The Function of Ekklesia in the Earth . . .  Matthew 16:18

1. Understanding the Language of the Bible.
   1. EK = OUT
   2. KALEO = BECKON, CALL, SUMMON, INVITE
2. A Definition of Ekklesia in 30+4 Words or Less
   1. EKKLESIA:  The "called out" assembly of covenant sons and daughters of the Father gathering in relationship, aligned in purpose, governed by the Spirit, and sent to manifest His Kingdom through collective authority, function, and life.
   2. Luke 11:2
3. A Deeper Dive into Ekklesia
   1. Ekklesia describes an entire assembly of individuals who are called out, call forth, and separated, and who therefore hold a position of honor and privilege.
   2. The earliest appearance of the word was in ancient Athens, where it was used only in a political context.
   3. Anyone with an understanding of the Greek language in the first century would have understood the historical, political, and judicial implication, connected to the word.
   4. In the classical Greek culture . . . The word Ekklesia simply meant . . . An assembly of citizens who were invited to participate in a closed assembly in Athens.
   5. In this assembly, there were several political functions performed:
      1. LAWS were created.
      2. DECISIONS were debated.
      3. POLICIES affecting both internal and external affairs were formulated.
   6. Key judicial cases were decided.  Customs and cultural norms were adapted and changed.
   7. Officials were appointed.  State decisions were proclaimed.
   8. The Chief Magistrates of the land were elected (Acts 17:19-34)
   9. The Greek Ekklesia met almost weekly to monitor the needs of their society and make adjustments as needed.
   10. When a person or persons decided they would not conform to the agreed precepts of the culture they were put out of the community.
4. The Gathering of the Greek Ekklesia.
   1. Before a meeting:  A herald (crier) was sent out into the community to remind the citizens to attend the meeting.
   2. Businesses closed . . . Homes were secured . . . And people attended the meeting.
   3. All Athenian Citizens were invited . . . Regardless of class or social status.
   4. At the beginning of every meeting they opened with prayer and a sacrifice to their gods.

EKKLESIA . . .GOD'S GOVERNMENT THROUGH GOD'S PEOPLE IN THE EARTH.

WE FUNCTION AS GOD'S AMBASSADOR!