September 27, 2006 - The church is the "EKKLESIA". EKKLESIA the Greek word for church means a gathering of citizens called out of their homes to gather for the purpose of conducting city/state business. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says - "…I will build my church (EKKLESIA) and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." From this we understand that the church is Kingdom citizens called out of ordinary lives to gather around Jesus and His throne to conduct Kingdom business.

Called is an important word. It is one of the 5 'C' words that God has given us at Gateway Church to describe the process of making disciples.

The first 'C' word is CALLED. We are a called people. We are called by His name, we are called to hope, called to be holy, called to be free, called to peace, called out of darkness, called to glory and called His children. These are all common callings that we need to acknowledge and respond to as believers.

Paul made it more personal when he declared with boldness that he was called to be an apostle by the will of God. You have a specific calling as a member of the church. You can be called to be a part of Gateway Church, called to be a worshipper, an usher or greeter, a teacher, a nursery worker, an alter worker, a member of the dance team, a counselor, an intercessor or any of a dozen of the functions and anointings that make up Christ's body the church.

I like the list of things that the prophet Isaiah says that the people of God will be called. He says we will be called:
1. The repairer of the breach
2. The restorer of the streets in which to dwell
3. Oakes of righteousness
4. The priests of the Lord
5. God's delight
6. Sought out, a city not forsaken.

The prophet sums all of our calling us by saying in Isaiah 43:1 "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; YOU ARE MINE!"

At Gateway Church we are committed to His call on our lives and to helping you discover and fulfill your calling.

Next month: 'C' #2- CONNECTED