Bible Study Lessons eCourse


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Bible Study Lessons eCourse Bible Study Lessons eCourse Part #4 Index {3 lessons: 75 points} We have restored in the Scriptures quoted the Names of the Father and Son, as they were originally written by the inspired authors of the Bible. Click here to download the Restored Names Version (RNV) of Scripture. -WLC Team

Lesson #1 {25 points} The Truth About Babylon Lesson Quiz (offline/online) Lesson #2 {25 points} Where Is Yahuwah's True Ekklesia? Lesson Quiz (offline/online) Lesson #3 {25 points} What Does The Bible Say About Home Ekklesia? Lesson Quiz (offline/online)

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 1. The Truth About Babylon Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

Go To Quiz (offline/online)

The King James Version (KJV) is mostly used in these lessons. Click here to access the KJV online.

In Revelation 17, Babylon is referred to as a woman who is a great harlot. As a woman represents an ekklesia or professed ekklesia (church), and a harlot represents a church that is unfaithful, any church that becomes a harlot is part of Babylon. More than one church forms a part of Babylon because in Revelation 17:5 it says: "on her forehead a name was written: Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and of the abominations of the earth." As she is the mother and she has daughters, clearly there are other organized denominations that belong to this great system. "The term ‘Babylon’ is derived from ‘Babel,’ and signifies confusion. It is employed in Scripture to designate the various forms of false or apostate religion." "The message of Revelation 14, announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to religious bodies that were once pure and have become corrupt.” The Great Controversy, page 381, 383.

Lighted With His Glory 1. What message, given earlier, is now repeated with great urgency? “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Revelation 18:1-2. (Compare Revelation 14:8.) NOTE: "This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8), is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844. A terrible condition of the religious world is here described. With every rejection of truth the minds of the people will become darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are entrenched in an infidel hardihood. In defiance of the warnings which [Yahuwah] has given, they will continue to trample upon one of the precepts of the Decalogue, until they are led to persecute those who hold it sacred. [Yahushua] is set at nought in the contempt placed upon His word and His people. As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches." The Great Controversy 1888 ed, page 603. 2. Who and what is Babylon? “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With

whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” Revelation 17:1-5. "Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. Thou art thy mother's [Rome's] daughter, that loatheth her husband [Yahushua] and her children [Yahuwah's professed people who preach the three angels' messages]; and thou art the sister of thy sisters [apostate Protestantism]..." Ezekiel 16:44-45. “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity.... My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of Yahuwah." Jeremiah 51:6, 45. Answer: Babylon is depicted as being an impure woman (Revelation 17:1-5). And what does a woman symbolize in Scripture? An ekklesia, or professed ekklesia (church) (See Jeremiah 6:2; Ephesians 5:23-27). So Babylon would then represent a church which is corrupt and impure. This corrupt Church is none other than Roman Catholic Church with the entire organized denominational Churches all over the world as represented by her daughters. She is said to have made “the inhabitants of the earth… drunk with the wine of her fornication.” (Revelation 17:2) By giving her wine of corrupted doctrines to other religions, she has made them her daughters. Some of the wine of Babylon includes Sunday sacredness, the immortality of the soul, consciousness in death, the trinity, image worship, purgatory, etc. “...the message announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to some religious body that was once pure, and has become corrupt....Babylon is represented as a woman, a figure which is used in the Scriptures as the symbol of [an ekklesia/church]. A virtuous woman represents a pure [ekklesia], a vile woman an apostate church. Babylon is said to be a harlot...” The Great controversy 1884 ed, page 232-233 (The Great Controversy, page 381).

Babylonian Denominations 3. Who are the harlot daughters of Mother Church [Roman Catholic Church] that constitute her daughters? "Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. Thou art thy mother's [Rome's] daughter, that loatheth her husband [Yahushua] and her children [Yahuwah's professed people who preach the three angels' messages]; and thou art the sister of thy sisters [apostate Protestantism]..." Ezekiel 16:44-45. Examples:

        

Seventh-day Adventist church Episcopal church Presbyterian church Lutheran church Nazarene church Methodist church Pentecostal church Baptist church etc.

Answer: The Protestant churches which have ceased to “protest” and are seeking reunion again with Rome, “the mother and mistress of all the churches,” and are following her apostate faith and practices.

"Babylon is said to be 'the mother of harlots.' By her daughters must be symbolized churches that cling to her doctrines and traditions, and follow her example of sacrificing the truth and the approval of [Yahuwah], in order to form an unlawful alliance with the world." The Great Controversy 1911 ed, page 382. NOTE: “But the message announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to some religious body that was once pure, and has become corrupt. It cannot be the Romish Church which is here meant; for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. But how appropriate the figure as applied to the Protestant churches, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects. The unity for which [Yahushua] prayed does not exist. Instead of one [Master], one faith, one baptism, there are numberless conflicting creeds and theories. Religious faith appears so confused and discordant that the world know not what to believe as truth. [Yahuwah] is not in all this; it is the work of man,--the work of Satan.” The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 232. 4. What reason is given for the fall of Mother Church and her Daughters? Answer: Because they have "made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication;" (Revelation 14:8), Revelation 17:2, says: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. And Revelation 18:2 also add that she “is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Revelation 18:3, also gives us the reason; “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” {or, power} NOTE: In the above scripture is foretold the destruction of all the churches who corrupt themselves by idolatrous devotion to the service of the papacy, those who have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Thus is represented the papal power, which with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, by outside attraction and gorgeous display, deceives all nations; promising them, as did Satan our first parents, all good to those who receive its mark, and all harm to those who oppose its fallacies. The power which has the deepest inward corruption will make the greatest display, and will clothe itself with the most elaborate signs of power. The Bible plainly declares that this covers a corrupt and deceiving wickedness. "Upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon the Great, The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth."

5. What other unscriptural error characterize all the organized Denominations/Churches of today as Babylon apart from natural immortality, sprinkling, and Sunday-keeping, etc.? The Trinity doctrine. "The mystery of the Trinity is the central doctrine of the Catholic faith. Upon it are based all the other teachings of the church." Handbook for Today's Catholic, p. 11. 6. What are some of those teachings of the Catholic faith that are rooted in the doctrine of the Trinity? A casual look gives us such teachings as: natural immortality of the soul, Sunday-sacredness, tradition in place of the Bible, purgatory, eternal hell, the mass, praying to saints, the infallibility of the pope, the immaculate conception, and the priest's ability to forgive sins etc. NOTE: Seventh-day Adventists claim to take the Word of Yahuwah as supreme authority and to have 'come out of Babylon', to have renounced the vain traditions of Rome. If we should go back to the immortality of the soul purgatory, eternal torment and Sunday Sabbath, would that be anything less than apostasy? If, however, we leap over all these minor, secondary doctrines and accept and teach the very central root doctrine of Romanism, the Trinity, and teach that the Son of Yahuwah did not die, even though our words seem to be spiritual, is this anything less than apostasy, and the very Omega of apostasy? "Thank [Yahuwah] for the Spirit of Prophecy!" In the printed copy of Elder Prescott's sermon I noted that he quoted profusely from the teachings of Sunday keeping ministers of other churches- if he would read the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy more and the teachings of popular Sunday keeping ministers less; if he would in simple faith take the teachings of the testimony of [Yahushua], he would not make the mistake of teaching the heathen doctrine of the Trinity..." 1939 Letter by J. S. Washburn in response to an article by Elder Prescott. "The doctrine of the Trinity was established in the church by the Council of Nicea, A.D. 325. This doctrine destroys the personality of [Yahuwah], and His Son [Yahushua, the Anointed, our Master]. The infamous, measures by which it was forced upon the church which appear upon the pages of ecclesiastical history might well cause every believer in that doctrine to blush." J. N. Andrews, Review & Herald, March 6, 1855. "There are many objections which we might urge, but on account of our limited space we shall reduce them to the three following: 1. It is contrary to common sense. 2. It is contrary to Scripture. 3. Its origin is pagan and fabulous… Instead of pointing us to Scripture for proof of the trinity, we are pointed to the trident of the Persians, with the assertion that 'by this they designed to teach the idea of a Trinity, and if they had the doctrine of the Trinity, they must have received it by tradition from the people of [Yahuwah]. But this is all assumed for it is certain that the Jewish [Ekklesia] held to no such doctrine. Says Mr. Summerbell; "A friend of mine who was present in a New York synagogue, asked the Rabbi for an explanation of the word 'elohim.' A Trinitarian clergyman who stood by, replied, 'Why, that has reference to the three persons in the Trinity,' when a Jew stepped forward and said he must not mention that word again, or they would have to compel him to leave the house; for it was not permitted to mention the name of any strange [deity] in the synagogue." Review & Herald, Nov. 5, 1861.

"It is not very consonant with common sense to talk of three being one, and one being three. Or as some express it, calling [Yahuwah] "the Triune God," or "the three-one-God." If Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are each [Yahuwah], it would be three [deities]; for three times one is not one, but three." J. N. Loughborough, Review & Herald, Nov. 5, 1861. "But to hold the doctrine of the Trinity is not so much an evidence of evil intention as of intoxication from that wine of which all the nations have drunk. The fact that this was one of the leading doctrines, if not the very chief, upon which the bishop of Rome was exalted to popedom, does not say much in its favor." R. F. Cottrell, Review & Herald, July 6, 1869.

A Call To Come Out 7. What urgent call then comes from heaven to all Yahuwah’s children that are still in Roman Catholic Church and the organized denominational Churches?

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4. “And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. . . And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” Genesis 19:15, 17. NOTE: "No longer have the hosts of evil power to keep the [ekklesia] captive; for 'Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city,' which hath 'made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication;' and to spiritual Israel is given the message, 'Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.' Verse 8; 18:4. As the captive exiles heeded the message, 'Flee out of the midst of Babylon' (Jeremiah 51:6), and were restored to the Land of Promise, so those who fear [Yahuwah] today are heeding the message to withdraw from spiritual Babylon, and soon they are to stand as trophies of divine grace in the earth made new, the heavenly Canaan.” Prophets and Kings, page 715. 8. Since all the organized Denominations/Churches have become corrupted, is there to be another new movement of Yahuwah's people today? Is there to be another separation of Yahuwah's people out of this fallen Babylonian Churches? “And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:4. NOTE: "Of Babylon, at this time it is declared, `Her sins have reached unto heaven, and [Yahuwah] hath remembered her iniquities' (Revelation 18:5). She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But [Yahuwah] still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of his judgments, these faithful ones must be called out, that they `partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.' Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from Heaven, lightening the earth with his glory, and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the

call is heard, `Come out of her, my people.' As these warnings join the third angel's message, it swells to a loud cry." The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 422 (The Great Controversy 1911 ed, page 604). “But the message announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to some religious body that was once pure, and has become corrupt. It cannot be the Romish Church which is here meant; for that church has been in a fallen condition for many centuries. But how appropriate the figure as applied to the Protestant churches, all professing to derive their doctrines from the Bible, yet divided into almost innumerable sects. The unity for which [Yahushua] prayed does not exist. Instead of one [Master], one faith, one baptism, there are numberless conflicting creeds and theories. Religious faith appears so confused and discordant that the world know not what to believe as truth. [Yahuwah] is not in all this; it is the work of man,--the work of Satan.” The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 232. So there is going to be a movement of Yahuwah’s honest people that will come out of their corrupt denominations/Churches as soon as they study and understand the ‘Loud Cry’ message of Revelation 18:1-5. 9. In the light of the above, do we have a reference to cite in the history of Yahuwah’s professed Ekklesia in every age? Answer: Yes. “Who is on Yahuwah's side? let him come unto me.” Exodus 32:26. “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of Yahuwah's vengeance. . . My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of Yahuwah.” Jeremiah 51:6, 48. “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if Yahuwah be Elohim, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” 1Kings 18:21. “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of Yahuwah.” Isaiah 52:11. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith Yahuwah, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17. NOTE: "As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of [Yahushua], so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of [Yahushua's] withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of [Yahuwah], they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of [Yahuwah], and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of [Yahuwah]. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience." The Desire of Ages, page 232.

“There was a coming out, a decided separation from the wicked, an escape for life. So it was in the days of Noah; so with Lot; so with the disciples prior to the destruction of Jerusalem; and so it will be in the last days.” Patriarchs and Prophects, page 166.

Come Out Of Her, My People 10. What fearful fate awaits those who do not heed the call to come out? “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. . . . Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is Yahuwah Eloah who judgeth her.” Revelation 18:4, 8. NOTE: "These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of [Yahushua] has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy. In that day, multitudes will desire the shelter of [Yahuwah's] mercy which they have so long despised. 'Behold, the days come, saith the [Sovereign Yahuwah], that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of [Yahuwah]: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of [Yahuwah], and shall not find it.' Amos 8:11, 12." The Great Controversy, pages 628-629. "It is impossible for you to unite with those who are corrupt, and still remain pure. `What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath [Yahushua] with Belial?' [Yahuwah] and [Yahushua] and the heavenly host would have man know that if he unites with the corrupt, he will become corrupt." Review and Herald, January 2, 1900 par. 5. 11. After Yahushua presented truth to the people, what words did He speak next? Answer: "Come, take up your cross and follow me" Luke 9:23. "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be..." John 12:26. So wherever Yahushua's presence is, then there His servants will be also. The other side of the coin is also true, that where Yahushua's presence is not to be found, then Yahushua's true and honest servants will not be found there either, unless Yahuwah directly leads them to be. So Yahushua's presence is the key to discovering where His ekklesia is. "Where He [Yahushua] is, there His [ekklesia] shall be." The Desire of Ages, page 834. NOTE: Since not one of any of the established denominations today are fit for fellowship according to the test of Yahuwah's word, then where are we to fellowship together and worship Yahuwah? In our very homes! Yahuwah is not calling you to join any denomination in order to worship Him today because they are all defiled and corrupted by error and sin. But Yahuwah is indeed calling you to worship Him in spirit and truth

(see John 4:20-24), and this can be easily accomplished in your very homes--just like it was in the days of the disciples. (see Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Acts 18:7; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2.) 12. Who commands all of Yahuwah's honest people to willingly separate from anything connected with Babylonian denominational Churches of today? Answer: The Father. He is calling for the line of demarcation to be made distinct between His followers and Satan's followers. All of Yahuwah's true people are to make the distinction plain by separating from all their established churches in Babylon. Yahuwah's people were not told to wait for the Babylonian churches to kick them out. It was so the people would connect and unite themselves only to Yahuwah, and work to build up His kingdom once again. Dear student: Is following truth more precious to you than keeping church membership in a Yahuwah-less religious institution? Will you heed Yahuwah’s invitation to come out of Babylon?

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 1. The Truth About Babylon Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

Go To Lesson #1

QUIZ 1. What is Babylon? (2 answers) o

Satan's kingdom

o

A city of ancient Mesopotamia

o

Iraq

o

Assyria

o Everything that is not Yahuwah's 2. What symbol is used to represent the fallen denominations in these last days? (1) o

Babylon

o

Dragon

Beast 3. What are the sins that Babylon is especially guilty of? (3 answers) o o

She brings all churches into one.

o

She does not venerate dead saints.

o

She hates the world.

o

She claims to have the power to change times and laws.

o

She persecutes Yahuwah’s people.

She made many replace truth with her false teachings. 4. What is the Biblical definition for when the ekklesia seeks the support of the world? (1) o o

Unity

o

Adultery

Friendship 5. What is the "wine" of Babylon that all nations have drunk of? (1) o o

Fermented grape juice

o

The blood of the saints

False doctrines 6. What will happen to Babylon in the end? (1) o o

She shall be utterly burned with fire.

o

She will repent.

She will be rescued by the righteous. 7. Why is the message that Babylon is fallen to be repeated? (2 answers) o o

Yahuwah’s people are still in Babylon.

o

Yahuwah’s people are returning back to Babylon.

o

It was not heard the first time.

o Yahuwah cannot be found in Babylon. 8. What invitation does Yahuwah extend to honest believers who are still found in the Babylon denominations? (1) o

You are My children; I accept you whereever you are.

o

Stay in Babylon to warn My faithful.

o

Come out of her, My people.

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 2. Where Is Yahuwah's True Ekklesia? Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

Go To Quiz (offline/online)

The King James Version (KJV) is mostly used in these lessons. Click here to access the KJV online.

With all of the different "churches," is there really a way that we can locate Yahuwah's true, final ekklesia? By turning to the pages of Yahuwah's Holy Word, the answer will become clear. Note: The reason why we use Ekklesia and not church in WLC content is because the word "church" does not accurately convey the meaning of the original Greek, "Ekklesia." Throughout the New Testament, Ekklesia refers to the Called Out Ones. The word "church," which emphasizes a group, is therefore an erroneous translation and should never have been used. Christians are literally the Called Out Ones. The true followers of Yahushua are indeed the Called Out Ones from the organized denominations and religions of fallen Babylon. When the call to flee Babylon has been heard, none are to again return to Babylonian churches and forms of religion.

Old Testament Ekklesia 1. Where did Adam and his family worship after being driven out of the Garden of Eden? “The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship [Yahuwah]. Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which had banished them from Eden.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 62. Answer: At the gate of Paradise. 2. What did Abraham build wherever he pitched his tent? “And Yahuwah appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto Yahuwah, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto Yahuwah, and called upon the name of Yahuwah.” Genesis 12:7,8. “Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of Yahuwah.” Genesis 13:4. “Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Yahuwah.” Genesis 13:18. Answer: An altar. NOTE: “Abraham, 'the friend of [Yahuwah],' set us a worthy example. His was a life of prayer. Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his altar, calling all within his encampment to the morning and

evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar remained. In following years, there were those among the roving Canaanites who received instruction from Abraham; and whenever one of these came to that altar, he knew who had been there before him; and when he had pitched his tent, he repaired the altar, and there worshiped the living [Eloah].” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 128. 3. To whom did the sacrifices presented by the patriarchs point? “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43. Answer: To Yahushua. NOTE: “[Yahushua] was the foundation and center of the sacrificial system in both the patriarchal and the Jewish age.” Patriarchs and Prophets, page 366. “He declared that they had rejected the word of [Yahuwah], inasmuch as they had rejected Him whom [Yahuwah] had sent. . . . In every page, whether history, or precept, or prophecy, the Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of [Yahuwah]. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. To [Yahushua] 'give all the prophets witness.' Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven's glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice [Yahushua's] death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt.” The Desire of Ages, page 211.

The Ekklesia In The Wilderness 4. Who is said to have been in “the ekklesia in the wilderness”? “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall Yahuwah your Eloah raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the ekklesia in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.” Acts 7:37,38. Answer: Moses. NOTE: “'The ekklesia in the wilderness,' and not the proud hierarchy enthroned in the world's great capital, was the true [ekklesia] of [Yahushua].” The Great Controversy, page 64. 5. When, and by what event, was Israel made an ekklesia and a nation? “And Yahuwah came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and Yahuwah called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.” Exodus 19:20. 6. Who led the children of Israel out of Egypt, guiding them by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night?

“And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: {true...: Heb. laws of truth} And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.” Nehemiah 9:9-15. Answer: Yahushua. When the law was spoken, Yahuwah, the Creator of heaven and earth, stood by the side of His Son, enshrouded in the fire and the smoke on the mount.

New Testament Ekklesia 7. What was the first recorded step taken to organize the apostolic ekklesia? “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.” Mark 3:14-19.

Yahushua, The Foundation 8. Upon whom is the Christian ekklesia built? “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Anointed, the Son of the living Eloah. . . . And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my ekklesia; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:16,18. Answer: Upon Yahushua, the Anointed. NOTE: “'Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahushua, the Anointed.' 1 Cor. 3:11. 'Upon this rock,' said Yahushua, 'I will build My [ekklesia].' In the presence of [Yahuwah], and all the heavenly intelligences, in the presence of the unseen army of hell, [Yahushua] founded His [ekklesia] upon the living Rock. That Rock is Himself,--His own body, for us broken and bruised. Against the [ekklesia] built upon this foundation, the gates of hell shall not prevail.” The Desire of Ages, page 413.

“Peter had expressed the truth which is the foundation of the [ekklesia's] faith, and Yahushua now honored him as the representative of the whole body of believers. He said, 'I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.' "'The keys of the kingdom of heaven' are the words of [Yahushua]. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are here included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men are received or rejected. Thus the work of those who preach Yahuwah's word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Theirs is a mission weighted with eternal results. "The Saviour did not commit the work of the gospel to Peter individually. At a later time, repeating the words that were spoken to Peter, He applied them directly to the [ekklesia]. And the same in substance was spoken also to the twelve as representatives of the body of believers. If Yahushua had delegated any special authority to one of the disciples above the others, we should not find them so often contending as to who should be the greatest. They would have submitted to the wish of their Master, and honored the one whom He had chosen.” The Desire of Ages, pages 413, 414. 9. What did Peter write about the foundation of the ekklesia? “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of Yahuwah, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yahuwah by Yahushua, the Anointed. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.” 1 Peter 2:4-8. Answer: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

“A living stone. . . . chosen of Yahuwah.” “Chief Cornerstone.” “Elect.” “Precious.” “He that believeth on Him shall not be confounded.” “The stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.” “Stone of stumbling.” “A rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient.”

10. What did Paul say concerning the foundation of the ekklesia? “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of Yahuwah; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahushua, the Anointed, himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Master.” Ephesians 2:19-21.

NOTE: “The apostles built upon a sure foundation, even the Rock of Ages. To this foundation they brought the stones that they quarried from the world. Not without hindrance did the builders labor. Their work was made exceedingly difficult by the opposition of the enemies of [Yahushua]. They had to contend against the bigotry, prejudice, and hatred of those who were building upon a false foundation. Many who wrought as builders of the [ekklesia] could be likened to the builders of the wall in Nehemiah's day, of whom it is written: 'They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.' Nehemiah 4:17.” The Acts of the Apostles, page 596. 11. Has any other foundation for the true ekklesia ever been laid? “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Yahushua, the Anointed.” 1Corinthians 3:11. 12. Who do the Scriptures teach is the head of the ekklesia? “Which he wrought in the Anointed, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the ekklesia.” Ephesians 1:20-22. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as the Anointed is the head of the ekklesia: and he is the saviour of the body.” Ephesians 5:23. NOTE: “'The head of every man is [the Anointed].' [Yahuwah], who put all things under the Saviour's feet, 'gave Him to be the head over all things to the [ekklesia], which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.' 1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22, 23. The [ekklesia] is built upon [Yahushua] as its foundation; it is to obey [Yahushua] as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Many claim that a position of trust in the [ekklesia] gives them authority to dictate what other men shall believe and what they shall do. This claim [Yahuwah] does not sanction. The Saviour declares, All ye are brethren. All are exposed to temptation, and are liable to error. Upon no finite being can we depend for guidance. The Rock of faith is the living presence of [Yahushua] in the [ekklesia].” The Desire of Ages, page 414. “Instead of appointing one to be their head, [Yahushua] said to the disciples, 'Be not ye called Rabbi;' 'neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even [the Anointed].' Matt. 23:8, 10.” The Desire of Ages, page 414.

Ekklesia Of The Firstborn 13. What does the Bible say that the true Ekklesia is? The Ekklesia . . is . . the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. Ephesians. 1:22, 23. Very close and sacred is the relation between [Yahushua] and His [ekklesia]--He the bridegroom, and the [ekklesia] the bride; He the head, and the [ekklesia] the body. Connection with [Yahushua], then, involves connection with His [ekklesia]. The [ekklesia] is organized for service; and in a life of service to [Yahushua],

connection with the [ekklesia] is one of the first steps. Loyalty to [Yahushua] demands the faithful performance of [ekklesia] duties. This is an important part of one's training; and in a [ekklesia] imbued with the Master's life, it will lead directly to effort for the world without. Education, page 268. 14. Who decides who is going to be an ekklesia member? Can we decide who is saved and who is not, whose name is written in heaven and whose is not? Answer: Yahuwah has given mankind no authority to decide who can be a member and who cannot be a member but to simply recognize those whom He has accepted or rejected.

Marks Of The True Ekklesia 15. How can we recognize the true ekklesia in these last days? “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of Yahuwah, and have the testimony of Yahushua, the Anointed.” Revelation 12:17. Answer: We can see from this Scripture that it is not the true ekklesia of Yahuwah that makes war with those who keep the commandments of Yahuwah and have the testimony of Yahushua, the Anointed. It is the people who make void the law, who place themselves on the side of the dragon, and persecute those who vindicate Yahuwah's precepts. In the Bible, Yahushua gives us eleven descriptive points to use in identifying His end-time true ekklesia. Please find below their characteristics. A. Negatively: 1. It cannot be identified by numbers. Matthew. 7:13, 14. 2. Yahuwah's people have always been in the minority. Deuteronomy. 7:7; Luke 12:32; Zechariah. 9:16. B. Positively: 1. It carries out the gospel commission and lives up to its provision. Matthew. 28:18-20; John 3:34. 2. Keeps Yahuwah's commandments, including the fourth. Exodus.20:3-17; Matthew. 5:17-19; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 1 John 2:4-7. 3. It believes and holds to the Spirit of Prophecy. Revelation 12:17; 19:10. This is an ekklesia of fulfilling prophecy and believing in Yahuwah's special direction of His people through a latter-day manifestation of the gift of prophecy and the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy. This is a special feature of this movement. 4. It will endure reproach, scorn, and persecution. Revelation 12:11. He who keeps Yahuwah's commandments will meet ridicule at times, and Satan will make war with him; but a new book of Acts is being written as angels record the faithfulness of Yahuwah's people, as they endure whatever comes to them anywhere in the world. A great test awaits them, but also a great reward.

It heeds Yahuwah's voice to come out of Babylon. Revelation 18:1, 2, 4. Out of the modern Babylon of apostasy - both in Rome and the apostate churches of Protestantism - out of confusion, false doctrines, and worldliness, Yahuwah is calling His people. Thousands of them are coming from every part of the world. They come because Yahuwah is calling them, and His sheep hear His voice. They separate from the ways of the world (1 John 2:15-17), lay aside its pride and vanity (1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4), give up its evil ways (2 Corinthians 7:1), and turn to Yahushua for salvation. Then by His grace they keep the commandments of Yahuwah. and the faith of Yahushua (Revelation 14:12), The true ekklesia, therefore, as you can see, must come out and be separate. 1. It will work and wait for Yahushua's return: While preaching Yahuwah's message the world over, this ekklesia will continue to look for the coming of Yahushua. Revelation 14:12-15. 2. It preaches the gospel of restoration, including the restoration of the creation Sabbath. Acts 3:19-21; Isaiah. 58:1, 12-14; Acts 15:16-18; Isaiah. 56:1-7. 3. It proclaims the Three Angels' Message and the separation message from all organized denominational churches. Revelation. 14:6-12; 18:1-5. That is Present Truth, 2 Peter. 1:12. 4. Present Truth includes the message of the Judgment Hour; the announcement of the fall Of Babylon [Catholic church] and her daughters [All apostate protestant churches]; and a worldwide warning against the beast, his image, and the number of his name. 5. This portion of the message sets the Commandment Keeping Ekklesia Movement apart as the true ekklesia of Yahuwah. It is called by the following marks of distinction - (1) A remnant - Revelation. 12:17 (2) They that keep the commandments of Yahuwah, and the faith of Yahushua: - Revelation. 14:12 6. It is here in answer of Bible prophecy1. That was true of the Reformation to begin with Acts 3:19-21; 15:16. 2. That is true of the Sabbath Reform Message Isaiah. 56:1-7; 58:1, 12-14. 3. Yahuwah's true ekklesia will ever be known by the proclamation of a chain of prophetic truths as outlined in the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation Compare Dan. 2;7; 8 with Revelation. 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 18. 16. What must we ever keep in mind about the true ekklesia? Answer: 1. That Yahuwah's people are different, peculiar; it is because the message makes them peculiar. Titus. 2:14; Romans. 12:1-3, 2. They are not, however, fanatical, but are guided by moderation in their daily life. 3. Philippians. 4:8; their lives are ordered in the light of the seriousness of the time we live in, the judgment hour Romans. 13:11-14; Ephesians. 5:17, 18; Revelation 14:6-8. 4. It is encouraging to know that Yahuwah will continue the work of sanctification among His people until they will have reached the ideal He has set for them. Ephesians. 5:25,27; Revelation. 14:5, 6; 19:7, 8. 5. That it believes and teaches that the sixty-six books of the Bible are the only infallible rule of our faith and practice. 2 Timothy. 3:15-17; Luke 24:25-28. 6. That Yahushua, the Anointed, is the only hope for salvation, past, present, and future. To Him point the sixty-six books of the Bible. John 5:39, 46-48. 7. That salvation is the gift of Yahuwah through Yahushua, the Anointed, our Master. Acts 4: 12.

Synagogue Of Satan 17. To what does our sinful actions reveal that we belong? “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44. Answer: To the synagogue of Satan. It is not the true ekklesia of Yahuwah that makes war with those who keep the commandments of Yahuwah and have the testimony of Yahushua, the Anointed. NOTE: [Yahushua] denied that the Jews were children of Abraham. He said, `Ye do the deeds of your father.' In mockery they answered, `We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even [Yahuwah].' These words, in allusion to the circumstances of His birth, were intended as a thrust against [Yahushua] in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. [Yahushua] gave no heed to the base insinuation, but said, `If [Yahuwah] were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from [Yahuwah].' Their works testified of their relationship to him who was a liar and a murderer. The Desire of Ages, page 467. 18. What fundamental principle did Yahushua explain to show whether we are a child of Yahuwah or a child of Satan? “Ye do the deeds of your father.” John 8:41, first part. Answer: This principle of truth shows who is in control of our lives. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16. NOTE: All that is not in accordance with the known and expressed will of [Yahuwah], is at enmity with [Yahuwah], and has its origin in the synagogue of Satan. The will of [Yahuwah] is expressed in His law, and sin is the transgression of the law. Those who disregard the commandments of [Yahuwah], and teach for doctrines the commandments of men, are working in Satan's line, and are in harmony with the great leader of apostasy. When the Jews were claiming Abraham for their father, while not doing the works of Abraham, [Yahushua] said to them: `Ye are of your father the devil.'The Signs of the Times, June 11, 1894 par. 6. 19. How may we cease to become children of the devil and join the true ekklesia of Yahuwah? “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of Yahuwah, even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12. I can do all things through the Anointed which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13. 20. What is Yahuwah's attitude to those who truly wish to become members of His true ekklesia? “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

Answer: Let the heart-searching Creator reprove the erring, and let each one bow before Him in humility and contrition, casting aside all self-righteousness and self-importance, confessing and forsaking every sin, and asking Yahuwah, in the name of the Redeemer, for pardon. Yahuwah declares, `Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out' (John 6:37); and those who in sincerity present themselves before Him will be pardoned and justified, and will receive power to become the sons of Yahuwah.

The Will Of My Father 21. What description did Yahushua give of those who are truly members of His ekklesia? “While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50. Answer: Here is the relationship that exists between Yahushua and His followers. We occupy this exalted position, if we are indeed doing the will of Yahuwah. We are to consider ourselves as constituting the family of Yahushua, and we are to follow Him as dear children. Adopted into the household of Yahuwah, shall we not honor our Father and our kindred? We have no excuse to plead, for through Yahushua we may command all power in Heaven and earth that we may walk worthy of our high calling. If we are doing the will of Yahuwah, we are counted as the brethren and sisters of our Master. We are to remember this in our daily life. We are to be in harmony with Yahuwah, but at enmity with Satan. There is too much fellowship with the prince of darkness. It is not natural for us to bruise Satan under our feet; but we are to close our hearts to the temptations of the evil one, and to open them to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. We are to press toward the mark for the prize of our high calling, exerting every Yahuwahgiven power, that we may be overcomers. We must be constantly drawing nigh to Yahuwah. We must talk of Yahushua, expressing His love in a devoted life of entire consecration to His service. The more we dwell upon the purity of the character or Yahushua, the more we shall desire to become like Him, and thus we shall be brought nearer to Him. The more we behold His loveliness, the more we shall reflect His divine image. 22. What will be the fundamental question upon which Yahushua judges us? “Not every one that saith unto me, Master, Master, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:2123. Answer: This is the assurance given to all who follow the teachings of Yahushua that they shall become members of the heavenly family. Says Yahushua, Obedience to My Father in heaven is filial obedience. This is the bond of union between Me and all who shall become members of the heavenly family. All who accept the word of truth will enter the hallowed circle that binds to Me every believer as brother or sister or mother.

Holy And Without Blemish 23. How does Paul describe the ekklesia that is to be presented to Yahushua? “Husbands, love your wives, even as the Anointed also loved the ekklesia, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious ekklesia, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27. 24. After one of Yahushua's children heeds His loving warning call and comes out of Babylon (Revelation 18:2, 4), what does Yahushua ask him to do next? Ye are called in one body. Colossians 3:15. He [Yahushua] is the head of the body, the ekklesia. Colossians 1:18. Answer: The Bible says that Yahuwah's people are called into one body, or ekklesia. Yahushua asks those who leave Babylon to join the remnant ekklesia--of which He is the head. Yahushua said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold." John 10:16. He also calls them "my people" in both the Old Testament (Isaiah 58:1) and the New Testament (Revelation 18:4). Of His sheep outside His fold (ekklesia), He says, "Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." "My sheep hear my voice, ... and they follow me." John 10:16, 27. 25. How does one enter that body, or ekklesia? "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles." 1 Corinthians 12:13. Answer: We enter Yahushua's end-time remnant ekklesia by baptism. (See lesson: Baptism | Bury The Past And Start All Over Again for details on baptism.) 26. Who are the real brethren? "And they [the brethren] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death." Revelation 12:11 Answer: The brethren are those who fulfill the criteria of Revelation 12. We find that throughout the book of Revelation, when it is explaining and classifying Yahuwah’s people, the people who are going to be saved in the last days are referred to as overcomers. They find victory over sin in their life through the power of the blood of the Master Yahushua, the Anointed. It says, "They [the brethren] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death." This means that they are overcomers and they are willing to die for the truth. In verse 17 it says that they keep the commandments of Yahuwah and have the testimony of Yahushua, the Anointed. That is the definition of who the brethren are. This means that anyone who does not teach victory over all sin in this life through the power and blood of Yahushua is not one of the brethren. It means that if they do not keep the commandments of Yahuwah and love, teach, read and practice the Spirit of Prophecy, they are not one of the brethren.

27. Having left all the organized churches that constitute Babylon and her daughters, where does one go at the end of each luni-solar week to worship Yahuwah on the Sabbath? “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” John 4:23. Answer: It is high time we begin to worship in our homes trying to win family, friends, and neighbors to the truth until we shall form small companies of believers. Thus, we can claim Yahushua's promise "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" Matthew 18:20. (See lesson: What Does the Bible Say About Home Ekklesia?). NOTE: “I saw that [Yahuwah] has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth. Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth may think that [Yahuwah] is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that [Yahuwah] is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” (Early Writings, page 261.1). In a special sense, the ekklesia is those people who are registered in the books of heaven. "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living Eloah, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and ekklesia of the firstborn who are registered in heaven. . . ." Hebrews 12:22, 23. The true ekklesia of Yahuwah, is composed of those people who are registered in the Book of Life in heaven. Are you willing and honest enough to heed Yahushua's call to come out of all apostate and corrupt denominations/churches, and join His true ekklesia in these last days of earth’s history?

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 2. Where Is Yahuwah's True Ekklesia? Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

Go To Lesson #2

QUIZ 1. Do you need to seperate from all recognized 'churches' and denominations today to become part of Yahuwah's ekklesia? (1) o

No, 1 Cor. 3:10, 11

Yes, 2 Cor. 6:17, 18 2. What is the testimony of Yahushua, the Anointed? (1) o o

The spirit of prophecy

o

His crucifixion

By their fruits you shall know them- the conversion experience of Yahuwah's children 3. How many people do you need to form a ekklesia according to the gospel of Matthew? (1) o o

Any number as long as you have a pastor

o

A minimum of twelve

o Two or three people 4. What messages will Yahuwah's true ekklesia be teaching? (1) o

Love

o

The Three Angels' Messages

Believe in Yahushua and you are saved 5. Does Yahuwah have children in the fallen Babylonian 'churches'? (1) o o

No

o Yes 6. On what did Yahushua say He would build His ekklesia? (1) o

On the Rock

o

On the Holy Spirit

On the disciples 7. Who is the 'Rock' which Yahushua will build His ekklesia on? (1) o o

Yahushua, the Anointed Son of Yahuwah

o

Pope

Apostle Peter 8. Who is the foundation of the true ekklesia? (1) o o

Pope at the Vatican

o

Yahushua, the Anointed Son of Yahuwah

o

Apostle Peter

Apostle Paul 9. Are all of Abraham's descendants a part of the true 'house of Israel' in Yahuwah's sight? (1) o o

No

Yes 10. How can we become part of Yahuwah's true Israel? (1) o o

By asking the permission of my church Pastor.

o

By seeking approval from the Vatican.

o

By enrolling on the local 'church' book.

Through baptism by immersion. 11. Who is the head of the true ekklesia? (1) o o

Yahushua, the Anointed Son of Yahuwah

o

Apostle Peter

o Pope 12. Check the statement that is correct about the true ekklesia. (7 answers) o

True ekklesia will work and wait for Yahushua's return

o

True ekklesia stays in Babylon to witness

o

True ekklesia heeds Yahuwah's voice to come out of Babylonian 'churches'

o

True ekklesia will endure reproach, scorn, and persecution

o

True ekklesia are those who are the literal descendents of the twelve tribes of Israel

o

True ekklesia believes and holds to the Spirit of Prophecy

o

True ekklesia keeps Yahuwah's commandments, including the Sabbath

o

True ekklesia believes tradition above the Bible

o

True ekklesia carries out the gospel commission and lives up to its provision

o

True ekklesia does no great evangelism

o

True ekklesia does not believe in the trinity but believes in the one true Eloah, His Son and their Spirit

o True ekklesia is identified by the majority 13. What is the true ekklesia? (5 answers) o

The ekklesia is 'those that love Yahuwah and keep His commandments'

o

Those who are registered in the ekklesia of Hebrews 12:22, 23

o

Yahuwah’s ekklesia is the various denominations

o

The ekklesia is the body of Yahushua, joined to Him as one spirit

o

Yahuwah’s ekklesia is the Official State Church

o

The ekklesia are the faithful souls

o

Yahuwah’s ekklesia is the Great Cathedral

o

Yahuwah’s ekklesia is the fulness of Him that filleth all in all

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 3. What Does The Bible Say About Home Ekklesia? Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

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The King James Version (KJV) is mostly used in these lessons. Click here to access the KJV online.

The first Christian ekklesia at the time of the apostles had no ekklesia buildings, schools, hospitals, or other visible structure. This early ekklesia met in home ekklesia, and sometimes in the open by a river side. (Acts 16:13). Note: The reason why we use Ekklesia and not church in WLC content is because the word "church" does not accurately convey the meaning of the original Greek, "Ekklesia." Throughout the New Testament, Ekklesia refers to the Called Out Ones. The word "church," which emphasizes a group, is therefore an erroneous translation and should never have been used. Christians are literally the Called Out Ones. The true followers of Yahushua are indeed the Called Out Ones from the organized denominations and religions of fallen Babylon. When the call to flee Babylon has been heard, none are to again return to Babylonian churches and forms of religion. Our favorite inspired author put it this way: Yahuwah has an ekklesia. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love Yahuwah and keep His commandments. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). Where Yahushua is even among the humble few, this is Yahushua's ekklesia, for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute an ekklesia.

Records Of Home Ekklesia

1. Where did Home ekklesia first get started? In the very first home when Yahuwah met with Adam and Eve in their Eden home. They met together and our first parents enjoyed fellowship and instruction from the Creator. “It was under the trees of Eden that the first dwellers on earth had chosen their sanctuary.” The Desire of Ages, page 290. 2. Did our Master, Yahushua, give His support for the home ekklesia? “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.” Mark 3:14-19.

NOTE: “No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led His disciples to the retreat He loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea.” The Desire of Ages, page 291.

Home Ekklesia In The Apostolic Ekklesia 3. Where was the first recorded home ekklesia at the time of the apostolic ekklesia? “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Yahushua, and with his brethren.” Acts 1:13,14. Answer: Scholars of the Greek concur that this was the same upper room in which the Master celebrated the last supper with the twelve apostles. Notice that while the main body of the Jewish ekklesia was meeting in the temple during this holy period of Pentecost, Yahuwah's little band of true people (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty, Acts 1:15b) were meeting in an upper room, and not in the corporate ekklesia. And they all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. (Acts 1:14a). “Verse 13. They went up into an upper room:- Here it evidently means the place where they were assembled for devotion. Lu 24:53 says they were continually in the temple praising and blessing Yahuwah. And some have supposed that the upper room here designated was one of the rooms in the temple. But there is no evidence of that; and it is not very probable. Such a room was a part of every house, especially in Jerusalem; and they probably selected one where they might be together, and yet so retired that they might be safe from the Jews.” Albert Barnes New Testament Commentary. 4. Where else can we find the example of home ekklesia in the New Testament? “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of Yahuwah. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Master Yahushua, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:8-10. NOTE: “As was his custom, Paul had begun his work at Ephesus by preaching in the synagogue of the Jews. He continued to labor there for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of [Yahuwah]. At first he met with a favorable reception; but as in other fields, he was soon violently opposed. Divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude. As they persisted in their rejection of the gospel, the apostle ceased to preach in the synagogue.” The Acts of the Apostles, page 285.

Home Ekklesia In Caesarea 5. Despite the fact that Cornelius accepted the one true Eloah of the Jew, he did not worship in their synagogue; did Yahuwah approve his practice of home ekklesia? “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared Yahuwah with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to Yahuwah alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of Yahuwah coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, master? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before Yahuwah.” Acts 10:1-4. NOTE: “Cornelius was a Roman centurion. He was a man of wealth and noble birth, and his position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of [Yahuwah], and he worshiped Him with a true heart, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He was known far and near for his beneficence, and his righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles. His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. The inspired record describes him as a devout man, and one that feared [Yahuwah] with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to [Yahuwah] alway. "Believing in [Yahuwah] as the Creator of heaven and earth, Cornelius revered Him, acknowledged His authority, and sought His counsel in all the affairs of life. He was faithful to [Yahuwah] in his home life and in his official duties. He had erected the altar of [Yahuwah] in his home, for he dared not attempt to carry out his plans or to bear his responsibilities without the help of [Yahuwah].” The Acts of the Apostles, page 132,133. 6. Are there Other Examples of Home Ekklesia in the New Testament Era? Likewise greet the ekklesia that is in their house, the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto the Anointed. (Romans 16:5). The ekklesia of Asia salute you, Paul wrote to the Corinthians. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Master, with the ekklesia that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19). Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, Paul wrote to the ekklesia at Colosse , and Nymphas, and the ekklesia which is in his house. (Colossians 4:15). And to our beloved Apphia, Paul wrote to Philemon, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the ekklesia in thy house. (Philemon 1:2). But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of Yahuwah, Paul wrote to Timothy, which is the ekklesia of the living Eloah, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15). Notice that the apostle Paul does not identify the Christian ekklesia as a cathedral, or denomination, but he saluted Nymphas, and the ekklesia which is in his house. ( Col.. 4:15b). Then Paul stated that the ekklesia of the living Eloah is the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15).

Reasons For Home Ekklesia 7. For what reasons were the home ekklesia established? A. Because of prejudice and unbelief: “And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of Yahuwah. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Master Yahushua, both Jews and Greeks.” Acts 19:8-10. “The Spirit of [Yahuwah] had wrought with and through Paul in his labors for his countrymen. Sufficient evidence had been presented to convince all who honestly desired to know the truth. But many permitted themselves to be controlled by prejudice and unbelief, and refused to yield to the most conclusive evidence. Fearing that the faith of the believers would be endangered by continued association with these opposers of the truth, Paul separated from them and gathered the disciples into a distinct body, continuing his public instructions in the school of Tyrannus, a teacher of some note.” The Acts of the Apostles, page 285. “[Separated the disciples] Paul, and those converted under his ministry, had doubtless been in the habit of attending public worship in the synagogue: but, on the persecuting conduct of these Jews; he and his converts wholly withdrew from the synagogue, and took a place for themselves; and constantly afterwards held their own meetings at a school room, which they hired no doubt for the purpose.” Adam Clarke's Commentary. B. Because there’s no place of worship: “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped Yahuwah, heard us: whose heart the Master opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to Yahuwah, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.” Acts 16:13-15. “Lydia received the truth gladly. She and her household were converted and baptized, and she entreated the apostles to make her house their home.” The Acts of the Apostles, page 212. C. Because of Apostasy and corruption in the organized "churches": “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:1-4. Behold, every one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter. Thou art thy mother's [Rome's] daughter, that loatheth her husband [Yahushua] and her children

[Yahuwah's professed people who preach the three angels' messages]; and thou art the sister of thy sisters [apostate Protestantism]... Ezekiel 16:44-45. Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity... My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of Yahuwah. Jeremiah 51:6, 45. The term Babylon, derived from Babel, and signifying confusion, is applied in Scripture to the various forms of false or apostate religion. But the message announcing the fall of Babylon must apply to some religious body that was once pure, and has become corrupt. The Great Controversy 1884 ed, page 232. Yahushua requires personal faithfulness of His servants, and we are to show that we have no fellowship with the secret, hidden things of darkness. The wheat is not to sow itself among the tare; for although we may not practice the works of some of the members of the secret orders, in joining them we are registered in heaven as partakers of their evil deeds, responsible for their works of evil, and bound up in bundles with them as tares. Thank Yahuwah, it is not too late for Christians to sever themselves from all unholy connections, and come fully unto the side of Yahushua. D. Because of persecution from the organized "churches": “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews.” John 20:19. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3. “They [the disciples] met together in the upper chamber, and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved Teacher might at any time be theirs.” The Desire of Ages, page 794. “They [the two disciples] go to the upper chamber where [Yahushua] spent the hours of the last evening before His death. Here they know that their brethren are to be found. Late as it is, they know that the disciples will not sleep till they learn for a certainty what has become of the body of their [Master]. They find the door of the chamber securely barred. They knock for admission, but no answer comes. All is still. Then they give their names. The door is carefully unbarred, they enter, and Another, unseen, enters with them. Then the door is again fastened, to keep out spies.” Ibid., page 802. Please take time to read the whole chapter entitled “Persecution in the First Centuries.”

Two Or Three Believers 8. How many believers can start a home ekklesia? “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.

"[Yahuwah] has a [ekklesia]. It is not the great cathedral, neither is it the national establishment, neither is it the various denominations; it is the people who love [Yahuwah] and keep His commandments. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). Where [Yahushua] is even among the humble few, this is [Yahushua's ekklesia], for the presence of the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity can alone constitute [an ekklesia]." Upward Look, page 315. Where two or three are present who love and obey the commandments of Yahuwah, Yahushua there presides, wherever it may be.

To Start A Home Ekklesia... 9. How do I start a home ekklesia? To start an ekklesia in your home is a privilege and honor beyond human comprehension. It means that Yahushua will bless your home with His presence, during the sacred hours of the holy Sabbath. A home ekklesia can be carried out in a similar format as normal ekklesia services. It is most proper that each worship meeting should include prayer in a kneeling position (Psalms 95:6), a testimonial & witnessing time (giving opportunity to recount Yahuwah's goodness and providence during the past week), and Bible study. Also, song service can be included and collection of tithe and offering. A home ekklesia may begin with just you and you may invite members of your family, neighbors, work colleagues, friends to attend. The scope of activities at the home ekklesia will depend on the number of committed members in regular attendance. As the number increases more activities can be undertaken. Throughout the home ekklesia service there should be an atmosphere of silence and holy reverence, remembering that Yahuwah is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him. Habakkuk 2:20. All the service should be conducted with solemnity and awe, as if in the visible presence of the Master of assemblies. If there are children present, a Sabbath school should be held for their benefit. Time should be dedicated to teach the children. Yahuwah is shut out when children of ekklesia members run about, play and talk. The house of Yahuwah is desecrated and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath believers' children. They run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in the very meetings where the saints have met together to glorify Yahuwah and to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. The place that should be holy, where a holy stillness should reign, and where there should be perfect order, neatness, and humility, is made to be a perfect Babylon and a place where confusion, disorder, and untidiness reign. This is enough to shut out Yahuwah from our assemblies and cause His wrath to be kindled. The ekklesia service should occupy only a part of the Sabbath. It is necessary that the people of Yahuwah assemble to talk of Him, to interchange thoughts and ideas in regard to the truths contained in His word, and to devote a portion of time to appropriate prayer. But these seasons, even upon the Sabbath, should not be made tedious by their length and lack of interest.

It would be a great blessing to hold a worship meeting on the Sabbath, as determined by Yahuwah's calendar, which is not Saturday. See articles on Yahuwah's Calendar. 10. What gifts are given to help unite Yahuwah’s ekklesia? “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of the Anointed: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Yahuwah, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of the Anointed” Ephesians 4:11-13. Answer: The gifts of prophets, pastors, teachers etc. given to build up the ekklesia as well as equip Christians for work, are to remain in the ekklesia until we all reach unity in the faith. Therefore we expect to see organization in Yahuwah’s true ekklesia today.

Practical Guidelines On How To Organize A Local Home Ekklesia Throughout his entire ministry, Paul, the great evangelist of the New Testament, was careful to institute proper organization in the ekklesia he established. In fact, Paul thought organization was so important, that a short time after he had been stoned in Lystra, he returned to organize the ekklesia. He saw that gospel order (which included the appointment of elders and deacons) was an important factor in the spiritual growth of the new converts. It was a safeguard against error and fanaticism and promoted unity among the believers. In place after place, Paul diligently instructed and aided ekklesia in the establishment of proper order. Proper ekklesia order will help squelch some of the rampant fanaticism existing today and promote unity among the brethren. There is order in heaven; and there should be system and order upon the earth, that the work may move forward without confusion and fanaticism. 11. What was the first recorded step taken to organize the apostolic ekklesia? “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.” Mark 3:14-19. “The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the ekklesia that after [Yahushua's] departure was to be His representative on earth.” The Desire of Ages, page 291. 12. Were early Christians organized into an ekklesia after Yahushua’s ascension? “Praising Yahuwah, and having favour with all the people. And the Master added to the ekklesia daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47.

Answer: Yes, in Lycaonia and Pisidia, “[ekklesia] were duly organized in all places…where there were believers. Officers were appointed in each ekklesia, and proper order and system were established...” The Acts of the Apostles, page 185. The ekklesia in Thessalonica was also “properly organized.” “Officers had been appointed to act as ministers and deacons.” Ibid., page 261. Regarding the work in Crete, Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Titus 1:5. 13. How the leaders of each ekklesia were chosen and what were they called? “And when they had ordained them elders in every ekklesia, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to Yahuwah, on whom they believed. And when they were come, and had gathered the ekklesia together, they rehearsed all that Yahuwah had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” Acts 14:23, 27. Answer: There was organization in the early Christian ekklesia. Leaders were chosen and ordained as elders. Through ordination, ekklesia members recognize a person’s spirituality and ability to serve the ekklesia in a leadership capacity. As we look into His created works, we see that Yahuwah is thoroughly organized and His ekklesia in the days of the Apostles was to work smoothly too. 14. What was the instruction given to the early ekklesia by the apostles in the selection of deacons? “Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the work.” Acts 6:3. Answer: This advice was followed, and by prayer and the laying on of hands, seven chosen men were solemnly set apart for their duties as deacons. We see that the apostles did not themselves alone choose the deacons, but the entire [ekklesia] recognized those, from among its membership, who were “of honest report and full of the Holy Ghost.” We are not told exactly how the process of the selection worked. Today, in some small ekklesia, all the members are directly involved in the selection of officers. In other ekklesia, members select a group of members, called a nominating committee. This committee selects, considers and prays about various potential candidates. When they are finished they recommend to the [ekklesia] at large their completed list of candidates. The [ekklesia] then votes to accept or reject the recommendations of the committee. For new, small ekklesia, we are given this extremely practical counsel in regards to choosing a leader for [an ekklesia]. “Such arrangements should be made for the little companies accepting the truth as shall secure the prosperity of the [ekklesia]. One man may be appointed to lead for a week or a month, then another for a few weeks; and thus different persons may be enlisted in the work, and after a suitable trial someone should be selected by the voice of the [ekklesia] to be the acknowledged leader, never, however, to be chosen for more than one year. Then another may be selected, or the same one may be re-elected, if his service has proved a

blessing to the [ekklesia].…Many fail to exercise proper discernment in these important matters where eternal interests are involved.” Testimones for the Church, Volume 5, page 619. Consideration of whether a person meets the qualifications for an office is necessary. What are some of the questions that should be asked about a person being considered for a leadership position in the ekklesia? “The family of the one suggested for office should be considered. Are they in subjection? Can the man rule his own house with honor? What character have his children? Will they do honor to the father’s influence? If he has not tact, wisdom, or power of [Yahuwah-likeness] at home in managing his own family, it is safe to conclude that the same defects will be carried into the [ekklesia], and the same unsanctified management will be seen there. It will be far better to criticize the man before he is put into office than afterward, better to pray and counsel before taking the decisive step than to labor to correct the consequences of a wrong move.” Testimones for the Church, Volume 5, page 618.

Ekklesia Officers 15. Is it right that there should be a head elder or deacon? In Story of Redemption we find that Stephen was chosen to stand at the head of the seven deacons. He was to lead them. He was thought the best qualified because of his multi-cultural ability in the midst of the tension between the Jews and Greeks. There are great blessings to be gained from following Yahuwah’s counsel. We have found that the establishment of ekklesia order: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Enables ekklesia to successfully give the Three Angels’ Messages and the loud cry of Revelation 18. Shields ekklesia from fanaticism. Is an important factor in the spiritual growth of ekklesia members. Serves to unite in one body all believers in Yahushua (Acts of the Apostles, page 89). Enables ministers and elders to be able to work more effectively. Increases the number of believers (Acts 6). Increases the strength of believers (Act 6:7).

Stewardship In The Home Ekklesia 16. What about tithe and offerings in the home ekklesia, does Yahuwah want it to be practiced? Yes, as we have realized in this study that home ekklesia are ordained of Yahuwah, it is expected of them as well to faithfully perform their stewardship to Yahuwah. In fact the apostles left us examples and instructions to be followed. 17. Who was tithe to be given to in the time of the Apostles?

"Mine answer to them that examine me is this...Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?...If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?...Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple?...Even so hath the Master ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." 1 Corinthians 9:3, 7-8, 11, 13, 14. "The laborer is worthy of his reward." 1 Timothy 5:18.

Bible Study Lessons (part #4) 3. What Does The Bible Say About Home Ekklesia? Go to Part #4 Lessons Index

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QUIZ 1. Where did the first home ekklesia begin? (1) o

The Garden of Eden

o

Upper room

Jerusalem 2. In the Old Testament, when did Yahuwah recognize the sanctuary? (1) o o

When His presence was in it

o

When it was built

When Moses and Solomon blessed it 3. What makes an ekklesia? (2 answers) o o

A place where 100% truth is taught

o

Yahuwah's presence

o

A building

o

A place where Christians worship together

A place where the Bible is read 4. Give an example from the Bible of a home ekklesia approved by Yahuwah? (1) o o

Home ekklesia of Joel

o

Home ekklesia of Cornelius

Home ekklesia of Nicodemus 5. Which apostle received a vision from Yahuwah to prepare him for the commencement of a new home ekklesia? (1) o

o

James

o

Peter

Paul 6. Where does the Bible confirm that the apostle Paul approved of home ekklesia? (1) o o

He visited the home ekklesia in Ephesians (Eph. 6:7)

o

He prayed for the home ekklesia in Syria (Galations 1:21)

He worshipped with Aquila and Priscilla in their home (Rom. 16:3-5) 7. Were early Christians organized into an ekklesia after Yahushua’s ascension? (1) o o

Yes

o

Not Sure

o

No

8. How can we tell that Yahushua approved of home ekklesia? (1) o

Luke 1:56

o

Mat. 18:20

Mat. 5:15 9. How many believers does it take to start a home ekklesia? (1) o o

Two or three

o

One minister is all that matters

Twelve 10. Tick the correct purposes for establishing home ekklesia. (4 answers) o o

Disagreements with other brothers

o

Persecution from the organized 'churches'

o

Isolation

o

Apostasy and corruption in the organized denominational 'churches'

o

It is the ideal place for freely studying His Word; the early ekklesia grew out of home ekklesia

o

There’s too many bad influences

o

The organized denomination is too far

Desire to invite unbelievers to hear the truth 11. How were the leaders of each home ekklesia chosen? (1) o o

By lottery

o

By election

By ordination 12. What are the consequences for believers if they decide not to organize into home ekklesia? (4 answers) o

o

The believers will lose the possible benefits of government or community recognition

o

Minister’s spiritual discernment will be dimmed

o

Souls are eternally lost

o

Satan triumphs

o

Believers backslide

o

Believers are protected from worldly influences and temptations

o

Believers will avoid confusion

Believers will save time 13. Will Yahuwah consider us faithful if we give our tithes and offerings to 'churches' who teach error or to ministers whom we know are unfaithful ? (1) o

o

No, He will not

o

Yes, He will as He knows our heart

14. Where there are no known faithful gospel workers to use up accumulated tithe, is printing truthfilled literature a worthy method for spending Yahuwah's tithe? (1) o

No

Yes 15. Should believers avoid holding home ekklesia if it is illegal? (1) o o

No (Acts 5:29)

o

Yes (1 Peter 2:13, 14)