Ekklesia

In the Introduction to Ekklesia, Ed Silvoso reminds us that:

'The Ekklesia, Jesus' Church, was never meant to resemble a prisoner-of-war camp waiting to be liberated.  On the contrary! ..... His plans are for good and not for evil.  Furthermore, the Bible states with no ambiguity whatsoever that the saints, the Church, will overcome the devil and his demons here on earth. ..... The Ekklesia that Jesus is building is equipped ..... with a story to tell, not just to individuals but also to the nations, that will turn their hearts to the Lord.  And more than that, the Ekklesia is specifically empowered to disciple and transform them.'

Ed Silvoso weaves together Biblical teaching and true life stories.  Thus he inspires us to go beyond our church walls, to engage with our communities, and to disciple nations.  Above all, he encourages us to minister the authority which Jesus gave to us.  Indeed he launches one particular chapter as follows:  'A fuller understanding of spiritual authority.  From commiserating in private to legislating in public.  Jesus invested His Ekklesia with the highest level of divine authority imaginable.  The Ekklesia to to exercise that authority in ever-increasing circles .....'

He concludes with this inspiration:

'Dream with me about your nation.  Picture its flag, waving in the wind of the Spirit and carried by its President or Prime Minister, bowing before God Almighty.  Picture you having had a part, no matter how small, in bringing it about through your obedience to His call.'

Ed Silvoso is from Argentina.  I met him there on two life-changing trips with Harvest Evangelism, the organisation which he established.  I found it an amazing experience to visit a nation in revival.  In particular I visited Olmos high security prison, the powerhouse of the Argentine revival.  He refers to Olmos in Chapter 8.  These experiences, and teaching such as in this book, opened my eyes to what God can do in and through my nation of Ireland.