In the Old Testament, the English word congregation is the translation of several Hebrew words that carry the idea of "an assembly called together" or "an appointed meeting". This words point to Israel as the community of the Law, a "sacred assembly" gathered together by God and appointed to be His covenant people. As such, the term congregation was a constant reminder to Israel of the hand of God upon its destiny. Each time the Law of God was read in the solemn assembly of the congregation, Israel's privilege as His people under His covenant promises was renewed.

A phrase such as "the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel" - Ex. 12: 6 - refers to the largest unit of the Hebrew people. A Hebrew belonged at the most basic level, to a house then to a family (a collection of houses), then to a tribe (a collection of families), and then to the congregation of Israel, therefore, refers to the entire nation of Israel or the people of God as a whole.

In the New Testament, the term congregation is used. The two Greek words - ekklesia and synagogue - were virtually interchangeable. But they began take on separate and specialised meanings as the rift between the Christian Church - ekklesia - and the Jewish synagogue - synagogue - became more antagonistic. The words soon referred to rival religious faiths.

When they held the assembly in the wilderness it was only through Moses that our ancestors could communicate with the angel who had spoken to him on Mount Sinai; it was he who was entrusted with words of life to hand on to us. - Acts 7:38 -

When the meeting broke up many Jews and devout converts joined Paul and Barnabas, and in their talks with them Paul and Barnabas urged to remain faithful to the grace God had given them. - Acts 13:43 -

For the one who sanctifies and the ones who are sanctified are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers in the text: I shall announce your name to my brothers, praise you in full assembly; or the text: In him I hope; or the text: Here I am with the children whom God has given me. - Heb. 2:11-12 -

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -