NarrowRoad

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we begin our study of chapter 11 of 1 Corinthians, namely, vss. 2-16. We discuss the appropriate context of Paul's statement that Christ is the head of every man, and man is the head of the woman. We also analyze the meaning of the head covering for the woman when she speaks words to God (prayer) or speaks words from God (prophesy) in a public setting. It is suggested the existence of a hierarchy in the glorified Kingdom must be reflected in a hierarchy within the image of the Kingdom of God, i.e., the ekklesia of God. We examine the different positions God placed the man and woman in this existing human drama, complementary and, yet, orderly. Moreover, multiple reasons are provided to demonstrate the invalidity of the position this passage is just cultural and no longer applicable within a gathering of New Covenant believers following God's design.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we finish our study of chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians. The true meaning of the Lord's Supper and its importance as an ordinance to be observed within a New Covenant Temple of God is discussed in some detail. We probe Paul's reference to the Lord's Supper when giving counsel as to why it is best to refrain from eating at an idol's temple to avoid any risk that the Lord might be provoked to jealousy, which might possibly lead to a trial if one is not already ongoing. We also examine Paul's instructions regarding the issue of meat sacrificed to idols in the context of the marketplace and as a guest at a private dinner party, with comments on why Paul gave such instructions.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we apply what we learned from the last episode of trials through which a designated people of God may need to suffer and endure in order to purge a sin that has captured the people as a whole. We discover how these truths relate to the Ekklesia's Prayer, the Parable of the Fruitless Fig Tree, and the messages to the ekklesiai in Revelation 2-3. Through these discoveries we learn the importance of an ekklesia maintaining a heart that is eager to forgive those who wrong her so that she may be forgiven for her offenses against the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we analyze 1 Corinthians 10:5-13. In the last episode, we saw Paul compare the people of Israel in the wilderness, as the designated people of God of the Old Covenant, with the ekklesia of God in Corinth, as a people of God under the New Covenant. In this passage, Paul references trials that took hold of the people of Israel in the wilderness and presents them as examples of trials that may take hold of the Corinthian ekklesia. We recognize that the rebellious seeds of those trials referenced by Paul, i.e., idolatry, immorality, testing of God, and grumbling about those set over the ekklesia as overseers, including Christ as Head, were already present within the Corinthian ekklesia. The trials referenced by Paul shared the following pattern: 1. A rebellious sin would spread through and dominate the holy people of Israel. 2. God's response to the rebellious sin was to either to express His desire to eliminate the obstinate Israelites or simply begin terminating the lives of the people of Israel. 3. A number of Israelites are killed, from 3,000 to 24,000. 4. An intercessor (provided by God) would rise up and intercede, or perform a zealous act to turn away, the wrath of God, allowing the people of God to escape His full wrath and endure the trial, remaining as a people of God. We then discover that this pattern is summed up in vss. 11-13, as both a warning and a reason for hope for the Corinthian ekklesia. Finally, we compare the above understanding of this passage to the typical teaching by the church system as a demonstration of how Scripture must be twisted in its interpretation to protect the counterfeit system promoted as the proper way for New Covenant believers to gather. This passage gives a whole new meaning to the request in the Ekklesia's Prayer, "Lead us not into trial, but deliver us from the Evil One."

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we begin Chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians, specifically, the first 4 verses. We discuss how Paul compares the Corinthian ekklesia, as a New Covenant designated people of God, with the Israelites in the wilderness, as the Old Covenant designated people of God. We also extend the discussion to the stated reasons God gave that prompted Him to decide it was time to call the Israelites from out of slavery and designate them as a people of God. We apply those stated reasons to the situation many authentic believers are in today in hopes that God may decide it is time to call out genuine disciples of Christ to form an ekklesia of God that has been lost for centuries.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we finish Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians. We discuss how Paul will do whatever it takes to prevent himself from being part of the reason another may reject the full gospel of the kingdom of God. Moreover, Paul believes such sacrifices are those that are required of anyone wanting to gain entry into the glorified kingdom of God. This is what it means to seek first the kingdom of God. We proceed to examine the full meaning of Paul's illustrations of competing in a race to win and boxing an opponent to prevail. In doing so, we conduct an in-depth probe into the opponents identified in Revelation 2 and 3 in the messages to the 7 ekklesiai that must be overcome before one an gain entry into the kingdom of God.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we look at 1 Corinthians 9:13- 19. We take a more in-depth look at the link Paul makes in vss. 13-14. We also examine the prominent passages used by the church system to justify the salaries and benefits provided to senior pastors in a church. We discuss how the interpretation imposed on these passages cannot be supported by the Greek or the context in which these passages are found. Moreover, such interpretations are opposed to clear statements by Paul instructing the members of an ekklesia to take great care so as to work to provide for their own necessities and not be a burden on anyone else. Finally, we discuss why Paul insisted on refusing to allow his necessities to be provided by those he served as a priest of the gospel of God and why Paul believed his refusal may be rewarded by Christ on the Day.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we look at 1 Corinthians 9:3- 14. Here, Paul makes his defense should anyone doubt his assertion in 8:13 where he states he would cease eating meat the rest of his life if food might make his brother stumble. Having established he was a free man and an apostle, Paul puts forth a series of informative and clever arguments supporting his claim that while living with the Corinthians, Paul had a right to obtain free room and board together with other necessities he may have required, just as was provided to the rest of the apostles, namely, the brothers of the Lord and Peter. We analyze the link between the illustrations Paul references, i.e., the soldier, vineyard planter, and the shepherd, to the actual work Paul performed for the benefit of the Corinthian ekklesia. We also examine Paul's conclusion regarding the purpose of the esoteric law concerning the muzzling of an ox while threshing, and how Paul applies this understanding to formulate the heavenly principle of giving project laborers a small stake in the success of the project. Accordingly, those who sow spiritual things in a people attain a small stake in the success of the spiritual things sown should the people produce fruit. Finally, we discover the link Paul makes between the sacred services performed in the Old Covenant temple and itinerant evangelists proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God. Paul states that just as those performing sacred services at the temple were entitled to eat from the sacrifices offered, so did Jesus grant those travelling evangelists proclaiming the gospel the right to free room and board from those being serviced. Thus, the preaching of the gospel is likened to performing sacred services at the temple, which under the New Covenant is the ekklesia of God. Accordingly, this link Paul makes is further confirmation that the gospel of the kingdom of God must include the full teaching of the true ekklesia of God. as the New Covenant temple of God.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we begin 1 Corinthians 9 by examining the first two verses and what it means to be an apostle of Christ. We look at the accounts of the appointed 12 and the other 70 disciples sent out by Christ. We examine the directives, authority, rights, and healing powers granted them by Christ to use during the course of their assignment. We consider those referred to as apostles who were not among the appointed 12 and the need to test those claiming to be an apostle though not among the 12. We also entertain the notion of whether there could be an apostle today. In addition, we closely examine the criteria on which Paul chiefly relied to establish his credentials as an authentic apostle of Christ.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we continue with 1 Corinthians 8 with an in-depth discussion on the link between one's faith and one's conscience, including the dynamic interface between the two. We examine Scripture passages that reference a clean, clear, or pure conscience, a defiled conscience, a seared conscience, an evil conscience, and a good conscience. We discuss passages that explain the effect of the blood of Christ sprinkled on one's conscience and what that means. In the next episode we will investigate the effects the church system could have on the conscience and entertain proposals that might be done in response.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we finish 1 Corinthians 8 by revisiting Matthew 6 to explore the primary command of Christ, i.e., to seek first the kingdom of God. We again confirm, as in numerous prior episodes, the kingdom of God to which Jesus is referring is the ekklesia of God, as shown to us by Paul. We then realize the church system, as a counterfeit of the ekklesia of God, has drastically distorted the chief directive given by Jesus to his disciples. We discuss how this deceitful lie promoted by the church system, as a "doctrine of demons", has severely damaged the conscience of every professed believer, concealing the genuine way of salvation, and seducing the bondservants of Christ to live unholy lives, seeking earthly treasures and pursuing other worldly interests in the same manner as unbelievers. Observing also that, typically, all professed believers have been baptized under the purview of the deceitful church system, we recognize that such baptisms are illegitimate. Accordingly, upon an analysis of 1 Peter 3:13-22, it would appear appropriate to undergo a proper baptism after confirming the full gospel of the kingdom of God, including Jesus' command to seek first the ekklesia of God, as the image of the glorified kingdom of God on earth.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we continue with 1 Corinthians 8. We investigate the main criteria named by Jesus that identify to all men those who are disciples of Christ. We also examine the extreme danger of placing a stumbling block in the way of a brother for which Christ died. We examine Romans 14 to better understand Paul's teaching regarding care one should give when exercising liberties in the company of those who do not share those liberties. Finally, we probe the warnings of Jesus given in Matthew 18 regarding the dire consequences of setting stumbling blocks in the way of infants in Christ. We also briefly discuss the role of the conscience in an individual that will be explored in more depth in the next episode..

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we begin 1 Corinthians 8. We discuss the likely reason the issue of eating in an idol's temple was presented to Paul and who were the likely ones seeking Paul's comments. We analyze Paul's comparison of knowledge and love and suggest two possible translations and interpretations of the first 3 verses. We proceed to consider vss. 4-6 where we dissect the knowledge shared by Paul and the inquirers before looking forward to the next passage for a preview of how Paul will wrap up his response to the initial inquiry.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we finish 1 Corinthians 7 by discussing in depth Paul's counsel to the young adults (virgins) in the Corinthian ekklesia. We conduct a thorough analysis of the context in which Paul provided his counsel and consider whether Paul would give the same counsel to those who live in the United States today.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we discuss what might first appear to be a completely different topic in the middle of Paul's counsel regarding the married and unmarried members of the ekklesia. The passage considered is 1 Corinthians 7:15-24. We will compare the typical interpretation of the passage proffered by those embracing the church system with an interpretation that approaches the passage with a basic understanding of the teaching of the ekklesia of God. I believe you will find the interpretation presuming the veracity of the church system to be untenable, contradicted by the words of Jesus and Paul, and rejected by the conduct of the disciples and Paul. We will examine why this flawed interpretation was promoted and how such inherently wrong interpretations may cause infant believers to stumble or cripple their respect for Scripture as a relevant and applicable revelation of God. On the other hand, I believe you will find the interpretation informed by the true teaching of the ekklesia of God to be powerful and insightful, providing essential understanding of important truths concerning the ekklesia of God and the calling of those who serve as her members.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we continue to analyze chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians through verse 16. We discuss Paul's counsel regarding the situation where one spouse responds to the gospel of the kingdom of God while the other does not. We explore the likely basis for Paul's counsel by examining the treatment of this issue within the shadow of the kingdom of God and translating the same principles to the image of the kingdom of God. In doing so, we can better understand the full meaning of Paul's counsel to the Corinthian ekklesia regarding this matter.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we continue to analyze chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians through verse 11. We explore Paul's approach to providing counsel to the Corinthian ekklesia as he uses his spiritual wisdom to apply Divine truth to the circumstances the ekklesia is facing, keeping the Kingdom objectives, values, and priorities foremost in his counsel.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we proceed to chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians where Paul finally begins to respond to the questions raised in the letter from the Corinthian ekklesia to Paul. The first topic addressed concerns the bedroom activities of the members of the ekklesia, demonstrating the transparency inherent within an ekklesia family of God. We analyze Paul's counsel in light of other teachings Paul has provided regarding the different roles of a husband and wife in forming and developing the marital complementary union where two become one.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we analyze 1 Corinthians 6:9-20, finishing the 6th chapter. We discuss the primary duty of an ekklesia of God, that is, to govern herself along the way of salvation, to keep herself moving forward on the narrow road, as a city on a hill, letting her light shine before men in such a way that they may see her good works and glorify the Father. We also review the numerous ways the Corinthian ekklesia was falling far short of fulfilling her duty. We examine the rationalization being used by the Corinthian ekklesia to justify their erroneous approach to governing themselves, and the embedded sin in the gathering that likely caused them to adopt such an approach. We then proceed to scutinize in detail the several refutations by Paul proffered to expose the Corinthian rationalizations as false. Finally, we explore the ramifications of Paul's exhortation to use our bodies, which were bought with a price and made temples of the Holy Spirit, to glorify God.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we analyze 1 Corinthians 6:1-8. We discuss at length what it means to live as a member of a New Covenant designated people of God within an ekklesia of God governed by the law of God. In essence, a members's life is defined by his role in the ekklesia of God as the body of Christ. All other matters rate a distant second in priority and influence.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we examine in detail the symbolism included in the Passover meal followed by the 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread and how this Old Covenant ordinance translates to the Lord's Supper included in each New Covenant gathering of an ekklesia of God.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we discuss further Jesus' illustrations of the salt of the "land", as applicable to the Old Covenant, and the light of the "kosmos", as applicable to the New Covenant. We also finish examining Matthew 18 which lays out the duties, priorities, and authority of the apostles in implementing the ways of the New Covenant. Finally, we continue to explore the proper approach to preserving the purity of the holy gathering, as a New Covenant Temple of God, when confronted with transgressions of the members.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we begin 1 Corinthians 5 and discuss the importance of preserving the purity of the ekklesia, as a New Covenant Temple of God. We talk about why Paul considered himself a member of the ekklesia entitled to vote within the gathering on certain matters though he may be only present in spirit. We discuss the vote of the Apostle Paul, as present in spirit, concerning the unrepentant egregiously immoral member. We address why the priority of any discipline is the restoration of the member. We begin discussion of Matthew 18 and the relevance of the entire chapter when addressing the discipline of a member. We discuss at length the meanings of the illustrations Jesus presented to his disciples regarding the salt of the earth and the light of the world.in Matthew 5.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we compare the Corinthian Ekklesia's lifestyle expectation of a disciple of Christ with the Apostle Paul's description of his actual lifestyle as a disciple of Christ, which is also consistent with the lifestyles of the other Apostles, in this age of the preparation period, . We analyze whether Paul's discipleship lifestyle description is unique or, instead, serves as an example for all true disciple of Christ. We also examine the lifestyle expectations of a believer promoted by the church system and discern whether such expectations are more consistent with those of the Corinthian ekklesia or the discipleship lifestyle described by the Apostle Paul.

A freedman of God hosting a journey to discover the lost ekklesia of God. In this episode, we finish discussing 1 Corinthians 4:1-7. In doing so, we discuss further the passages exhorting us to stay alert, watching for Christ's return, ready to receive him when he arrives. We discuss how waiting in readiness means we are to be busy performing as the best steward of the spiritual insights entrusted to us, putting them to work to further the interests and passions of Christ, our Master. In this discussion, among other passages, we closely analyze the Parable of the Ten Minas in Luke 19:11-27.