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[[Image:Fract10s-100s.jpg|248px|right|thumb|link=The Living Network|families congregating in groups of 10s, 100s, 1000s.]]
[[Image:Fract10s-100s.jpg|248px|right|thumb|link=The Living Network|[[Elders]] or heads of Families congregating in [[free assemblies]] may form a [[Living Network]]  of [[Tens|10s, 100s, 1000s]] as Jesus [[commanded]] if bound by [[love]] and [[charity]] alone through [[faith]] in the [[The Way]] of [[Christ]]. They may prosper as a [[peculiar people]] without diminishing their [[perfect law of liberty|individual liberty]], in accordance with the practices of the [[early Church]].]]


A Congregation of Record is a  '''Congregation of Recorded [[Elders]]''' or a '''[[CORE]]'''.


The word "Record" simply means ''testimony''. That testimony is both in writing by your words and in deed by your actions. It does not include contracts or oaths which bind individuals but does include a [[Freewill offerings]] ''of, for, and by the people'' to give substance to their words while allowing ''every man'' to remain free.
== Defining terms ==


[[Congregations]] of the early [[Church]] were nothing more than [[Free Assemblies|free assemblies]] of families who came together seeking the [[Kingdom of God]] and His righteousness in ''word and deed''.  
It is essential in a discussion of ancient text that we know the meaning of words at the time of their use. At different times those term may be used differently because of changes in society.


They sought to practice [[Pure Religion]] by taking care of one another through [[Faith]], [[Hope]] and [[Charity]] and the [[Perfect law of liberty]] without using any of the [[Benefits|benefits]] offered by the [[World|world]] of [[Caesar]] or any other ''authoritarian [[Benefactors]]''.
=== Congregations in Hebrew ===


At [[Pentecost]] the heads of families being ''[[Baptism|Baptized]]'' began to form a network by the free elders of each family gathering in small groups of ten who picked ministers to serve their needs in society. This was the [[Church]] and together they naturally formed the [[Church in general]].
The first place we see the Hebrew word for congregation in the Bible is [[Exodus 12]]:3 "Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel..." The word "edah"<Ref name="edah">{{05712}}</Ref>  is also translated "company" and "assembly". It is from the Hebrew word "ed"<Ref name="ed">{{05707}}</Ref> meaning "witness" or "testimony".
 
This word "edah" is contracted from the Hebrew word ''‘uwd''<Ref name="uwd">{{05749}}</Ref> composed of the letters [[Ayin]][[Vav]][[Dalet]] meaning "to return" in the sense of "repeat" for the purpose "to bear witness".
 
But there were other words translated congregation like MemVavAyinDalet or mowed<Ref name="mowed">{{04150}}</Ref> as we see in [[Exodus 27]] verse 21 in reference to the  ''the tabernacle of the congregation''<Ref>[[Exodus 27]]:21  In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.</Ref>
 
=== A congregation in the Greek ===
 
There is only one instant of the word ''congregation'' in the New Testament which is from the Greek word ''sunagoge''.<Ref name="sunagoge">{{4864}}</Ref>
 
A [[synagogue]] at the time Christ was composed of ten individual families. Each [[family]] was an independent social unit. They were meant to be bound be [[charity]] in the form of [[freewill offerings]].
 
Nder the kings some of the power to make choices for the [[family]] shifted to the kings and the priests ''making the word of God to none effect'' according to Scripture.
 
But originally a congregation was clearly a congregation of the people, a [[Free assemblies|free assembly]] of families distinct from the [[ekklesia]] or [[called out]] in Israel known as the [[church in the wilderness]].
 
=== Congregation vs Church ===
 
An [[ekklesia]] which is often translated [[Church]] did not mean a [[congregation]] of the people nor a [[Free assemblies|free assembly]] and should not be used interchangeably.
 
There are numerous words in the Greek which can mean an assembly and should not be confused with the term [[ekklesia]].
 
There are many words in the Greek that can mean a ''small assembly'' or group of people like "''sumposion''" <Ref name="sumposion">{{4849}} </Ref> used in [[Mark 6]]:39 when Christ [[commanded]] the people be assembled in familiar patterns and ''ranks'' of [[tens]].
 
We know other words could have been used like to designate types of assemblies like "''agora''"<Ref name="agora">{{58}}</Ref>  and "''paneguris''"<Ref name="paneguris">{{3831}}</Ref> as well as "''heorte''"<Ref name="heorte">{{1859}}</Ref>,  "''koinos''"<Ref name="koinos">{{2839}}</Ref>, and "''thiasos''"<Ref name="thiasos">
 
The Greek words ''sunagoge''<Ref>{{4864}}</Ref> and ''sunago''<Ref name="sunago">{{4863}}</Ref> or even ''sunalizo'' a verb that means "to gather together, assemble" <Ref>{{4871}}</Ref> all contain the root of the word ''[[synagogue]]'' but none of these common Greek words mean the same as the Greek term "''[[ekklesia]]''"<Ref name="ekklesia">{{1577}}</Ref>.
 
 
The [[Disciples]] of [[Christ]] were [[called out]] and [[appoint]]ed a kingdom<Ref>[[Luke 22]]:29  And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;</Ref> to serve much like the [[levites]] but the people were called to [[repentance]] and to seek the [[kingdom of God]] and His [[righteousness]].
 
== Congregation of Testimony ==
 
 
A ''Congregation of Testimony'' is a  '''Congregation of Recorded [[Elders]]''' or a '''[[CORE]]'''.
 
The first reason the people should gather in these congregations or ''companies upon companies'' of [[elders]]  of families in groups of [[tens]], in ranks by hundreds, and ranks by fifties is because Jesus '''[[commanded]]''' that his [[disciples]] make the people organize themselves in that way.<Ref>[[Mark 6]]:39 And he '''[[commanded]]''' them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.  And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.</Ref>
 
The word "Record" simply means ''testimony'' or ''witness''. The Bible tells us in The Old and New Testaments to establish everything with [[two or three witnesses]]. That testimony is both in writing, by your words, and in deed, by your actions. It does not include contracts or oaths which bind individuals but does include [[Freewill offerings]] ''of, for, and by the people'' to give substance to their words while allowing ''every man'' to remain free.
 
[[Congregations]] of the [[early Church]] were nothing more than [[Free Assemblies|free assemblies]] of families who came together seeking the [[Kingdom of God]] and His [[righteousness]] in ''word and deed''. The [[Kingdom of God]] is from ''generation to generation''.<Ref>: [[Exodus 17]]:16  For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
: [[Deuteronomy 29]]:22  So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;
: [[Psalms 78]]:4  We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:  That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
: [[Psalms 102]]:18  This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
: Isaiah 13:20  It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
: Isaiah 34:10  It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
: [[Isaiah 34]]:17  And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
: Isaiah 51:8  For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
: [[Jeremiah 50]]:39  Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
: [[Lamentations 5]]:19  Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.
: [[Daniel 4]]:3  How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
: [[Daniel 4]]:34  And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
: [[Joel 3]]:20  But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
: [[Luke 1]]:50  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.</Ref>
 
The Christians who believed in the [[Gospel of the Kingdom]] sought to practice [[Pure Religion]] by taking care of one another through [[Faith]], [[Hope]] and [[Charity]] and the [[Perfect law of liberty]] without using any of the [[Benefits|benefits]] offered by the [[World|world]] of [[Caesar]] nor any other ''authoritarian [[Benefactors]]'' or the [[Fathers]] of the earth.
 
At [[Pentecost]] the heads of families being ''[[Baptism|Baptized]]'' were put out of the system of [[Corban]] by the thousands and began to form a [[Network|Living Network]] by the free elders of each family gathering in small groups of [[Tens]] who picked ministers to serve their needs in society. This was the [[Church]] and together they naturally formed the [[Church in general]].




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* It should seek to act in one accord.
* It should seek to act in one accord.
* It is groups of families served by one [[Minister]] of the [[Church]].
* It is groups of families served by one [[Minister]] of the [[Church]].
* It does not have the [[One purse|common purse]] of [[Socialism]].
* It does not have the [[One purse|common purse]] of [[Socialism]] nor the subject rights of a [[Democracy]].
* It is not a corporation or an unincorporated association.
* It is not a corporation nor an [[Unincorporated association|unincorporated association]].
* It is not a legal entity like the [[Church legally defined|legal Church]].
* It is not a legal entity like the churches [[Church legally defined|established by State]].
* Each family’s spokesmen are [[Elders]].
* Each family’s spokesmen are [[Elders]].
* Two or more [[Elders]] and a [[Minister]] of the [[Church]] form a [[CORE]].
* Two or more [[Elders]] served by the same [[Minister]] of the [[Church]] form a [[CORE]].
* Ten families are generally thought to be ideal.
* Ten families are generally thought to be ideal.
* These [[Free Assemblies|free assemblies]] form ''[[Altars]] of clay.''
* Any gathering of congregations is also a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]].
* Any gathering of congregations is also a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]].
* A congregation of [[Ministers]] is a ''convention of Churches''.
 
* Together they form [[Altars]] of clay and [[Stones]].
* And spiritually are the [[Body of Christ]], the Church in general.


[[Image:Fract10s-100s.jpg|148px|right|thumb|leaders are titular]]
[[Image:Fract10s-100s.jpg|148px|right|thumb|leaders are titular]]
In order for a congregation to form a part of the kingdom it must gather with other congregations by choosing a minister. That minister facilitates the charity within the congregation. That minister's job other than facilitating the charity within the congregation is to connect the congregation of the people with other congregations.
In order for a congregation to form a part of the kingdom it must gather with other congregations by choosing a minister linked in a network of ministers. That minister facilitates the [[Charity|charity]] within the congregation. That minister's job from a kingdom perspective is to  facilitate the charity within the gathering of congregations in a living Network with all other congregations.


[[Why Congregate]]?
[[Why Congregate]]?


'''[[Ministers]] of the Church'''
== The Pattern ==
 
The pattern of tens starts with ten families.
 
A family consists of the eldest Father of a family, his wife, unmarried sons and daughters and married sons and their wives and children.
 
The eldest father is an [[Elder]].
 
Each family unit operating under one [[Elder]] gathers in a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] where what he contributes to the minister it is completely given up. This is a [[Freewill offerings|burnt offering]].
 
While they may be a member of a [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] when the assembly meeting ends there are no legal bonds maintaining their membership. The Congregation is not a ''corporation'' nor even an  ''[[Unincorporated association|unincorporated association]]''.
 
The [[Elder]]s' mission and obligation is to love God and their fellow elders and those other elders all over the kingdom network.
 
The fulfillment of that mission and obligation of a congregation is the responsibility of every [[Elder]] and his family. By freely attending to the [[Weightier matters]] for himself and other families he secures his own liberty under God according to the [[Perfect law of liberty]].
 
A congregation is not a [[Democracy]]. The majority of Elders do not elect the minister. It is by consensus. Each elder must choose the minister he wishes to connect him with the whole body of the Church. While there is no means or inclination to compel offerings by force or guilt there is usually a token head [[Tithe|tithe]] of value like the Half shekel.<Ref>Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD. 14  Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.
15  The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
16  And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.</Ref>
The elected [[Minister]] who is appointed by Ordained Ministers of the Church is a member of the congregation of fellow ministers. But like the [[Elder]]'s [[Free Assemblies|free assembly]] that congregation of ministers is also not a corporation nor an [[Unincorporated association|unincorporated association]]. This is for at least three reasons.
 
* Their choice of minister is not the result of a democratic vote.
* Ministers do not own what they receive as donations but only hold it in trust as an appointed ex officio ministers.
* What elders release to their ministers is ''freely'' given as if it is a burnt offering.
 
It is a principle and policy of the prophets that each minister is acting as a single independent stone of the [[Altars|Altar]] of God. They are not ''hewn'' but seek to fit together in a cohesive group as ''friends''.
 
There is another classification within the the network of tens. Ordained ministers of the Church are members of their congregation but hold all things in common within that independent congregation and are joint heirs within the whole network of congregations. This is explained in more detail within the book [[FCR|The Free Church Report]].
 
Why '''[[Ministers]] of the Church'''?
 
{{Template:His Church of Record‏‎}}


* A Minister is a legal representative of Christ who came to save, serve and set free.
* A Minister is a legal representative of [[Christ]] who came to save, serve and set the people free.
* A minister is a titular servant of Christ to the people.
* A minister is a [[Titular|titular]] servant of Christ to the people.
* A minister is a member of the Church.
* A minister is an individual ''member'' of the [[Church]].
* A minister's Membership is by appointment or anointing, ex officio or ordination.
*: A minister's Membership is by appointment or anointing, ex officio or ordination.
* A minister is part of the Body of the Church
*: Ministers do not [[Exercises authority|exercise authority]] one over the other.
* A minister is a clerk or "clergy" in one form of government called the Church.
*: Ministers hold all of what has been given them to hold for Christ and His purposes in common as joint heirs.
* A minister is part of the Body of the Church as a member of their Congregation of Ministers ["[[COM]]"];
*: A Congregation of Ministers' ["[[COM]]"] legal existence within the Church resides in their Ordination or the appointment by Ordained Overseer or Ministers as the Church in order to remain [[Free Assemblies]].
* A minister is a [[Titular]] clerk or "clergy" in [[Church legally defined|''one form of government'']] called the [[Church]].
* A congregation of [[Ministers]] is a ''convention of Churches''.
* Together they form [[Altars]] of clay and [[Stones]] as the [[Church in general]].
* And spiritually are the [[Body of Christ]].


[[Why Minister]]?
[[Why Minister]]?


'''Church'''
'''His Church''' is:


* It composed of the "called out" [[Ministers]] of [[Christ]].
* It composed of the "called out" [[Ministers]] of [[Christ]].
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** It is “A body or community of Christians", ''those following the [[Doctrines of Jesus]]''.
** It is “A body or community of Christians", ''those following the [[Doctrines of Jesus]]''.
** It is united under one form of government by the profession of one faith.  
** It is united under one form of government by the profession of one faith.  
** It is observes the same rituals and ceremonies.
** It observes the same rituals and ceremonies.
** It has a legal and apostolic identity:
** It has a legal and apostolic identity.
** It is the [[Religion|religious]] society founded and established by Jesus Christ,
** It is the [[Religion|religious]] society founded and established by Jesus Christ,
** It is to receive, preserve, and propagate His doctrines and ordinances.
** It is to receive, preserve, and propagate His doctrines and ordinances.
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[[Why Church]]?
[[Why Church]]?


* The individual and families of congregations should be linked as one ''Spiritual'' body  in both practical and real ways. This is accomplished by their charitable [[Communion]] through their [[Ministers]] of service in a virtual society. They are bound by a common love for one another within the mission of the Church and purpose of Christ. With the help and service of every family in congregations of congregation through the network of Ministers, Bishops and Archbishops chosen by the people, the people become one nation under God.
* The individual and families of congregations should be linked as one ''Spiritual'' body  in practical and real ways. This is accomplished by their charitable [[Communion]] through their [[Ministers]] of service in a virtual society. They are bound by a common love for one another within the mission of the Church and purpose of Christ. With the help and service of every family in congregations of congregations through the network of Ministers, Bishops and Archbishops chosen by the people, the people become one nation under God.


: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
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The apostles and other deacons<Ref>Deacon: The word deacon means leader of ten. Leadership in the Church is by service. In the Greek the word diakonos means servant or Ministers. Minister is the Latin word for doer of little deeds. Minister is a generic term that includes all who serve others, whether deacon or bishop. Philippians 1:1 ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:</Ref>, ministers of ten, like the [[Levites]] before them were to serve the people as [[Benefactors]]  but could only do so by the division of the [[Freewill offerings]] of the people which is another way of saying by charity rather than force like the gentiles were doing then.  
The apostles and other deacons<Ref>Deacon: The word deacon means leader of ten. Leadership in the Church is by service. In the Greek the word diakonos means servant or Ministers. Minister is the Latin word for doer of little deeds. Minister is a generic term that includes all who serve others, whether deacon or bishop. Philippians 1:1 ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:</Ref>, ministers of ten, like the [[Levites]] before them were to serve the people as [[Benefactors]]  but could only do so by the division of the [[Freewill offerings]] of the people which is another way of saying by charity rather than force like the gentiles were doing then.  


Any one who would pray to the [[Fathers]] of the earth to obtain benefits at the expense of their neighbor, a [[Covetous Practices|covetous practice]], are not following the instructions of Christ and therefore should not be labeled Christian. Any [[Church]] that is not  seeking to provide the benefits of society through [[Fervent Charity|charity]] is not [[His Church]].
Anyone who would pray to the [[Fathers]] of the earth to obtain benefits at the expense of their neighbor, a [[Covetous Practices|covetous practice]], is not following the instructions of Christ and therefore should not be labeled Christian. Any [[Church]] that is not  seeking to provide the benefits of society through [[Fervent Charity|charity]] is not [[His Church]].


This [[Daily ministration]] by ministers of [[His Church]] required that the people came together and contributed regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by faith, hope and charity which is the perfect law of liberty.
This [[Daily ministration]] by ministers of [[His Church]] required that the people came together and contributed regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by faith, hope and charity which is the perfect law of liberty.
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Congregations of record or  testimony were a part of the kingdom from the beginning.
Congregations of record or  testimony were a part of the kingdom from the beginning.


: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:" Exodus 18:21  
: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:" [[Exodus 18]]:21  


Early Israel was a network of congregations bound only by a common purpose which did not allow people to take from others because their "rulers" "hated covetousness".<Ref> 08130 ^אנשׂ^ sane’ \@saw-nay’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-hate 136, enemies 3, enemy 2, foes 1, hateful 1, misc 3; 146 1) to hate, be hateful    1a) (Qal) to hate          1a1) of man          1a2) of God          1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated    1c) (Piel) hater (participle)  1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom
Early Israel was a network of congregations bound only by a common purpose which did not allow people to take from others because their "rulers" "hated covetousness".<Ref> 08130 ^אנשׂ^ sane’ \@saw-nay’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-hate 136, enemies 3, enemy 2, foes 1, hateful 1, misc 3; 146 1) to hate, be hateful    1a) (Qal) to hate          1a1) of man          1a2) of God          1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated    1c) (Piel) hater (participle)  1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom
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</Ref> and the power of a "Pharaoh" and "Egypt".<Ref>Genesis 45:8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.</Ref>
</Ref> and the power of a "Pharaoh" and "Egypt".<Ref>Genesis 45:8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.</Ref>


Another word for "ruler" is nasiy’ <Ref>05387 ^אישׂנ^ nasiy’ \@naw-see’\@ or    ^אשׂנ^ nasi’ \@naw-see’\@ from 05375; n m;  AV-prince 96, captain 12, chief 10, ruler 6, vapours 3, governor 1,  chief + 05387 1, clouds 1, part 1, prince + 05387 1; 132  1) one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader 2) rising mist, vapour</Ref> which is the letters NunShemAlef. It appears in Exodus 34:31 in refference to the "rulers of the congregation".<Ref>Exodus 34:31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.</Ref>
Another word for "ruler" is nasiy’ <Ref>{{05387}}</Ref> which is the letters [[Nun]][[Shem]][[Alef]]. It appears in [[Exodus 34]]:31 in reference to the "rulers of the congregation".<Ref>Exodus 34:31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.</Ref>
   
   


We also see phrases like "the ruler of his house" in Genesis 43:16.<Ref>Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon.</Ref> It is from the word  bayith<Ref>01004 ^תיב^ bayith \@bah’- yith\@ probably from 01129 abbreviated; ; AV-house 1881, household 54, home 25, within 22, temple 11, prison 16,  place 16, family 3, families + 01 2, dungeon 2, misc 23; 2055  n m 1) house    1a) house, dwelling habitation    1b) shelter or abode of animals    1c) human bodies (fig.)    1d) of Sheol    1e) of abode of light and darkness    1f) of land of Ephraim 2) place 3) receptacle 4) home, house as containing a family 5) household, family    5a) those belonging to the same household    5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body 6) household affairs 7) inwards (metaph.) 8) (TWOT) temple adv 9) on the inside prep 10) within</Ref> The Hebrew letters for bayith are BietYodTav [תיב]. Biet means house and Yod is the divine spark while the letter Tav is the door of faith.
We also see phrases like "the ruler of his house" in Genesis 43:16.<Ref>Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon.</Ref> It is from the word  bayith<Ref>01004 ^תיב^ bayith \@bah’- yith\@ probably from 01129 abbreviated; ; AV-house 1881, household 54, home 25, within 22, temple 11, prison 16,  place 16, family 3, families + 01 2, dungeon 2, misc 23; 2055  n m 1) house    1a) house, dwelling habitation    1b) shelter or abode of animals    1c) human bodies (fig.)    1d) of Sheol    1e) of abode of light and darkness    1f) of land of Ephraim 2) place 3) receptacle 4) home, house as containing a family 5) household, family    5a) those belonging to the same household    5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body 6) household affairs 7) inwards (metaph.) 8) (TWOT) temple adv 9) on the inside prep 10) within</Ref> The Hebrew letters for bayith are BietYodTav [תיב]. Biet means house and Yod is the divine spark while the letter Tav is the door of faith.


These words for ''ruler'' do not always mean ruler as we might think of ''ruler'' to day. Sar, Shem Reish, is translated prince 208 times, captain 130, chief 33, ruler 33, governor 6, keeper 3, principal 2, general 1, lords 1.
These words for ''ruler'' do not always mean ruler as we might think of ''ruler'' today. Sar, Shem Reish, is translated prince 208 times, captain 130, chief 33, ruler 33, governor 6, keeper 3, principal 2, general 1, lords 1.  
 
 
Exodus 18:25 And Moses chose<Ref> 0977 ^רחב^ bachar \@baw-khar’\@ a primitive root; v;  AV-choose 77, chosen 77, choice 6, choose … out 5, acceptable 1,      appoint 1, excellent 1, chosen men 1, rather 1, require 1, not    translated; 172 1) to choose, elect, decide for    1a) (Qal) to choose    1b) (Niphal) to be chosen    1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected</Ref> able men out of all Israel, and made them heads<Ref> 07218 ^שׁאר^ ro’sh \@roshe\@ from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; n m;  AV-head 349, chief 91, top 73, beginning 14, company 12, captain 10,      sum 9, first 6, principal 5, chapiters 4, rulers 2, misc 23; 598  1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front,    beginning    1a) head (of man, animals)    1b) top, tip (of mountain)    1c) height (of stars)    1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, riest)    1e) head, front, beginning    1f) chief, choicest, best    1g) head, division, company, band    1h) sum</Ref> over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
 
Moses was not giving the power of a king to these ministers. That rejection of God would not come until [[1 Samual 8]].
 
: Deuteronomy 1:15 "So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes."
 
This statement "chief of your tribes, wise men, and known" meant the people chose their leaders and poses approved their and blessed their choice.
 
Moses and Jesus  appointed a kingdom and barred the ministers from exercising authority one over the other like the princes of the other nations.
 
They both had [[Daily ministration]] by ministers who were [[Ekklesia|called out]]. These voluntary systems required that the people choose to come together and contribute regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by faith, hope and charity which means [[Freewill offerings]] which is the [[Perfect law of liberty]].
 
This also required ''men of truth''<Ref> 0571 ^תמא^ ‘emeth \@eh’- meth\@ contracted from 0539; AV-truth 92, true 18, truly 7, right 3, faithfully 2, assured 1,      assuredly 1, establishment 1, faithful 1, sure 1, verity 1; 127 n f 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth    1a) sureness, reliability    1b) stability, continuance    1c) faithfulness, reliableness    1d) truth          1d1) as spoken          1d2) of testimony and judgment          1d3) of divine instruction          1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge          1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly</Ref> Christ was the truth. What he told us to do and seek is His truth. Anyone who tells you that you do not have to seek and strive to be a [[Doers of the Word|doer]] of what Christ said to do to be His follower is not preaching the gospel of Christ.


In order to love your neighbor as yourself you need to devote time and energy to care for his or her true needs. To do this well you must gather together in a network of charity, faith and hope that others will be there for you when you need help. Those who work at this process of social care by charity will develop the trust of love in Christ found amongst the early Christian community.


Exodus 18:25 And Moses chose<Ref>{{0977}} </Ref> able men out of all Israel, and made them heads<Ref>{{07218}} </Ref> over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.


Moses was not giving the power of a king to these ministers. That rejection of God would not come until [[1 Samuel 8]].


{{Template:Network}}
: [[Deuteronomy 1]]:15 "So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes."


== Footnotes ==
This statement "chief of your tribes, wise men, and known" meant the people chose their leaders and Moses approved their and blessed their choice.


<references />
Moses and Jesus appointed a kingdom and barred the ministers from exercising authority one over the other like the princes of the other nations.


They both had [[Daily ministration]] by ministers who were [[Ekklesia|called out]]. These voluntary systems required that the people choose to come together and contribute regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by [[faith]], [[hope]] and [[charity]] which means [[Freewill offerings]] which is the [[Perfect law of liberty]].


{{Template:Gregory-info‎}}  
This also required ''men of truth''<Ref>{{0571}} </Ref>. Christ was the truth. What he told us to do and seek is His truth. Anyone who tells you that you do not have to seek and strive to be a [[Doers of the Word|doer]] of what Christ said to do to be His follower is not preaching the gospel of Christ.


----
In order to [[love]] your neighbor as yourself you need to devote time and energy to care for his or her true needs. To do this well you must gather together in a network of charity, faith and hope that others will be there for you when you need help. Those who work at this process of social care by [[charity]] will develop the trust of love in Christ found amongst the early Christian community.

Latest revision as of 10:15, 23 January 2024

Elders or heads of Families congregating in free assemblies may form a Living Network of 10s, 100s, 1000s as Jesus commanded if bound by love and charity alone through faith in the The Way of Christ. They may prosper as a peculiar people without diminishing their individual liberty, in accordance with the practices of the early Church.


Defining terms

It is essential in a discussion of ancient text that we know the meaning of words at the time of their use. At different times those term may be used differently because of changes in society.

Congregations in Hebrew

The first place we see the Hebrew word for congregation in the Bible is Exodus 12:3 "Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel..." The word "edah"[1] is also translated "company" and "assembly". It is from the Hebrew word "ed"[2] meaning "witness" or "testimony".

This word "edah" is contracted from the Hebrew word ‘uwd[3] composed of the letters AyinVavDalet meaning "to return" in the sense of "repeat" for the purpose "to bear witness".

But there were other words translated congregation like MemVavAyinDalet or mowed[4] as we see in Exodus 27 verse 21 in reference to the the tabernacle of the congregation[5]

A congregation in the Greek

There is only one instant of the word congregation in the New Testament which is from the Greek word sunagoge.[6]

A synagogue at the time Christ was composed of ten individual families. Each family was an independent social unit. They were meant to be bound be charity in the form of freewill offerings.

Nder the kings some of the power to make choices for the family shifted to the kings and the priests making the word of God to none effect according to Scripture.

But originally a congregation was clearly a congregation of the people, a free assembly of families distinct from the ekklesia or called out in Israel known as the church in the wilderness.

Congregation vs Church

An ekklesia which is often translated Church did not mean a congregation of the people nor a free assembly and should not be used interchangeably.

There are numerous words in the Greek which can mean an assembly and should not be confused with the term ekklesia.

There are many words in the Greek that can mean a small assembly or group of people like "sumposion" [7] used in Mark 6:39 when Christ commanded the people be assembled in familiar patterns and ranks of tens.

We know other words could have been used like to designate types of assemblies like "agora"[8] and "paneguris"[9] as well as "heorte"[10], "koinos"[11], and "thiasos"Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag and sunago[12] or even sunalizo a verb that means "to gather together, assemble" [13] all contain the root of the word synagogue but none of these common Greek words mean the same as the Greek term "ekklesia"[14].


The Disciples of Christ were called out and appointed a kingdom[15] to serve much like the levites but the people were called to repentance and to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Congregation of Testimony

A Congregation of Testimony is a Congregation of Recorded Elders or a CORE.

The first reason the people should gather in these congregations or companies upon companies of elders of families in groups of tens, in ranks by hundreds, and ranks by fifties is because Jesus commanded that his disciples make the people organize themselves in that way.[16]

The word "Record" simply means testimony or witness. The Bible tells us in The Old and New Testaments to establish everything with two or three witnesses. That testimony is both in writing, by your words, and in deed, by your actions. It does not include contracts or oaths which bind individuals but does include Freewill offerings of, for, and by the people to give substance to their words while allowing every man to remain free.

Congregations of the early Church were nothing more than free assemblies of families who came together seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in word and deed. The Kingdom of God is from generation to generation.[17]

The Christians who believed in the Gospel of the Kingdom sought to practice Pure Religion by taking care of one another through Faith, Hope and Charity and the Perfect law of liberty without using any of the benefits offered by the world of Caesar nor any other authoritarian Benefactors or the Fathers of the earth.

At Pentecost the heads of families being Baptized were put out of the system of Corban by the thousands and began to form a Living Network by the free elders of each family gathering in small groups of Tens who picked ministers to serve their needs in society. This was the Church and together they naturally formed the Church in general.


Congregation of Recorded Elders


leaders are titular

In order for a congregation to form a part of the kingdom it must gather with other congregations by choosing a minister linked in a network of ministers. That minister facilitates the charity within the congregation. That minister's job from a kingdom perspective is to facilitate the charity within the gathering of congregations in a living Network with all other congregations.

Why Congregate?

The Pattern

The pattern of tens starts with ten families.

A family consists of the eldest Father of a family, his wife, unmarried sons and daughters and married sons and their wives and children.

The eldest father is an Elder.

Each family unit operating under one Elder gathers in a free assembly where what he contributes to the minister it is completely given up. This is a burnt offering.

While they may be a member of a free assembly when the assembly meeting ends there are no legal bonds maintaining their membership. The Congregation is not a corporation nor even an unincorporated association.

The Elders' mission and obligation is to love God and their fellow elders and those other elders all over the kingdom network.

The fulfillment of that mission and obligation of a congregation is the responsibility of every Elder and his family. By freely attending to the Weightier matters for himself and other families he secures his own liberty under God according to the Perfect law of liberty.

A congregation is not a Democracy. The majority of Elders do not elect the minister. It is by consensus. Each elder must choose the minister he wishes to connect him with the whole body of the Church. While there is no means or inclination to compel offerings by force or guilt there is usually a token head tithe of value like the Half shekel.[18]

The elected Minister who is appointed by Ordained Ministers of the Church is a member of the congregation of fellow ministers. But like the Elder's free assembly that congregation of ministers is also not a corporation nor an unincorporated association. This is for at least three reasons.

  • Their choice of minister is not the result of a democratic vote.
  • Ministers do not own what they receive as donations but only hold it in trust as an appointed ex officio ministers.
  • What elders release to their ministers is freely given as if it is a burnt offering.

It is a principle and policy of the prophets that each minister is acting as a single independent stone of the Altar of God. They are not hewn but seek to fit together in a cohesive group as friends.

There is another classification within the the network of tens. Ordained ministers of the Church are members of their congregation but hold all things in common within that independent congregation and are joint heirs within the whole network of congregations. This is explained in more detail within the book The Free Church Report.

Why Ministers of the Church?

Join with a free assembly in you area
by asking on the Network for more details:
Minister of Record
HCBL | HCGL | HCHS | HCJR |
HCLC | HCLO | HCNR | HCO
HCS | HCSL | HCSM | HCTA |
Minister of Record | His Church | His Holy Church

  • A Minister is a legal representative of Christ who came to save, serve and set the people free.
  • A minister is a titular servant of Christ to the people.
  • A minister is an individual member of the Church.
    A minister's Membership is by appointment or anointing, ex officio or ordination.
    Ministers do not exercise authority one over the other.
    Ministers hold all of what has been given them to hold for Christ and His purposes in common as joint heirs.
  • A minister is part of the Body of the Church as a member of their Congregation of Ministers ["COM"];
    A Congregation of Ministers' ["COM"] legal existence within the Church resides in their Ordination or the appointment by Ordained Overseer or Ministers as the Church in order to remain Free Assemblies.
  • A minister is a Titular clerk or "clergy" in one form of government called the Church.
  • A congregation of Ministers is a convention of Churches.
  • Together they form Altars of clay and Stones as the Church in general.
  • And spiritually are the Body of Christ.

Why Minister?

His Church is:

  • It composed of the "called out" Ministers of Christ.
  • It composed of those who are servant Ministers of the Church.
  • It consists of all ministers of His kingdom at hand.
  • It is the legal entity of Christ.
  • It is the institution of God appointed by Christ.
  • It is foreign to the World.
    • It is “A body or community of Christians", those following the Doctrines of Jesus.
    • It is united under one form of government by the profession of one faith.
    • It observes the same rituals and ceremonies.
    • It has a legal and apostolic identity.
    • It is the religious society founded and established by Jesus Christ,
    • It is to receive, preserve, and propagate His doctrines and ordinances.

Why Church?

  • The individual and families of congregations should be linked as one Spiritual body in practical and real ways. This is accomplished by their charitable Communion through their Ministers of service in a virtual society. They are bound by a common love for one another within the mission of the Church and purpose of Christ. With the help and service of every family in congregations of congregations through the network of Ministers, Bishops and Archbishops chosen by the people, the people become one nation under God.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
2 Thessalonians 2:1 ¶ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,


Terms like bishop and archbishop or liturgy are common terms in the modern Church, but in the first century Church they often had a very different meaning and purpose.

Jesus talked about the apostles as if they were princes when he appointed them a kingdom using a word that is translated both ruler and princes but His instructions limited them. The decree of Christ barred them from exercising authority one over the other like the princes of the other nations.[19]

The apostles and other deacons[20], ministers of ten, like the Levites before them were to serve the people as Benefactors but could only do so by the division of the Freewill offerings of the people which is another way of saying by charity rather than force like the gentiles were doing then.

Anyone who would pray to the Fathers of the earth to obtain benefits at the expense of their neighbor, a covetous practice, is not following the instructions of Christ and therefore should not be labeled Christian. Any Church that is not seeking to provide the benefits of society through charity is not His Church.

This Daily ministration by ministers of His Church required that the people came together and contributed regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by faith, hope and charity which is the perfect law of liberty.

Early Congregations

Congregations of record or testimony were a part of the kingdom from the beginning.

"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place [such] over them, [to be] rulers of thousands, [and] rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:" Exodus 18:21

Early Israel was a network of congregations bound only by a common purpose which did not allow people to take from others because their "rulers" "hated covetousness".[21]

Those "rulers" were called "sar"[22] in the Hebrew this is the letters Shem and Reish. It is from the verb ShemReishReish[23]

It is not the word mashal [24] which is from the letters MemShemLamed and is also translated "rule" and "ruler" and associated with dominion[25] and the power of a "Pharaoh" and "Egypt".[26]

Another word for "ruler" is nasiy’ [27] which is the letters NunShemAlef. It appears in Exodus 34:31 in reference to the "rulers of the congregation".[28]


We also see phrases like "the ruler of his house" in Genesis 43:16.[29] It is from the word bayith[30] The Hebrew letters for bayith are BietYodTav [תיב]. Biet means house and Yod is the divine spark while the letter Tav is the door of faith.

These words for ruler do not always mean ruler as we might think of ruler today. Sar, Shem Reish, is translated prince 208 times, captain 130, chief 33, ruler 33, governor 6, keeper 3, principal 2, general 1, lords 1.


Exodus 18:25 And Moses chose[31] able men out of all Israel, and made them heads[32] over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Moses was not giving the power of a king to these ministers. That rejection of God would not come until 1 Samuel 8.

Deuteronomy 1:15 "So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes."

This statement "chief of your tribes, wise men, and known" meant the people chose their leaders and Moses approved their and blessed their choice.

Moses and Jesus appointed a kingdom and barred the ministers from exercising authority one over the other like the princes of the other nations.

They both had Daily ministration by ministers who were called out. These voluntary systems required that the people choose to come together and contribute regularly to build a network of congregations which strive to live by faith, hope and charity which means Freewill offerings which is the Perfect law of liberty.

This also required men of truth[33]. Christ was the truth. What he told us to do and seek is His truth. Anyone who tells you that you do not have to seek and strive to be a doer of what Christ said to do to be His follower is not preaching the gospel of Christ.

In order to love your neighbor as yourself you need to devote time and energy to care for his or her true needs. To do this well you must gather together in a network of charity, faith and hope that others will be there for you when you need help. Those who work at this process of social care by charity will develop the trust of love in Christ found amongst the early Christian community.

  1. ↑ 05712 ^הדע^ ‘edah \@ay-daw’\@ from 05707 meaning witness in the original sense of fixture; n f; AV-congregation 124, company 13, assembly 9, multitude 1, people 1, swarm 1; 149
    1) congregation, gathering
    • ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)
    • ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)
    • ה Hey Expression--Thought, Speech, Action. Manifest seeds of thought and life. [Emphasize, jubilation, window, fence] (Numeric value: 5)
  2. ↑ 05707 ^דע^ ‘ed \@ayd\@ contracted from 05749; n m; {See TWOT on 1576 @@ "1576b"} AV-witness 69; 69
    1) witness
    1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things)
    1b) witness (of people)
    • ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)
    • ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)
  3. ↑ 05749 ^דוע^ AyinVavDalet ‘uwd \@ood\@ a primitive root; v; {See TWOT on 1576} {See TWOT on 1576 @@ "1576d"} AV-testify 15, protest 6, witness 6, record 3, charge 2, solemnly 2, take 3, admonished 1, misc 7; 45
    1) to return, repeat, go about, do again
    1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round
    1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve
    1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
    2) to bear witness
    2a) (Qal) to bear witness, say again and again
    2b) (Hiphil)
    2b1) to testify, bear witness
    2b2) to cause to testify, take or call as witness, invoke
    2b3) to protest, affirm solemnly, warn, exhort or enjoin solemnly, admonish, charge
    2c) (Hophal) to protest, give warning
    • ע Ayin also U. Divine Providence "eye" or "fountain" of five states of kindness or severity. AlefYodNun or nothingness as opposed to AlefShin something [eye, watch] (Numeric value: 70)
    • ו Vav Connection, Connecting realms and worlds or the dividing veil between them. [nail... And, Add, secure, hook] (Numeric value: 6)
    • ד Dalet Selflessness – Charity, back and forth or through a door or pathway, to enter like a fish (Numeric value: 4)
  4. ↑ 04150 מוֹעֵד‎ MemVavAyinDalet mow‘ed [mo-ade’] or מעד‎ mo‘ed [mo-ade’] or (fem.) מועדה‎ mow‘adah (#2Ch 8:13) [mo-aw-daw’] from 03259 יָעַד‎ YodAyinDalet ya‘ad fix or appoint; n m; [BDB-417a] [{See TWOT on 878 @@ "878b" }] AV-congregation 150, feast 23, season 13, appointed 12, time 12, assembly 4, solemnity 4, solemn 2, days 1, sign 1, synagogues 1; 223
    1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting
    1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
  5. ↑ Exodus 27:21 In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.
  6. ↑ 4864 ~συναγωγή~ sunagoge \@soon-ag-o-gay’\@ from (the reduplicated form of) 4863; TDNT-7:798,1107; {See TDNT 764} n f AV-synagogue 55, congregation 1, assembly 1; 57
    1) a bringing together, gathering (as of fruits), a contracting
    2) in the NT, an assembling together of men, an assembly of men
    3) a synagogue
    3a) an assembly of Jews formally gathered together to offer prayers and listen to the reading and expositions of the scriptures; assemblies of that sort were held every sabbath and feast day, afterwards also on the second and fifth days of every week; name transferred to an assembly of Christians formally gathered together for religious purposes
    3b) the buildings where those solemn Jewish assemblies are held. Synagogues seem to date their origin from the Babylonian exile. In the times of Jesus and the apostles every town, not only in Palestine, but also among the Gentiles if it contained a considerable number of Jewish inhabitants, had at least one synagogue, the larger towns several or even many. These were also used for trials and inflicting punishment.
    • For Synonyms see entry 5897
  7. ↑ 4849 ~συμπόσιον~ sumposion \@soom-pos’-ee-on\@ from a derivative of the alternate of 4844; ; n n AV-company 1, not tr. 1; Repeated twice in Mark 6:39
    1) a drinking party, entertainment
    1a) of the party itself, the guests
    1b) rows of guests
    "The symposium (or symposion) was an important part of ancient Greek culture from the 7th century BCE and was a party held in a private home where Greek males gathered to drink, eat and sing together. Various topics were also discussed such as philosophy, politics, poetry and the issues of the day."
    " The equivalent of a Greek symposium in Roman society is the Latin convivium."
    A Roman convivium according to Marcus Tullius Cicero for the republican period and Seneca suggest that ten to twelve was the maximum number.
    Plato in his "Laws" endorses the benefits of the symposium as a means to test and promote virtue in citizens.
  8. ↑ 58 ~ἀγορά~ agora \@ag-or-ah’\@ from ageiro (to gather, probably akin to 1453); ; n f AV-market 6, marketplace 4, street 1; 11
    1) any collection of men, congregation, or assembly, especially of the people
    2) the place of assembly
    2a) for public debating,
    2b) for elections
    2c) for trials {#Ac 16:19}
    2d) for buying and selling {#Mr 7:4}
    2e) for all kinds of business
    3) market place, street {#Mt 11:16 20:3}
  9. ↑ 3831 ~πανήγυρις~ paneguris \@pan-ay’-goo-ris\@ from 3956 and a derivative of 58; n f AV-general assembly 1; 1
    1) a festal gathering of the whole people to celebrate public games or other solemnities
    2) a public festal assembly
  10. ↑ 1859 ἑορτή heorte [heh-or-tay’] of uncertain affinity; n f; AV-feast 26, holy day 1; 27
    1) a feast day, festival
  11. ↑ 2839 ~κοινός~ koinos \@koy-nos’\@ probably from 4862; TDNT-3:789,447; {See TDNT 395} adj AV-common 7, unclean 3, defiled 1, unholy 1; 12
    1) common
    2) common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality
    2a) by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean
    It primarily meant "common, mutual, shared, joint".
  12. ↑ 4863 ~συνάγω~ sunago \@soon-ag’-o\@ from 4862 (with) and 71 (bring); ; v AV-gather 15, be gathered together 12, gather together 9, come together 6, be gathered 4, be assembled 3, take in 3, misc 10; 62
    1) to gather together, to gather
    1a) to draw together, collect
    1a1) of fishes
    1a2) of a net in which they are caught
    2) to bring together, assemble, collect
    2a) to join together, join in one (those previously separated)
    2b) to gather together by convoking
    2c) to be gathered i.e. come together, gather, meet
    3) to lead with one’s self
    3a) into one’s home, i.e. to receive hospitably, to entertain
  13. ↑ 4871 ~συναλίζω~ sunalizo \@soon-al-id’-zo\@ from 4862 and halizo (to throng); ; v AV-assemble together 1; 1
    1) to gather together, assemble
    2) to be assembled, meet with
  14. ↑ 1577 ἐκκλησία ekklesia [ek-klay-see’-ah] from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564 call or 2753 to command; n f; TDNT- 3:501,394; [{See TDNT 352 }] AV-church 115, assembly 3; 118
    1) a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
    1a) an assembly of the people convened at the public place of the council for the purpose of deliberating
    1b) the assembly of the Israelites
    1c) any gathering or throng of men assembled by chance, tumultuously
    1d) in a Christian sense
    1d1) an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting
    1d2) a company of Christians, or of those who, hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs, according to regulations prescribed for the body for order’s sake
    1d3) those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body
    1d4) the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth
    1d5) the assembly of faithful Christians already dead and received into heaven
    For Synonyms see entry 5897
    • Ekklesia "an assembly of citizens summoned by the crier, the legislative assembly." [R. Scott, and H.G. Liddell, A Greek-English Lexicon, p. 206.]
    • "The assembly of the people, which in Greek cities had the power of final decision in public affairs" [ A German classical philologist, Oskar Seyffert, A Dictionary of Classical Antiquities, pp. 202-203].
  15. ↑ Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
  16. ↑ Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
  17. ↑ : Exodus 17:16 For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
    Deuteronomy 29:22 So that the generation to come of your children that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses which the LORD hath laid upon it;
    Psalms 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
    Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
    Isaiah 13:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.
    Isaiah 34:10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.
    Isaiah 34:17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.
    Isaiah 51:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.
    Jeremiah 50:39 Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell there, and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.
    Lamentations 5:19 Thou, O LORD, remainest for ever; thy throne from generation to generation.
    Daniel 4:3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.
    Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
    Joel 3:20 But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
    Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
  18. ↑ Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs:) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the LORD. 14 Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD. 15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls. 16 And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shalt appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.
  19. ↑ Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
  20. ↑ Deacon: The word deacon means leader of ten. Leadership in the Church is by service. In the Greek the word diakonos means servant or Ministers. Minister is the Latin word for doer of little deeds. Minister is a generic term that includes all who serve others, whether deacon or bishop. Philippians 1:1 ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
  21. ↑ 08130 ^אנשׂ^ sane’ \@saw-nay’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-hate 136, enemies 3, enemy 2, foes 1, hateful 1, misc 3; 146 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom
    01215 ^עצב^ betsa‘ \@beh’- tsah\@ from 01214; n m; AV-covetousness 10, gain 9, profit 3, lucre 1; 23 1) profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
  22. ↑ 08269 ^רשׂ^ sar \@sar\@ from 08323; n m; AV-prince 208, captain 130, chief 33, ruler 33, governor 6, keeper 3, principal 2, general 1, lords 1, misc 4; 421 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
  23. ↑ 08323 ^ררשׂ^ sarar \@saw-rar’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-rule 3, make prince 1, altogether 1; 5 1) to be or act as prince, rule, contend, have power, prevail over, reign, govern 1a) (Qal) to rule over, govern 1b) (Hithpael) to lord it over
  24. ↑ 04910 ^לשׁמ^ mashal \@maw-shal’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-rule 38, ruler 19, reign 8, dominion 7, governor 4, ruled over 2, power 2, indeed 1; 81 1) to rule, have dominion, reign 1a) (Qal) to rule, have dominion 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to rule 1b2) to exercise dominion
  25. ↑ Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion [mashal ] over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we [are] in great distress.
    Job 25:2 Dominion [mashal ] and fear [are] with him, he maketh peace in his high places.
    Psalms 8:6 Thou madest him to have dominion <04910> over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
    Psalms 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion <04910> over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
  26. ↑ Genesis 45:8 So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.
  27. ↑ 05387 ^אישׂנ^ nasiy’ \@naw-see’\@ or ^אשׂנ^ nasi’ \@naw-see’\@ from 05375; n m; AV-prince 96, captain 12, chief 10, ruler 6, vapours 3, governor 1, chief + 05387 1, clouds 1, part 1, prince + 05387 1; 132
    1) one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
    2) rising mist, vapour
  28. ↑ Exodus 34:31 And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them.
  29. ↑ Genesis 43:16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring [these] men home, and slay, and make ready; for [these] men shall dine with me at noon.
  30. ↑ 01004 ^תיב^ bayith \@bah’- yith\@ probably from 01129 abbreviated; ; AV-house 1881, household 54, home 25, within 22, temple 11, prison 16, place 16, family 3, families + 01 2, dungeon 2, misc 23; 2055 n m 1) house 1a) house, dwelling habitation 1b) shelter or abode of animals 1c) human bodies (fig.) 1d) of Sheol 1e) of abode of light and darkness 1f) of land of Ephraim 2) place 3) receptacle 4) home, house as containing a family 5) household, family 5a) those belonging to the same household 5b) family of descendants, descendants as organized body 6) household affairs 7) inwards (metaph.) 8) (TWOT) temple adv 9) on the inside prep 10) within
  31. ↑ 0977 ^רחב^ bachar \@baw-khar’\@ a primitive root; v; AV-choose 77, chosen 77, choice 6, choose … out 5, acceptable 1, appoint 1, excellent 1, chosen men 1, rather 1, require 1, not translated; 172
    1) to choose, elect, decide for
    1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
  32. ↑ 07218 ^שׁאר^ ro’sh \@roshe\@ from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; n m; AV-head 349, chief 91, top 73, beginning 14, company 12, captain 10, sum 9, first 6, principal 5, chapiters 4, rulers 2, misc 23; 598
    1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning
    1a) head (of man, animals)
    1b) top, tip (of mountain)
    1c) height (of stars)
    1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, riest)
    1e) head, front, beginning
    1f) chief, choicest, best
    1g) head, division, company, band
    1h) sum
  33. ↑ 0571 ^תמא^ ‘emeth \@eh’- meth\@ AlefMemTav contracted from 0539 AlefMemNun; AV-truth 92, true 18, truly 7, right 3, faithfully 2, assured 1, assuredly 1, establishment 1, faithful 1, sure 1, verity 1; 127 n f
    1) firmness, faithfulness, truth
    1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv
    2) in truth, truly
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