and there he was shown something far beyond blu-ray quality - the marvel and wonder of God's great genius in speaking and shaping creation. "In The Beginning, God..." (Exodus 33)
In Genesis 1:26, Moses writes that God said, "'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the sh of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
Notice from the beginning, only mankind was created in the likeness and image of our Creator God. This was His dream and design. This means we have His nature. We also learn that within God's blessing upon mankind is the commission and function of leadership and dominion. This role is inherent in our nature and is fundamental to our design and our destiny.
The scriptures and creation reveal to us that God is Sovereign; possessing supreme and ultimate power. God is Omnipotent - meaning that He is all-powerful. God is Omnipresent; meaning He is everywhere. God is Omniscient; meaning that He is all knowing and He is the Supreme Ruler. Psalm 103:19 says, "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." Colossians 1:16, says, "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." Psalm 115:16 says, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's; but the earth He has given to the children of men." Don't miss this; the earth He has given to the children of men. Notice this design of delegated authority and dominion that the Lord has given to His ultimate creation — mankind — those created in His own image are given the responsibility to steward the earth and walk in our inherent destiny.
Under man's delegated authority, the earth would be blessed because man and woman were blessed by our Creator and loving Father. The idea of the condition of the earth being directly related to the condition of mankind is reinforced by the fact that when Adam and Eve sinned, both man and the earth were placed under a curse. Through the sacrificial Lamb of God and the profound glory of His cross, Jesus was cursed by our sins. The gospel reveals that this curse of sin was broken off of mankind at the crucifixion. Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written; everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed." Second Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him." God pronounced His blessing upon us in the beginning. He commissioned us with an assignment of dominion; and through the cross that Jesus willingly paid for us, he redeemed and ransomed us; restoring us and re-commissioning us — to the original design of union with the Father. The design of on earth as it is in heaven.
When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?", He was not insecure about who He was. He was never questioning His identity. He was looking for revelation. Peter responded to him, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." Jesus told him that His Father in heaven had revealed this to Peter. It was upon this rock of revelation He would build His Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus says, "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven." The Williams Bible Translation says, "I solemnly say to you, whatever you forbid on earth must already be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth must already be permitted in heaven."
We have keys to unleash heaven on earth and keys to forbid the powers of darkness. I want us to recognize the divine partnership that we share with the Holy Spirit to create the Father's design; on earth as it is in heaven. When we look at Matthew chapter six, Jesus gave this epic prayer to his disciples that it was His Father's will for life on earth to be just as it is in heaven. Truly the kingdom of God would come to earth and God's will would be done.
The Question is: Who Is In Control & Who is In Charge?
When you look at Jesus and read the Gospels, you find out that the will of God is not complicated or hard to understand. It is no secret that the subject of the will of God has been debated long and hard.
There are two different words used in the original language of the New Testament for the will of God. The first word is boulema and the second is thelema. Boulema is the word that reveals the will of God as to what is firmly established and settled in the will of God. In boulema, this will of the Lord happens regardless of who believes it, endorses it or opposes it. The return of Christ falls into this category of the will of God. The word thelema is much different as it refers to the will of God as God's desires, intentions or wishes. For example, God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Yet people are perishing everyday. This will of God's is obviously dependent upon people's response to God's heart — those who are hearing the Gospel and by those who are commissioned by God to carry the good news of the kingdom to the ends of the earth. We have a responsibility in this part of God's will being accomplished.
This is huge. God has dreams and desires that may or may not be fulfilled based upon how we respond to the Holy Spirit's inspiration. Think deeply about that. Make no mistake, God has the power to make anything happen that he wants to happen, but His heart's desire is to patiently develop us so that we yield to His word, take responsibility and co-labor with Him. The outcome of this process is we become the people who look and live just like Jesus, accomplishing the will of God in the earth.
The first word for the will of God, boulema, refers to the things that are unchangeable with God. An obvious example of this is the return of Christ. Jesus is coming back, weather people believe it, accept it, mock it or they really don't care. The promise has been given. Jesus said he was going to return and nothing can stop it. According to Jesus, His return was entirely in the hands of the Father, who alone determines how and when this event will happen. On the other hand, there are many things that God would like to have happen and has made possible, but they never will be, because believers either don't believe that it is the will or purpose of God or they are waiting for God Himself to do them. That will is represented in the word thelema.
One of the most common phrases used in this discussion on God's will is that "God is in control." As I said before, God is sovereign. He rules overall. Everything belongs to him. There's nothing outside of His reach and care. He is all knowing and all-powerful. But is He in control? I'm certainly not questioning His ability, power and authority.
If He is, doesn't that make Him responsible for ISIS, World Wars I and II? How about sickness and disease? How about starvation and clean water for nations? If He is in control, then He deserves the credit for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and all the other calamities or acts of nature. I think you're getting the point.
I believe it's more accurate to say that God is in charge, but He's not in control.
The lazy man's theology makes himself responsible for nothing. It always places the responsibility or the blame squarely upon God; because He's in control. When we get to this juncture at the crossroads of the will of God, we actually have to decide who is in control here. Who did Jesus give authority to? Who did He give his power and presence to deal with every kind of threat, crisis, tragedy, demon or disease. He gave it to you and me.
Everybody knows that God can make any situation turn around for His glory. God is amazingly that good, and I for one, am extremely thankful for that. I have witnessed very difficult things that have happened to people that love and serve God. I've also seen the intervention of God's grace turn it around, healing hearts and restoring lives to unexplainable victory. But when we credit God to being in control and credit Him with the cause of problems, disease and chaos it is simply far beyond being irresponsible. It violates and misrepresents His very character, essence and nature.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven on the Mount of Olives, the apostle Matthew writes that Jesus spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and low, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20 ).
God has given you and I authorization in the earth, authority and power for dominion. As sons and daughters of God, we have been given a global commission to deal with natural and spiritual matters. So often we are asking God to deal with things that, quite frankly, He expects us to deal with because He has already given us the authority and the power. God has given us revelation, wisdom, counsel and insight through His word and unprecedented power by the Holy Spirit. It is our responsibility to treasure it, believe it, walk in it, establish it and speak it out. Then we will see the kingdom expand.
At this point in history, as we look at life here on planet earth we should be asking some deep probing questions. Perhaps you're thinking and wondering, why is there so much chaos in the world and where is God in all this? Where is the Church? More to the point, where is the Church that the gates of hell are not prevailing over? It is not in my heart to be provocative in any way, but to be truthful, so that we move in revelation rather than ignorance. You've heard the old preverbal phrase, "Ignorance is bliss." Well, it's not. Ignorance is destroying purpose, design and destiny. The scripture tells us plainly,
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). Many well meaning Christians say, "God is in control," yet the Scriptures teach something much different than that. I referenced above to Psalm 115:16, "The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's; but the earth He has given to the children of men." When it comes to the order of nature (the sun, the moon, the stars, the cosmos, and planets) I have to agree. Look at the nature of ecosystems (plants and trees and animals). The seed bearing process continues just as the earth remains in seedtime and harvest. You can't help but see God's brilliant design. The order that God has structured is flawless and perfect in every way. "The sun will come up tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow — there'll be sun!" Thanks Annie. God is most certainly in "boulema". He has set the oceans in their place, establishing their boundaries. He has hung the celestial infrastructure of planets perfectly in orbit, spinning like tops in the light of the burning sun.
However, when it comes to mankind... "Houston, we have a problem!"
Stay with me here.
Look at our world. If God was in control, what would it look like here on the earth? I submit to you, if God was in control, it would look just like heaven. But the earth has been given over to the sons of men. Presently, the earth does not look like heaven and that's why Jesus told us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We received a blessing — the commission of dominion — and that is our responsibility.
I submit to you that God is not in control. However, He is most certainly in charge. He has always been in charge and will always be in charge. He's the Sovereign Almighty God of heaven and earth. God is in charge, meaning that He is Sovereign and has supreme power over all things.
Parents understand this "control issue" all too well. They learn quickly who's in charge and who is in control. As a father or as a mother, you have ultimate authority and oversight, and you are in charge of your home. As a father of two teenagers, and married for more than 22 years, I can tell you I have never been in control of my house. You may be laughing now. Or maybe you're mad at me because I just told you God is not in control. I'm not in control of my house. I'm called to be in control of my own life. Things have happened and continue to happen in our home that are completely out of my control. Daily? Yes. Weekly? Yes. Monthly? Yes. Yearly? Yes. It doesn't take that long to understand the revelation that I am not in control of others. You cannot control your children and you cannot control other people. It's lofty and arrogant to think we can. The truth is, we cannot control others and God does not control. A friend of mine likes to say, "On a good day you're able to control yourself." He's right. That's the fruit of the Spirit: self-control. What I have learned as a father is that I am in charge. When the rules and boundaries of our family culture have been broken, dishonored or mismanaged, my children are brought to me because I'm their father. Fathers and mothers are called to bring order, instruction, discipline and correction. I don't operate in this function because I'm in control, it's because I'm in charge. Do you see the difference?
Is God in control of you, or are you learning to surrender your will to him in love? Is God in control of you, or are you starting to awaken to the mystery that your life is a special treasure to the Creator that is Sovereign and in charge? Is God controlling you or are you learning that trust and obedience is beautiful to Him?
I had a mentor in my life tell me many years ago to be careful in leading people. He said, "Some people would rather be controlled than trusted. The reason they would rather be controlled is if things don't work out the way they expect or anticipate they can come back and place the blame on you. However, if you trust them in their own path, and it doesn't work out, the blame rests upon them."
Would you rather be controlled or trusted? God has invested an enormous amount of trust in you and me.
God is not a control freak, never has been, never will be. This may be hard for us to get our mind around, but God wasn't even in control in heaven when His own angelic creation (in eternity past before time began) fell, seduced by Lucifer as he was lifted up in his pride and iniquity was exposed in him. He was judged as the one who lusted to be equal to and worshipped as God Almighty. The scriptures tell us that 1/3 of the angelic hosts were banished, cast out of heaven for their rebellion with Satan. Jesus said, that he saw Satan fall like a bolt of lightning from heaven. Was God in control? No. Was God fully in charge? Yes, absolutely. You see the difference? God is love and love does not control, it doesn't seek its own. Love gives perfect freedom and liberty. The kingdom is not a free-for-all, it's a kingdom of honor and divine order and justice. In His sovereign love and authority, God reveals that He is all-powerful and fully in charge (see Ezekiel 28).
While we are on this subject, I just want to make a special note concerning this epic transition from eternity past. Many times, you hear preachers exaggerating grandiose descriptions of the celestial con ict in heaven when Lucifer was cast out of God's presence to the earth. 1 John 1:5, tells us that, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." The truth is, this was not some massive ght in heaven. When God recognized that Lucifer's thought had become his intention, it was then that iniquity was revealed within him. This "war" in heaven perhaps lasted a nanosecond. Lucifer didn't rally a third of his angels with swords and shields drawn to take the Throne. There was no real "war". God wasn't anxious and white-knuckling His throne. He didn't have to call upon the reinforcements of Michael and Gabriel, and his faithful and loyal angels because there was a problem with Lucifer. No, there was no celestial battle or cosmic war in heaven which God was finally able to get under control and sit back down on His throne. The moment that Lucifer shifted into a realm of intent, he was cast out of the glorious light of God into the darkness instantly. The reason is because in God there is only light, and there is no darkness in Him whatsoever. That is why Jesus said, "I saw Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Instantly stripped of his name, his office, his heavenly position. At the speed of light he was cast out of the glory of Almighty God.
What if I told you plainly that Christians like to say that God is in control so that they can remain lazy? Many Christians like to live passively unengaged and irresponsible. There are many Christians that do not like to take ownership or carry their weight of responsibility of the grand commission that God has given us in the earth. They behave as immature sons and daughters. There's really no need to pray because God is in control. We can just coast on autopilot, right? Wrong. I know this is strong, but it's a destructive belief that God is in control of everything that happens upon the earth, and that in His Sovereignty, He always gets what He wants. What a misconception. Think about how many countless people there are right now who are missing out on revival and awakening because of their belief that God is in control; they believe that if God wants to send revival He will simply do it. If you believe this in your theology, then all of these people are not being saved simply because God didn't choose to do so. Think about that...are you thinking?
Satan is trying to occupy a dominion he no longer rightfully owns. Many chose to simply throw up their hands and say God is in control. I have to question that. All you have to do is look at this world with over 55+ million babies that have been aborted right here in America since my birth year of 1973, while nations rage with war against other nations, while starvation destroys the destiny of nations, while militant gays and lesbians are taking over and perverting every sector of community, while corruption and wicked leaders are destroying the very fabric of our own nation, while gross immorality and sexual confusion rages for it's demanded rights and self-indulgences. Is God in control? No. If He was in control the earth would reflect heaven. We have broken our design, our blessing, our commission for dominion.
I have to tell you plainly that God is not in control. God is in charge. He is the holy and righteous Judge. One day all things will return to The Father and He will judge every tribe, tongue and nation on how we honored His heart, and how we managed the authority that He gave us to steward life in the earth. God is looking to you and I, His church, to arise and take responsibility, take action, preach righteousness and bring the kingdom of God right into culture. Some might say that these issues are political and they refuse to go there. Once again, that is because the body of Christ has been extremely lazy and enjoys floundering. Shame on us. We need to have the courage to repent and leave behind our religious platitudes. The kingdom of God was always meant to invade in shaping culture, never to retreat from it.
Kenneth Hagan used to teach years ago about how the church or individuals can get to a place of disobedience that God can't even help them. One time when he was speaking on this subject a man spoke out in service and said, "I don't believe that! God is sovereign and He is in control and He can make anything or whatever He wishes to happen." Without hesitation, Kenneth Hagan responded, "If God is in control then why can't He make you give your tithes?" The man shut his mouth and slid down his chair.
While many are praying, "Lord, come down" - the good news is that He already has come down in the flesh. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Do we recognize what was freely given in Jesus — that love has come down and He has given us the kingdom? While many are praying, "Lord, rend the heavens, open the heavens," He already has. Luke chapter three, tells us that at Jesus's baptism in the Jordan River, the heavens opened — literally meaning "torn apart" (just like the veil in the tabernacle) as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. The heavens are open. While we are praying for the Lord deal with the principalities and the ruling governing spirits over our regions, the Scriptures tell us plainly in Colossians 2:15, "... Having disarmed principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them triumphing over them in it." We have been raised with Christ and seated in heavenly places to function from the place of unprecedented victory (Ephesians 1&2). We are not under circumstances, nor under a cloud of demonic rule, or power on this earth. We have been immeasurably blessed by our Father, re-commissioned and given the authority of our victorious Lion of Judah.
It is imperative right now that the church repents and dismisses the religious, poverty and powerless mentality. We must have an awakening that the church is on the offense not on the defense, and that we are here to transform the world because God has placed us in control. And from this place of victory we must recognize we have great authority to expand the kingdom so that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the earth even as the waters cover the sea. We have been commissioned as ambassadors of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In Luke 9:2, it says, "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God. And to heal the sick." This is an extraordinary picture of what dominion looks like. Jesus gave us a gospel that can be demonstrated with power, signs and wonders. Far too many believers are content with maintaining prayers that say — "God, I want you to do this for me", "God, go ahead and please do this"...instead of saying, "God, you have blessed me and you have placed me here, and now by your great grace use me. Use me and I will partner with the Holy Spirit. Let's do this together." Remember, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's; but the earth he is given to the children of men."
There is a reason that the earth is remaining in a famine of real leadership. The reason is because the church has forsaken its responsibility as sons and daughters. We need to know our identity and our assignment. We need to know who is really in control. Those who know the glory and majesty of Christ and their identity and authority as sons and daughters of God will be those who fulfill the extraordinary prophetic unveiling of Romans chapter eight — the sons of God being manifested in the earth so that creation itself is delivered from its bondage and corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (see Romans 8).
In this hour, it is no time to be casual. It is a time to be courageous. We must recognize that God has placed the church to serve and transform our cities, and disciple nations. Make no mistake about it; all things will go back to our Father because He is in charge. He rules and reigns and is enthroned in glory. We will all give an account unto Him as His children because He is the Sovereign God. We have so much to accomplish, and so much work must be done.
The Church That Jesus Is Building
"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Mathew 16:13-19)
The disciples' answer to the question was imperative. Jesus really didn't care about his poll numbers and He surely wasn't confused about His identity. He was seeking their level of revelation. After hearing their response, Jesus pointedly asked them, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." The Scriptures are full of these transformational and transcendent moments where there is a massive unfolding and collision of eternal revelation into time. One of them is when Abraham is on Mt. Mariah ready to offer his own promised son. Moses was at a burning bush, receiving a commission to deliver a nation in bondage. David was facing a giant with nothing but a sling in his hand and a burning heart for God. Peter experienced this burst of spiritual clarity and recognized who had transcended into time. This was not just another skilled and wise rabbi. This was not just a prophetic messenger. No. The answer was profoundly revelatory and earthshaking. Jesus answered Peter and told him that he was blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal it to him but the Father in heaven.
Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." This word, "church" is the greek word ekklesia. Its meaning is something far different than the English word "church" or what we have come to know in our present church culture. I have pioneered and pastored two different churches and ministered in hundreds of churches throughout America and other nations. This is not what Jesus was talking about. The church produces one thing and the ekklesia produces something far greater. The intentions of Jesus were to give birth to the ekklesia. The language of Matthew 16 is actually a watershed moment of divine revelation. This is actually a turning point in the message of Jesus which becomes a cornerstone that gives birth to a kingdom culture. This "rock" that Jesus said his church will be built upon is none other than the rock of ages — Christ himself.
For the disciples, they understood ekklesia in their culture to mean an assembly of people to govern the affairs of a city, state or nation as in a parliament or congress. In the Roman culture, it was an assembly of people sent into a conquered region to govern and atler the culture until it reflected Rome. The ekklesia infiltrated government,social culture, language, the arts, education, ect., until the people structured their thoughts, actions and way of life like the Romans. In other words, the ekklesia assignment was to install the culture and ideas of the Roman kingdom. This is epic, because when Jesus said He would build His church — His ekklessia — He was announcing a body of people that would legislate spiritually for Him to extend His Kingdom government and influence on the earth.
On this "rock" He said He will build His ekklesia, His Father's house would be a house of prayer for all nations. This church is a radiant, bold and ruling church, with power and authority over the forces of darkness. The ekklesia is the covenant keeping sons and daughters who know how to model and release the authority of Christ in the earth.
In biblical days, the ekklesia was the elders, social watchmen and those who governed the affairs of what a culture would permit or would not permit among their towns and villages. They were the ones that set the agenda for what was allowed and what would be acceptable amongst their people. The ekklesia met at the gates of the community to legislate and give authorization to a life-giving community. It is a strong prophetic revelation of where the true church is set in place to give access or closure. This declaration from Jesus is an extraordinary leap as we begin to tap into the revelation of the destiny, authority and dominion of our purpose in bringing the will of God into every sphere of society. Jesus has commissioned us as His ambassadors and has given us the privilege to design earth to reflect heaven's culture. This was the father's desire from the beginning and this is why He gave Jesus authorization to teach us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
The ekklesia by definition was a governmental assembly. Its authority and function was to fundamentally bring forth what Jesus inaugurated in Matthew 16:18. This ekklesia (the church) were those that the gates of hell would never prevail against. The ekklesia are the ones who shoulder the responsibilities as representatives of God's ruling council in the earth. Christ remains as the Head (see Ephesians 5:23) and His Body remains in the earth from generation to generation, expanding the rule and habitation of the kingdom.
According to Jesus, the ekklesia would be a threat to every corrupt human government and principality. The disciples understood this. But that's frankly not good enough. We are the ones in 2018 who must understand it. We must have a revelation and understanding like never before if we're going to take this position and begin to move into our divine assignments. In His great commission, Jesus said that all authority has been given to Him which was in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28). He told us to go and make disciples of all nations, and that signs and wonders would follow us, and accompanying those who believe. He told us that in His name we would cast out demons and speak with new tongues. He told us we would exercise authority as the true church in power and victory (Mark 16).
The Expansion of the Kingdom
The ekklesia recognizes first and foremost that Jesus holds all authority. Demonized systems cannot defeat them because the church have been given the keys in which they forbid and permit localities on the earth. The ekklesia is a living embodiment of Christ on the earth — His Body. The ekklesia represents His role in the earth. In Joel chapter 2, the church intervenes as the intercessory arbiters of national crisis.
Right now, the church is going through a massive transformation, and it comes through revelation of understanding our identity as His ekklesia. It is not enough to be a good healthy church that can evangelize, feed the poor, build the family and run excellent children programs. Are these important? Absolutely, but it's going to take an ekklesia acting with spiritual authority across a region to release transformational power. That is why the ekklesia is founded on apostles and prophets (Ephesians 1:22, 23, 2:20.) The mindset of sent ones and visionaries are far different than pastors and teachers. They are all equally important, however, the chief concern of heaven coming to earth has to be rightly prioritized. The ekklesia are the ones who build God's seat of authority — his throne — in a city and region.
Jesus said in Mark 11:17, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." Prayer is the key power source of ekklesia. Prayer is the way to strategically and accurately legislate for change and transformation. This is where we see the strongholds of murder, drugs, sex trafficking, and new age cultic worship forbidden in our communities. This is where we see abortion being abolished in America because the ekklesia is taking action and moving in power. Prayer is the power of God. Prayer is the front line for the bold and courageous ekklesia, and there can be no retreat.
Jesus said, "...the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church." Gates are the access point. Gates are the places that transition us into something or out of something. The gate is both an exit and an entry. In biblical times, the elders sat in the gates. This is highly symbolic and prophetic for us. I think it's so notable that the promise of dominion over the enemy's gate was declared from the beginning over God's covenant people. In Genesis 22:17, God told Abraham, "Indeed I will greatly bless you... And your seed shall possess the gate of your enemies." Galatians 3:29 shouts to us this promise too, "If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." The righteous are as bold as a lion and the righteous ekklesia is going to have to learn how to cooperate and participate in the Spirit to bring the kingdom to our cities, to our nation and to the nations of the earth.
Why is all of this so important? Because it is imperative that the ekklesia takes its stand now. We have been losing far too many battles for the soul of our nation. It's no secret that the assault on marriage has been unprecedented. Legislation is continually drafted in the halls of human power, crafting clever hate speech laws demanding the proclamation of biblical truth illegal. The spirit of lawlessness is being codified in the law and defended in our courts. Perversion and the occult are raging. A radical homosexual agenda, founded by some of the wealthiest men in the world, is demanding that the governments of the earth openly support their cause. What is perhaps most shocking of all, is that governments are bowing to these insane threats. Waves of economic crisis stir hysteria, forcing the fearful masses to forfeit their own authority and independence to the state, in exchange for security and protection. Don't believe it? Just look at Sweden right now.
The death culture of human trafficking, abortion, drug violence and gang wars are all around us. The infrastructures of our cities are crumbling, and the churches remain half empty and satisfied with the status quo. I have to be honest; sometimes I just shake my head bewildered with the condition of the American church at large. We live in an age of gross darkness, among those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). Where is the church? Many feel powerless to respond. Most church people think they've done the world a favor just by being sweet, polite and domesticated saints.
The church that Jesus is building is far superior than just a campus that is used a few days a week, serves coffee and offers modern services. His church is the ekklesia which is the embassy of heaven that builds His throne — His seat of authority — expanding and reaching into every sphere of culture in the unstoppable power of the Spirit. The church that Jesus is building is a burning apostolic force, undefeatable and unquenchable, triumphing over all the works of the devil.
Heaven's agenda cannot continue to be stalled across the nations of the earth because of a sleeping church and a lack of revelation. The demonic culture cannot continue to be permitted its place prevailing in the earth. The church has to begin legislating the kingdom in the place of prayer. Somebody has to wake up. For the most part, the church has been hiding away, safely nestled in their passivity, feeding on inspirational "Ted Talks." Outside of the faithful and passionate remnant, there has been little re in their souls, and there has been very little intercession for the nations.
I'm here as a messenger to tell you that God's ekklesia, the burning ones, the elders, the gatekeepers and the watchmen (those who know their God) will live in the furnace of prayer, positioning themselves for the awakening and revival beyond anything we have ever conceptually imagined. Our revelation is most crucial. We must behold the Christ who has all authority! I want to ask you plainly, do you see Jesus as having all authority? If you do not, it's time to set everything aside, get away with the Lord and courageously gaze into the ery eyes of the Lion.
"The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, Yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies."
Isaiah 42:13 NASB
The Holy Spirit is summoning us to assemble together with eternal purpose and focus on the real agenda of bringing the government of heaven into the earth. Our gatherings are destined to become the most exhilarating and powerful gatherings on the face of the earth. The ekklesia will not be wasting away in some lifeless structure of religion. No! They will be accessing the power of the throne of God through earthshaking worship, prayer and intercession. The power of the Holy Spirit will be on radical display. The groans of our world, that are presently under the weight of evil, will be met with the church of power and great glory, bringing deliverance and liberty to the captives. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the revelation of the risen living Christ and His victorious Church!
*This Blog is from Chapter 4 of BOLD AS LIONS from Brian Gibbs
Jesus said, "I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:18
In the creation account that Moses received, God allowed Moses to stand within the cleft of the rock and peer into the glory of God as He passed before him. Moses was allowed to behold God in this unique way that God alone designed. He told Moses that He would cover him with His hand as He passed and that He would remove His hand to behold His back. According to scripture, Moses had talked with The Lord face to face as with a friend; but in this particular encounter, God would not show His face to Moses but His back. In the King James Version it gives us a snippet of comical language which says; that Moses saw God's "hind parts or back parts." Stay with me here...that doesn't mean that God "mooned" Moses with His hind or back end. What this means in the literal Hebrew is that when Moses looked out the from the clef of the rock as God passed by on Mount Sinai, he was given the ability and access to peer into where God had been in eternity past — before time began — and there he was shown something far beyond blu-ray quality - the marvel and wonder of God's great genius in speaking and shaping creation. "In The Beginning, God..." (Exodus 33)
In Genesis 1:26, Moses writes that God said, "'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the sh of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
Notice from the beginning, only mankind was created in the likeness and image of our Creator God. This was His dream and design. This means we have His nature. We also learn that within God's blessing upon mankind is the commission and function of leadership and dominion. This role is inherent in our nature and is fundamental to our design and our destiny.
The scriptures and creation reveal to us that God is Sovereign; possessing supreme and ultimate power. God is Omnipotent - meaning that He is all-powerful. God is Omnipresent; meaning He is everywhere. God is Omniscient; meaning that He is all knowing and He is the Supreme Ruler. Psalm 103:19 says, "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." Colossians 1:16, says, "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." Psalm 24:1 says, "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein." Psalm 115:16 says, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's; but the earth He has given to the children of men." Don't miss this; the earth He has given to the children of men. Notice this design of delegated authority and dominion that the Lord has given to His ultimate creation — mankind — those created in His own image are given the responsibility to steward the earth and walk in our inherent destiny.
Under man's delegated authority, the earth would be blessed because man and woman were blessed by our Creator and loving Father. The idea of the condition of the earth being directly related to the condition of mankind is reinforced by the fact that when Adam and Eve sinned, both man and the earth were placed under a curse. Through the sacrificial Lamb of God and the profound glory of His cross, Jesus was cursed by our sins. The gospel reveals that this curse of sin was broken off of mankind at the crucifixion. Galatians 3:13 says, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written; everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed." Second Corinthians 5:21 says, "For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him." God pronounced His blessing upon us in the beginning. He commissioned us with an assignment of dominion; and through the cross that Jesus willingly paid for us, he redeemed and ransomed us; restoring us and re-commissioning us — to the original design of union with the Father. The design of on earth as it is in heaven.
When Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?", He was not insecure about who He was. He was never questioning His identity. He was looking for revelation. Peter responded to him, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." Jesus told him that His Father in heaven had revealed this to Peter. It was upon this rock of revelation He would build His Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
In Matthew 16:19, Jesus says, "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven." The Williams Bible Translation says, "I solemnly say to you, whatever you forbid on earth must already be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth must already be permitted in heaven."
We have keys to unleash heaven on earth and keys to forbid the powers of darkness. I want us to recognize the divine partnership that we share with the Holy Spirit to create the Father's design; on earth as it is in heaven. When we look at Matthew chapter six, Jesus gave this epic prayer to his disciples that it was His Father's will for life on earth to be just as it is in heaven. Truly the kingdom of God would come to earth and God's will would be done.
The Question is: Who Is In Control & Who is In Charge?
When you look at Jesus and read the Gospels, you find out that the will of God is not complicated or hard to understand. It is no secret that the subject of the will of God has been debated long and hard.
There are two different words used in the original language of the New Testament for the will of God. The first word is boulema and the second is thelema. Boulema is the word that reveals the will of God as to what is firmly established and settled in the will of God. In boulema, this will of the Lord happens regardless of who believes it, endorses it or opposes it. The return of Christ falls into this category of the will of God. The word thelema is much different as it refers to the will of God as God's desires, intentions or wishes. For example, God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). Yet people are perishing everyday. This will of God's is obviously dependent upon people's response to God's heart — those who are hearing the Gospel and by those who are commissioned by God to carry the good news of the kingdom to the ends of the earth. We have a responsibility in this part of God's will being accomplished.
This is huge. God has dreams and desires that may or may not be fulfilled based upon how we respond to the Holy Spirit's inspiration. Think deeply about that. Make no mistake, God has the power to make anything happen that he wants to happen, but His heart's desire is to patiently develop us so that we yield to His word, take responsibility and co-labor with Him. The outcome of this process is we become the people who look and live just like Jesus, accomplishing the will of God in the earth.
The first word for the will of God, boulema, refers to the things that are unchangeable with God. An obvious example of this is the return of Christ. Jesus is coming back, weather people believe it, accept it, mock it or they really don't care. The promise has been given. Jesus said he was going to return and nothing can stop it. According to Jesus, His return was entirely in the hands of the Father, who alone determines how and when this event will happen. On the other hand, there are many things that God would like to have happen and has made possible, but they never will be, because believers either don't believe that it is the will or purpose of God or they are waiting for God Himself to do them. That will is represented in the word thelema.
One of the most common phrases used in this discussion on God's will is that "God is in control." As I said before, God is sovereign. He rules overall. Everything belongs to him. There's nothing outside of His reach and care. He is all knowing and all-powerful. But is He in control? I'm certainly not questioning His ability, power and authority.
If He is, doesn't that make Him responsible for ISIS, World Wars I and II? How about sickness and disease? How about starvation and clean water for nations? If He is in control, then He deserves the credit for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and all the other calamities or acts of nature. I think you're getting the point.
I believe it's more accurate to say that God is in charge, but He's not in control.
The lazy man's theology makes himself responsible for nothing. It always places the responsibility or the blame squarely upon God; because He's in control. When we get to this juncture at the crossroads of the will of God, we actually have to decide who is in control here. Who did Jesus give authority to? Who did He give his power and presence to deal with every kind of threat, crisis, tragedy, demon or disease. He gave it to you and me.
Everybody knows that God can make any situation turn around for His glory. God is amazingly that good, and I for one, am extremely thankful for that. I have witnessed very difficult things that have happened to people that love and serve God. I've also seen the intervention of God's grace turn it around, healing hearts and restoring lives to unexplainable victory. But when we credit God to being in control and credit Him with the cause of problems, disease and chaos it is simply far beyond being irresponsible. It violates and misrepresents His very character, essence and nature.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven on the Mount of Olives, the apostle Matthew writes that Jesus spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and low, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20 ).
God has given you and I authorization in the earth, authority and power for dominion. As sons and daughters of God, we have been given a global commission to deal with natural and spiritual matters. So often we are asking God to deal with things that, quite frankly, He expects us to deal with because He has already given us the authority and the power. God has given us revelation, wisdom, counsel and insight through His word and unprecedented power by the Holy Spirit. It is our responsibility to treasure it, believe it, walk in it, establish it and speak it out. Then we will see the kingdom expand.
At this point in history, as we look at life here on planet earth we should be asking some deep probing questions. Perhaps you're thinking and wondering, why is there so much chaos in the world and where is God in all this? Where is the Church? More to the point, where is the Church that the gates of hell are not prevailing over? It is not in my heart to be provocative in any way, but to be truthful, so that we move in revelation rather than ignorance. You've heard the old preverbal phrase, "Ignorance is bliss." Well, it's not. Ignorance is destroying purpose, design and destiny. The scripture tells us plainly,
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). Many well meaning Christians say, "God is in control," yet the Scriptures teach something much different than that. I referenced above to Psalm 115:16, "The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's; but the earth He has given to the children of men." When it comes to the order of nature (the sun, the moon, the stars, the cosmos, and planets) I have to agree. Look at the nature of ecosystems (plants and trees and animals). The seed bearing process continues just as the earth remains in seedtime and harvest. You can't help but see God's brilliant design. The order that God has structured is flawless and perfect in every way. "The sun will come up tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow — there'll be sun!" Thanks Annie. God is most certainly in "boulema". He has set the oceans in their place, establishing their boundaries. He has hung the celestial infrastructure of planets perfectly in orbit, spinning like tops in the light of the burning sun.
However, when it comes to mankind... "Houston, we have a problem!"
Stay with me here.
Look at our world. If God was in control, what would it look like here on the earth? I submit to you, if God was in control, it would look just like heaven. But the earth has been given over to the sons of men. Presently, the earth does not look like heaven and that's why Jesus told us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We received a blessing — the commission of dominion — and that is our responsibility.
I submit to you that God is not in control. However, He is most certainly in charge. He has always been in charge and will always be in charge. He's the Sovereign Almighty God of heaven and earth. God is in charge, meaning that He is Sovereign and has supreme power over all things.
Parents understand this "control issue" all too well. They learn quickly who's in charge and who is in control. As a father or as a mother, you have ultimate authority and oversight, and you are in charge of your home. As a father of two teenagers, and married for more than 22 years, I can tell you I have never been in control of my house. You may be laughing now. Or maybe you're mad at me because I just told you God is not in control. I'm not in control of my house. I'm called to be in control of my own life. Things have happened and continue to happen in our home that are completely out of my control. Daily? Yes. Weekly? Yes. Monthly? Yes. Yearly? Yes. It doesn't take that long to understand the revelation that I am not in control of others. You cannot control your children and you cannot control other people. It's lofty and arrogant to think we can. The truth is, we cannot control others and God does not control. A friend of mine likes to say, "On a good day you're able to control yourself." He's right. That's the fruit of the Spirit: self-control. What I have learned as a father is that I am in charge. When the rules and boundaries of our family culture have been broken, dishonored or mismanaged, my children are brought to me because I'm their father. Fathers and mothers are called to bring order, instruction, discipline and correction. I don't operate in this function because I'm in control, it's because I'm in charge. Do you see the difference?
Is God in control of you, or are you learning to surrender your will to him in love? Is God in control of you, or are you starting to awaken to the mystery that your life is a special treasure to the Creator that is Sovereign and in charge? Is God controlling you or are you learning that trust and obedience is beautiful to Him?
I had a mentor in my life tell me many years ago to be careful in leading people. He said, "Some people would rather be controlled than trusted. The reason they would rather be controlled is if things don't work out the way they expect or anticipate they can come back and place the blame on you. However, if you trust them in their own path, and it doesn't work out, the blame rests upon them."
Would you rather be controlled or trusted? God has invested an enormous amount of trust in you and me.
God is not a control freak, never has been, never will be. This may be hard for us to get our mind around, but God wasn't even in control in heaven when His own angelic creation (in eternity past before time began) fell, seduced by Lucifer as he was lifted up in his pride and iniquity was exposed in him. He was judged as the one who lusted to be equal to and worshipped as God Almighty. The scriptures tell us that 1/3 of the angelic hosts were banished, cast out of heaven for their rebellion with Satan. Jesus said, that he saw Satan fall like a bolt of lightning from heaven. Was God in control? No. Was God fully in charge? Yes, absolutely. You see the difference? God is love and love does not control, it doesn't seek its own. Love gives perfect freedom and liberty. The kingdom is not a free-for-all, it's a kingdom of honor and divine order and justice. In His sovereign love and authority, God reveals that He is all-powerful and fully in charge (see Ezekiel 28).
While we are on this subject, I just want to make a special note concerning this epic transition from eternity past. Many times, you hear preachers exaggerating grandiose descriptions of the celestial con ict in heaven when Lucifer was cast out of God's presence to the earth. 1 John 1:5, tells us that, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." The truth is, this was not some massive ght in heaven. When God recognized that Lucifer's thought had become his intention, it was then that iniquity was revealed within him. This "war" in heaven perhaps lasted a nanosecond. Lucifer didn't rally a third of his angels with swords and shields drawn to take the Throne. There was no real "war". God wasn't anxious and white-knuckling His throne. He didn't have to call upon the reinforcements of Michael and Gabriel, and his faithful and loyal angels because there was a problem with Lucifer. No, there was no celestial battle or cosmic war in heaven which God was finally able to get under control and sit back down on His throne. The moment that Lucifer shifted into a realm of intent, he was cast out of the glorious light of God into the darkness instantly. The reason is because in God there is only light, and there is no darkness in Him whatsoever. That is why Jesus said, "I saw Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Instantly stripped of his name, his office, his heavenly position. At the speed of light he was cast out of the glory of Almighty God.
What if I told you plainly that Christians like to say that God is in control so that they can remain lazy? Many Christians like to live passively unengaged and irresponsible. There are many Christians that do not like to take ownership or carry their weight of responsibility of the grand commission that God has given us in the earth. They behave as immature sons and daughters. There's really no need to pray because God is in control. We can just coast on autopilot, right? Wrong. I know this is strong, but it's a destructive belief that God is in control of everything that happens upon the earth, and that in His Sovereignty, He always gets what He wants. What a misconception. Think about how many countless people there are right now who are missing out on revival and awakening because of their belief that God is in control; they believe that if God wants to send revival He will simply do it. If you believe this in your theology, then all of these people are not being saved simply because God didn't choose to do so. Think about that...are you thinking?
Satan is trying to occupy a dominion he no longer rightfully owns. Many chose to simply throw up their hands and say God is in control. I have to question that. All you have to do is look at this world with over 55+ million babies that have been aborted right here in America since my birth year of 1973, while nations rage with war against other nations, while starvation destroys the destiny of nations, while militant gays and lesbians are taking over and perverting every sector of community, while corruption and wicked leaders are destroying the very fabric of our own nation, while gross immorality and sexual confusion rages for it's demanded rights and self-indulgences. Is God in control? No. If He was in control the earth would reflect heaven. We have broken our design, our blessing, our commission for dominion.
I have to tell you plainly that God is not in control. God is in charge. He is the holy and righteous Judge. One day all things will return to The Father and He will judge every tribe, tongue and nation on how we honored His heart, and how we managed the authority that He gave us to steward life in the earth. God is looking to you and I, His church, to arise and take responsibility, take action, preach righteousness and bring the kingdom of God right into culture. Some might say that these issues are political and they refuse to go there. Once again, that is because the body of Christ has been extremely lazy and enjoys floundering. Shame on us. We need to have the courage to repent and leave behind our religious platitudes. The kingdom of God was always meant to invade in shaping culture, never to retreat from it.
Kenneth Hagan used to teach years ago about how the church or individuals can get to a place of disobedience that God can't even help them. One time when he was speaking on this subject a man spoke out in service and said, "I don't believe that! God is sovereign and He is in control and He can make anything or whatever He wishes to happen." Without hesitation, Kenneth Hagan responded, "If God is in control then why can't He make you give your tithes?" The man shut his mouth and slid down his chair.
While many are praying, "Lord, come down" - the good news is that He already has come down in the flesh. John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Do we recognize what was freely given in Jesus — that love has come down and He has given us the kingdom? While many are praying, "Lord, rend the heavens, open the heavens," He already has. Luke chapter three, tells us that at Jesus's baptism in the Jordan River, the heavens opened — literally meaning "torn apart" (just like the veil in the tabernacle) as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. The heavens are open. While we are praying for the Lord deal with the principalities and the ruling governing spirits over our regions, the Scriptures tell us plainly in Colossians 2:15, "... Having disarmed principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them triumphing over them in it." We have been raised with Christ and seated in heavenly places to function from the place of unprecedented victory (Ephesians 1&2). We are not under circumstances, nor under a cloud of demonic rule, or power on this earth. We have been immeasurably blessed by our Father, re-commissioned and given the authority of our victorious Lion of Judah.
It is imperative right now that the church repents and dismisses the religious, poverty and powerless mentality. We must have an awakening that the church is on the offense not on the defense, and that we are here to transform the world because God has placed us in control. And from this place of victory we must recognize we have great authority to expand the kingdom so that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covers the earth even as the waters cover the sea. We have been commissioned as ambassadors of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In Luke 9:2, it says, "Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God. And to heal the sick." This is an extraordinary picture of what dominion looks like. Jesus gave us a gospel that can be demonstrated with power, signs and wonders. Far too many believers are content with maintaining prayers that say — "God, I want you to do this for me", "God, go ahead and please do this"...instead of saying, "God, you have blessed me and you have placed me here, and now by your great grace use me. Use me and I will partner with the Holy Spirit. Let's do this together." Remember, "The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's; but the earth he is given to the children of men."
There is a reason that the earth is remaining in a famine of real leadership. The reason is because the church has forsaken its responsibility as sons and daughters. We need to know our identity and our assignment. We need to know who is really in control. Those who know the glory and majesty of Christ and their identity and authority as sons and daughters of God will be those who fulfill the extraordinary prophetic unveiling of Romans chapter eight — the sons of God being manifested in the earth so that creation itself is delivered from its bondage and corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (see Romans 8).
In this hour, it is no time to be casual. It is a time to be courageous. We must recognize that God has placed the church to serve and transform our cities, and disciple nations. Make no mistake about it; all things will go back to our Father because He is in charge. He rules and reigns and is enthroned in glory. We will all give an account unto Him as His children because He is the Sovereign God. We have so much to accomplish, and so much work must be done.
The Church That Jesus Is Building
"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Mathew 16:13-19)
The disciples' answer to the question was imperative. Jesus really didn't care about his poll numbers and He surely wasn't confused about His identity. He was seeking their level of revelation. After hearing their response, Jesus pointedly asked them, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." The Scriptures are full of these transformational and transcendent moments where there is a massive unfolding and collision of eternal revelation into time. One of them is when Abraham is on Mt. Mariah ready to offer his own promised son. Moses was at a burning bush, receiving a commission to deliver a nation in bondage. David was facing a giant with nothing but a sling in his hand and a burning heart for God. Peter experienced this burst of spiritual clarity and recognized who had transcended into time. This was not just another skilled and wise rabbi. This was not just a prophetic messenger. No. The answer was profoundly revelatory and earthshaking. Jesus answered Peter and told him that he was blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal it to him but the Father in heaven.
Jesus said, "Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." This word, "church" is the greek word ekklesia. Its meaning is something far different than the English word "church" or what we have come to know in our present church culture. I have pioneered and pastored two different churches and ministered in hundreds of churches throughout America and other nations. This is not what Jesus was talking about. The church produces one thing and the ekklesia produces something far greater. The intentions of Jesus were to give birth to the ekklesia. The language of Matthew 16 is actually a watershed moment of divine revelation. This is actually a turning point in the message of Jesus which becomes a cornerstone that gives birth to a kingdom culture. This "rock" that Jesus said his church will be built upon is none other than the rock of ages — Christ himself.
For the disciples, they understood ekklesia in their culture to mean an assembly of people to govern the affairs of a city, state or nation as in a parliament or congress. In the Roman culture, it was an assembly of people sent into a conquered region to govern and atler the culture until it reflected Rome. The ekklesia infiltrated government,social culture, language, the arts, education, ect., until the people structured their thoughts, actions and way of life like the Romans. In other words, the ekklesia assignment was to install the culture and ideas of the Roman kingdom. This is epic, because when Jesus said He would build His church — His ekklessia — He was announcing a body of people that would legislate spiritually for Him to extend His Kingdom government and influence on the earth.
On this "rock" He said He will build His ekklesia, His Father's house would be a house of prayer for all nations. This church is a radiant, bold and ruling church, with power and authority over the forces of darkness. The ekklesia is the covenant keeping sons and daughters who know how to model and release the authority of Christ in the earth.
In biblical days, the ekklesia was the elders, social watchmen and those who governed the affairs of what a culture would permit or would not permit among their towns and villages. They were the ones that set the agenda for what was allowed and what would be acceptable amongst their people. The ekklesia met at the gates of the community to legislate and give authorization to a life-giving community. It is a strong prophetic revelation of where the true church is set in place to give access or closure. This declaration from Jesus is an extraordinary leap as we begin to tap into the revelation of the destiny, authority and dominion of our purpose in bringing the will of God into every sphere of society. Jesus has commissioned us as His ambassadors and has given us the privilege to design earth to reflect heaven's culture. This was the father's desire from the beginning and this is why He gave Jesus authorization to teach us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
The ekklesia by definition was a governmental assembly. Its authority and function was to fundamentally bring forth what Jesus inaugurated in Matthew 16:18. This ekklesia (the church) were those that the gates of hell would never prevail against. The ekklesia are the ones who shoulder the responsibilities as representatives of God's ruling council in the earth. Christ remains as the Head (see Ephesians 5:23) and His Body remains in the earth from generation to generation, expanding the rule and habitation of the kingdom.
According to Jesus, the ekklesia would be a threat to every corrupt human government and principality. The disciples understood this. But that's frankly not good enough. We are the ones in 2018 who must understand it. We must have a revelation and understanding like never before if we're going to take this position and begin to move into our divine assignments. In His great commission, Jesus said that all authority has been given to Him which was in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28). He told us to go and make disciples of all nations, and that signs and wonders would follow us, and accompanying those who believe. He told us that in His name we would cast out demons and speak with new tongues. He told us we would exercise authority as the true church in power and victory (Mark 16).
The Expansion of the Kingdom
The ekklesia recognizes first and foremost that Jesus holds all authority. Demonized systems cannot defeat them because the church have been given the keys in which they forbid and permit localities on the earth. The ekklesia is a living embodiment of Christ on the earth — His Body. The ekklesia represents His role in the earth. In Joel chapter 2, the church intervenes as the intercessory arbiters of national crisis.
Right now, the church is going through a massive transformation, and it comes through revelation of understanding our identity as His ekklesia. It is not enough to be a good healthy church that can evangelize, feed the poor, build the family and run excellent children programs. Are these important? Absolutely, but it's going to take an ekklesia acting with spiritual authority across a region to release transformational power. That is why the ekklesia is founded on apostles and prophets (Ephesians 1:22, 23, 2:20.) The mindset of sent ones and visionaries are far different than pastors and teachers. They are all equally important, however, the chief concern of heaven coming to earth has to be rightly prioritized. The ekklesia are the ones who build God's seat of authority — his throne — in a city and region.
Jesus said in Mark 11:17, "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." Prayer is the key power source of ekklesia. Prayer is the way to strategically and accurately legislate for change and transformation. This is where we see the strongholds of murder, drugs, sex trafficking, and new age cultic worship forbidden in our communities. This is where we see abortion being abolished in America because the ekklesia is taking action and moving in power. Prayer is the power of God. Prayer is the front line for the bold and courageous ekklesia, and there can be no retreat.
Jesus said, "...the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church." Gates are the access point. Gates are the places that transition us into something or out of something. The gate is both an exit and an entry. In biblical times, the elders sat in the gates. This is highly symbolic and prophetic for us. I think it's so notable that the promise of dominion over the enemy's gate was declared from the beginning over God's covenant people. In Genesis 22:17, God told Abraham, "Indeed I will greatly bless you... And your seed shall possess the gate of your enemies." Galatians 3:29 shouts to us this promise too, "If you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise." The righteous are as bold as a lion and the righteous ekklesia is going to have to learn how to cooperate and participate in the Spirit to bring the kingdom to our cities, to our nation and to the nations of the earth.
Why is all of this so important? Because it is imperative that the ekklesia takes its stand now. We have been losing far too many battles for the soul of our nation. It's no secret that the assault on marriage has been unprecedented. Legislation is continually drafted in the halls of human power, crafting clever hate speech laws demanding the proclamation of biblical truth illegal. The spirit of lawlessness is being codified in the law and defended in our courts. Perversion and the occult are raging. A radical homosexual agenda, founded by some of the wealthiest men in the world, is demanding that the governments of the earth openly support their cause. What is perhaps most shocking of all, is that governments are bowing to these insane threats. Waves of economic crisis stir hysteria, forcing the fearful masses to forfeit their own authority and independence to the state, in exchange for security and protection. Don't believe it? Just look at Sweden right now.
The death culture of human trafficking, abortion, drug violence and gang wars are all around us. The infrastructures of our cities are crumbling, and the churches remain half empty and satisfied with the status quo. I have to be honest; sometimes I just shake my head bewildered with the condition of the American church at large. We live in an age of gross darkness, among those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). Where is the church? Many feel powerless to respond. Most church people think they've done the world a favor just by being sweet, polite and domesticated saints.
The church that Jesus is building is far superior than just a campus that is used a few days a week, serves coffee and offers modern services. His church is the ekklesia which is the embassy of heaven that builds His throne — His seat of authority — expanding and reaching into every sphere of culture in the unstoppable power of the Spirit. The church that Jesus is building is a burning apostolic force, undefeatable and unquenchable, triumphing over all the works of the devil.
Heaven's agenda cannot continue to be stalled across the nations of the earth because of a sleeping church and a lack of revelation. The demonic culture cannot continue to be permitted its place prevailing in the earth. The church has to begin legislating the kingdom in the place of prayer. Somebody has to wake up. For the most part, the church has been hiding away, safely nestled in their passivity, feeding on inspirational "Ted Talks." Outside of the faithful and passionate remnant, there has been little re in their souls, and there has been very little intercession for the nations.
I'm here as a messenger to tell you that God's ekklesia, the burning ones, the elders, the gatekeepers and the watchmen (those who know their God) will live in the furnace of prayer, positioning themselves for the awakening and revival beyond anything we have ever conceptually imagined. Our revelation is most crucial. We must behold the Christ who has all authority! I want to ask you plainly, do you see Jesus as having all authority? If you do not, it's time to set everything aside, get away with the Lord and courageously gaze into the ery eyes of the Lion.
"The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout, Yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies."
Isaiah 42:13 NASB
The Holy Spirit is summoning us to assemble together with eternal purpose and focus on the real agenda of bringing the government of heaven into the earth. Our gatherings are destined to become the most exhilarating and powerful gatherings on the face of the earth. The ekklesia will not be wasting away in some lifeless structure of religion. No! They will be accessing the power of the throne of God through earthshaking worship, prayer and intercession. The power of the Holy Spirit will be on radical display. The groans of our world, that are presently under the weight of evil, will be met with the church of power and great glory, bringing deliverance and liberty to the captives. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the revelation of the risen living Christ and His victorious Church!
*This Blog is from Chapter 4 of BOLD AS LIONS from Brian Gibbs
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