Week three was another satisfying gathering of One Ekklesia bible study. We reviewed Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in John 5:39, claiming that all scripture testifies of Him. Not only do the scriptures testify of who he is as the Messiah, but also what moves his heart – what is His eternal purpose, pleasure and will.
As we come to see and understand that He is working to accomplish His will, we see that He is inviting us to participate with Him in carrying that purpose out.
In John 17, Jesus prayed three times right before going to the cross that his followers would all be one. Although the fact that Jesus prayed this prayer is often avoided or ignored, Jesus said that the world will believe when this prayer is answered.
God’s eternal purpose is unveiled in His conversation with Peter in Matthew 16:13-21. Jesus said, “I will build my Ekklesia (Democratic Assembly, improperly translated to the word church, covered in a previous week) and the gates of hell will not prevail (hold up) against it.” This reveals that the Lord’s Ekklesia is on the offense and the devil is on the defense with certain defeat the eventual outcome.
We also observed that besides saving sinners, Jesus also came to gather his scattered children into one. One participant commented that she had never heard a sermon on this scripture. I encourage you to look again at John 11:52! We were encouraged!