Since the Protestant Reformation, church has been built on a lecture format — one smart man speaking (SMS) to silently siting spectators. However, Jesus taught that His ekklesia (the word was mistranslated into English as church) would be built on something that “flesh and blood” can not reveal — personal God promptings (PGP). (See Matthew 16.)

The flesh, human nature and human abilities, cannot manufacture the voice of God. We cannot hear God from a position of pride and control. Hearing God’s promptings requires heart-felt humility and the actual surrender of our will, our desires, and our comfort.

We can passively enjoy (or endure) religious programs and presentations based on SMS in church; however, when God’s living presence takes over, “flesh and blood” lose control and ekklesia begins to happen. The Holy Spirit begins to reign and rule as He prompts individuals to share testimonies, Scriptures, prayer requests, gifts of the Spirit, short teachings, words of encouragement, prayers, etc. (See 1 Corinthians 14:26.)

In meetings based on PGP, the kingdom of God is no longer a religious concept to be taught by lecture. It becomes the reigning reality in the midst of the meeting. As PGPs take over, awe fills the gathering.

These concepts are explained more fully in my new book, Beyond Church, An Invitation To Experience The Lost Word Of The Bible — ἐκκλησία. (It will be available @ amazon.com in a few days.) Check out the book Facebook page here.