You read the title of this page correctly. We actually can follow Yehshua Hamashiach ( Jesus the Messiah) and be His Ekklesia without the practice of the traditions of men. This page is dedicated to exposing this truth!
Ekklesia vs. The Church System
Modern “Christianity” often looks more like a religious system built around buildings, brands, and professional clergy than a community centered on the Gospel of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) and the Kingdom of God.
Ekklesia vs. church system In the New Testament:
- “ekklesia” describes a called-out people who belong to Christ, not a building, denomination, or weekly event. The focus is on a living body where every member is connected to Jesus as Head and called to active participation, not on a religious class that performs while others watch
The Biblical Ekklesia
In the New Testament, the word “Ekklesia” describes a called-out people who belong to Christ. It is never a building, a denomination, or a weekly event.
A Living Body: The focus is on a living body where every member is directly connected to Yeshua as the Head.
Active Participation: Every believer is called to be an active participant, not a passive observer watching a religious class perform.
When Christianity becomes counterfeit:
- Evading the Core Foundational Truth: When a system neglects the teaching of Christ Crucified and Risen as the only means of redemption. The Gospel is for all people—regardless of race, color, creed, language, lineage, culture, or geographical location. Any “gospel” that adds requirements or excludes based on human categories is no gospel at all.
- Elevation of Institutional Loyalty: When the organization begins to idolize personalities, promote human-led programs, and demand loyalty to the “brand” above true repentance, faith, and obedience to Yeshua HaMashiach.
- Prioritizing Image over Essence: When the “projection of imagery”—the appearance of being religious or the regular attendance of services—is treated as more important than the actual fruit of the Spirit: loving God and loving our neighbors in real life.
Marks of the True Gospel
In contrast to the systems of men, the true Gospel of the Kingdom is identified by its fruit, its focus, and its foundation.
Salvation by Grace: It proclaims salvation solely by grace through faith in Christ—not by works, religious rituals, or attachment to a human leader, denomination, or brand.
The Call to Holiness: It calls people to genuine repentance and total submission to Yeshua HaMashiach as Lord and Savior. It rejects self-centered, “prosperity-focused” messages that treat God as a means to an end.
The Centrality of Christ: It keeps the person and work of Christ—His incarnation, death, resurrection, and promised return—at the absolute center of Scriptural study and communal life.
The Authority of Scripture: It anchors itself in the Word of God, testing every teaching to ensure that it exalts the Messiah and aligns with the Holy Scriptures.
Equipping the Body: It seeks to cultivate fellowship where believers function as a body, not an audience. True leaders do not create dependency; they equip disciples to consume and digest the Scriptures independently, walking in their own direct relationship with God.
Pray for discernment and for the truth of the gospel to permeate throughout the Christian population so that believers will know the truth and be set free from the bondage of the counterfeit Eklessia that has become the standard.
Please continue to read and watch with an open mind and heart because this truth will challenge most believers. It is not taught in the churches and it is not promoted by Christian leadership either.
The True Temple: Not a Building, But a People
The Apostle Paul communicated that the true Temple of God is no longer a physical building, but the believers themselves—both individually and collectively. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God’s sacred presence now resides in His people, fundamentally changing the nature of worship and the way followers of Christ live.
The Believer as a Collective Temple
In his First Letter to the Corinthians, Paul refers to the entire church as God’s singular Temple, emphasizing their unity and shared purpose.
The Church as “God’s Building”: Paul uses the imagery of the church as “God’s building,” with Christ as the chief cornerstone, upon which all believers are built together into a holy temple.
A Dwelling for God: Writing to the Ephesians, Paul states that Gentile and Jewish believers have been “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).
A Call to Unity: This understanding of the church as a corporate temple serves as a powerful call to unity, urging believers to be reconciled with one another and to avoid the internal strife and division that characterize man-made institutions (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
The believer as an individual temple
Paul also applies temple imagery to the individual believer, particularly in the context of moral and spiritual purity. This was a radical departure from the world’s view of the physical body.
A Contrast to Pagan Temples: In a city like Corinth—notorious for its pagan temples and sexual immorality—Paul provides a radical, counter-cultural instruction: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
A Call to Holiness: This redefines the very concept of a “holy place.” In the Old Testament, only specific priests were set apart to care for the physical Temple. Now, because all Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, every believer is called to personal consecration. This requires a life of separation from anything that would desecrate the sacred place where God dwells.
The Practical Implications of the Living Temple
The shift from a physical building to a spiritual temple creates profound implications for how a believer lives, worships, and relates to God.
God is Accessible Everywhere: Because God’s presence is no longer confined to a single physical location, believers are free to worship Him anywhere “in spirit and truth,” as Yeshua taught. Worship is no longer a destination; it is a state of being (John 4:21–24).
The Priesthood of All Believers: Paul’s teaching on the spiritual temple reinforces that there is no “clergy/laity” divide. Every Christian can approach God directly without a human intermediary, offering up “spiritual sacrifices” of worship, prayer, and service (1 Peter 2:4–5).
High Stakes for Holiness: The sanctity of the temple carries a heavy responsibility. Paul warns that God’s temple is sacred, stating, “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person” (1 Corinthians 3:17). This emphasizes that our treatment of our bodies and our treatment of one another within the Body of Christ is of eternal importance.
The Departure from Temple Systems
True followers of Yeshua do not follow the pagan or Jewish temple systems. The Departure from Temple Systems
True followers of Yeshua do not follow the pagan or Jewish temple systems. While this shift is a cornerstone of New Testament theology, the transition for the early Ekklesia was a profound journey of shifting their reliance from physical structures to a spiritual reality.
- The Theological Break
The New Testament makes it clear that the death and resurrection of Yeshua rendered the physical temple system obsolete.
The Rent Veil: At the moment of Yeshua’s death, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom, signaling that the barrier between God and man had been removed.
The Final Sacrifice: The book of Hebrews explains that Yeshua is the “once and for all” sacrifice. To continue in a sacrificial temple system would be to deny the sufficiency of His work on the Cross.
- A Gradual Practical Shift
Historical accounts in the book of Acts show that many early Jewish believers continued to visit the Temple for prayer initially, as it was their cultural habit. However, as the Holy Spirit revealed the “New Covenant” through the Apostles—specifically Paul—the Ekklesia began to move away from these rituals.
The Council of Jerusalem: Acts 15 shows the leaders deciding that Gentile believers were not required to follow the Mosaic Law or temple rituals.
70 A.D.: The physical destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans served as a historical “exclamation point” to the spiritual truth that God’s dwelling was no longer there.
- Contrast with Pagan Systems
While the Jewish system was a “shadow of things to come,” the pagan systems were seen as entirely antithetical to the Gospel. Paul was uncompromising: believers could not partake of “the table of the Lord and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Followers of Yeshua were called to come out from among them and be separate.
The fulfillment of the Jewish temple system
For those who follow Yeshua, the Jewish Temple’s sacrificial system was not merely discarded—it was fulfilled and rendered obsolete by His crucifixion. His death is understood as the one, perfect, and final sacrifice for all sin.
The Veil is Torn: The Gospel accounts describe the heavy veil in the Temple tearing from top to bottom at the moment of Yeshua’s death. This was a Divine “tearing down of the walls,” symbolizing that the physical barriers between humanity and God were removed. Direct access to God’s presence was no longer limited to a specific room or a restricted priestly class.
A New High Priest: The Letter to the Hebrews provides the definitive explanation for this shift: Yeshua has become the ultimate High Priest. Because He lives forever and is sinless, the Aaronic (human) priesthood is no longer necessary for mediation between God and humanity. We now have a direct line to the Father through the Son.
The Nature of Pagan Temple Worship: A Total Break
The transition away from paganism was straightforward and absolute. Because it was directly contrary to the monotheistic core of the Gospel, there was no room for compromise or “integration.”
Idolatry is Explicitly Forbidden: The Apostle Paul was unwavering in his condemnation of idolatry. He explicitly commanded Gentile Christians to flee from any connection to pagan rituals, famously stating that one cannot partake of “the table of the Lord and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21).
A Fundamental Break: Unlike the Jewish Temple system—which provided the historical and prophetic foundation for the faith—pagan systems had zero theological continuity with the message of Yeshua. For a Gentile, turning to Christ meant a complete and immediate rejection of their former religious identity.
The complex transition for Jewish followers
For the first-generation Messianic believers, the transition away from the Temple system was a nuanced process of moving from the physical “type” to the spiritual “reality.”
Early Continuity: In the immediate aftermath of Yeshua’s resurrection, Jewish believers did not initially see themselves as starting a “new religion.” They continued to practice their customs, meeting in the Temple courts for prayer and teaching (Acts 2:46). They viewed their faith as the completion of Judaism.
Paul’s Shifting Perspective: While Paul himself participated in Temple rituals on certain occasions (Acts 21:26), his revelation of the Gospel to the Gentiles created a necessary tension. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) was a turning point, formally deciding that Gentile believers were not bound by the Mosaic sacrificial laws, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith alone.
The Fall of the Temple: The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD served as the final, historical confirmation of this shift. Without a physical Temple, the sacrificial system became impossible, reinforcing the reality that Yeshua had indeed replaced the old system with a “Temple not made with hands.”
The Modern Distinction: Ekklesia vs. Institution
Most followers of Yeshua today agree that following Him means living under the New Covenant established through His sacrifice, rather than participating in outdated Temple rituals or pagan systems. However, rejecting “the system” does not mean rejecting the community.
While we move away from the “Temple mindset,” the Ekklesia (the gathering of the called-out ones) remains the essential expression of our faith.
Purpose over Protocol: The ordinances (like the Lord’s Supper and Baptism) and the gatherings of the Ekklesia are not “rituals” to earn favor; they are structured ways for the family of God to come together, encourage one another, and express our shared life in Christ.
The Living Body: Unlike a physical temple, the Ekklesia is organic. Its “structure” is found in the relationships between its members and their mutual submission to Yeshua as the Head.
Worship in Spirit and Truth: In this modern context, “church” is no longer a destination we visit, but a people we belong to—carrying the presence of God into every corner of the world.at have no Biblical foundation.
The Ekklesia is what Jesus came to establish and build. Most people have never heard the word Ekklesia before and it is because the word Church was forcefully translated from the origal texts instead of Ekklesia and this was on purpose!
WHAT IS THE EKKLESIA? IT IS THE CALLED OUT ONES OF GOD
The Strong’s Concordance Definition of Ekklesia
To understand the New Testament, we must return to the original language. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word Ekklesia, which carries a specific, non-institutional meaning.
Original Greek Word: ἐκκλησία
Transliteration: ekklésia
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-klay-see’-ah)
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Definition: An assembly, a congregation.
Usage: An assembly, congregation, the whole body of Christian believers.
The Deeper Meaning
The word is derived from two Greek words:
Ek: “Out of” or “from.”
Kaleo: “To call.”
Therefore, the Ekklesia are the “Called-Out Ones.” In ancient Greece, this term referred to a body of citizens called out from their homes into a public place for a specific purpose. In the New Testament, it refers to those called out from the world system to belong to the Kingdom of God.
The “Feminine” Significance
As you noted, the part of speech is Feminine. This is not a grammatical accident; it points to the relational identity of the people of God. We are not a “corporation” (masculine/neuter structure); we are the Bride of Yeshua HaMashiach. A Bride is defined by her relationship and devotion to her Groom, not by the building she stands in.
When you see the word “Church” in your Bible, remember the Strong’s definition. It is never a “where,” it is always a “who.” Every time a religious system tells you that you must “go to church,” they are technically using the word incorrectly. You don’t go to an Ekklesia; you are the Ekklesia—the assembly of the called-out ones.
http://ecclesia.org/truth/ekklesia.html
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/ekklesia.html
THE TRUE ORIGIN OF THE WORD CHURCH WILL SHOCK YOU!
When we look at 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, the text reveals a fascinating dialogue between David and God that confirms your insight:
- David’s Intuition vs. God’s Instruction
The idea for a stone temple originated with David, not God. David looked at his own palace of cedar and felt a sense of “religious guilt” that the Ark of God was still in a tent (the Tabernacle). While his motive appeared noble, God’s response was a gentle but firm correction:
“Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a house to dwell in. I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up Israel out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from tent to tent, from one dwelling place to another.’” (1 Chronicles 17:4–5)
- God’s Sovereignty Over the “Dwelling”
God explicitly points out that in all the years He traveled with Israel, He never once asked a leader, “Why haven’t you built me a house of cedar?” (2 Samuel 7:7). This suggests that the Tabernacle—mobile, humble, and divinely designed—was exactly how God intended to manifest His presence among a pilgrim people. - The Play on the word “House”
In a beautiful piece of divine wordplay, David told God, “I will build you a house (temple).” God responded by saying, “No, I will build you a house (a dynasty/lineage).”
God shifted the focus from a physical building of stone to a spiritual household of people. He promised that a descendant of David (the Messiah) would build a house that would last forever. David looked at the “house” as a construction project; God looked at the “house” as a family—the Ekklesia.
The Temple as a Concession?
While God eventually allowed Solomon to build the Temple and even filled it with His glory, many scholars point out that the Temple introduced a “static” form of religion that the Tabernacle didn’t have. The Tabernacle was designed to move with the people; the Temple required the people to come to a specific location. This physical “fixity” eventually led to the very institutionalism and “temple worship” that Jesus and the Apostles had to deconstruct.
This historical moment proves that man-made “upgrades” to God’s plans often lead to institutionalism. David wanted to give God a permanent address, but God wanted a people who would follow Him wherever He moved. This is why the New Covenant returns us to the “Tabernacle” model: God dwelling within His people (the living stones) rather than in a magnificent building of dead stones.
https://geekychristian.com/evidence-the-temple-was-not-gods-will/
We didn’t just fail to learn from the Israelites; we replicated their mistake on a global, institutional scale.
The shift from Tabernacle (God moving with His people) to Temple (People coming to a stationary building) was the first step toward the “professionalization” of faith. When the early church transitioned from the New Testament Ekklesia back into a “Temple System” (Cathedrals and “Churches”), they effectively moved God back behind a veil that Jesus had already torn down.
The Cycle of Human Substitution
History shows a recurring pattern where man replaces a spiritual reality with a physical substitute.
| The Spiritual Reality (God’s Design) | The Physical Substitute (Man’s Design) | The Result |
| Living Stones (The People) | Dead Stones (The Buildings) | Focus shifts from character to architecture. |
| Holy Spirit (The Guide) | Religious Law/Catechism | Focus shifts from hearing God to following rules. |
| Priesthood of All | Professional Clergy | The “Body” becomes a passive audience. |
| Presence (God in us) | Program (God “at the service”) | Faith is confined to a time and location. |
“Form of Godliness, But Denying the Power”
You quoted 2 Timothy 3:5, which is the perfect diagnosis for this condition. When “man listens to man,” we build systems that look impressive to the eye but are hollow in the spirit.
- Buildings have no power to change a human heart; only the Spirit does.
- Brands have no truth; only the Word of God does.
- Clergy have no special access to the Father; only the blood of Yeshua provides that.
By building “Newer Versions” of stone temples, man created a way to feel religious without having to be transformed. It is much easier to go to a building for an hour a week than it is to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit 24/7. One is a performance; the other is a sacrifice.
The Reality of the “Called Out”
The reason we are called the Ekklesia (the called-out ones) is that we are called out of these very systems. We are called out of the “temples made with hands” to walk in the “Temple not made with hands.”truth.
LETS TALK ABOUT THE BIBLICAL TRUTHS ABOUT “CHURCH”
This video explains why the established church systems of today are not the true Ekklesia that God intended for the Body of Christ.
http://www.unchurching.com/audiobook
LETS VIEW THE EARLY EKKLESIA
The hierarchy of the Old Testament is not meant for the New Testament Covenant of Grace.
MATTHEW 23:8-12 – Amplified Version
8 But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers. 9 Do not call anyone on earth [who guides you spiritually] your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 Do not let yourselves be called leaders or teachers; for One is your Leader (Teacher), the Christ. 11 But the greatest among you will be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.
Priest, Rabi, Pastor, Bishop, Reverend, They all are the same. We have been deceived…
The Five Fold Ministry are functions not positions and they are empowered by the Holy Spirit which enable believers to edify the Ekklesia. FUNCTIONS NOT TITLES. There is no instructions or commands from God to form a new temple system aka “The Church” found in the scriptures of the New Testament at all.
An additional video that talks about the dangers of the false hierarchy of the church system that we see today.
PLEASE WATCH THIS WHOLE VIDEO….
We are focused on home based assemblies. We do not meet in traditional church buildings. Our focus is on the Kingdom of God, not the church institutions of man or the concept of Nation Building. We follow an early gathering format that is quite different from what you see in typical churches or temples today.
A simple break down of the Organic Church Concept
This is what happens in Organic Church
A quick meme video of Ekklesia (Organic Church)
So… How does the Body of Christ (Ekklesia) grow if there are no church buildings or established institutions? Discipleship is the way we build relationships
The gathering of believers is for the purpose of fellowship, prayer, worshiping God, studying the scriptures and discipleship. This is not so in the typical church of today.
Disciples are raised up by Elders to become Elders so they can disciple. Very simple concept.
STRONG MESSAGES ON CRITICAL TOPICS
Parent Website: jesustogether.com
Building the Kingdom of God (How the Ekklesia grows)
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE KING JAMES VERSION IS THE ONLY TRUE BIBLE TRANSLATION INTO THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE?
PLEASE WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO FROM START TO FINISH… It will help you understand that this concept of KJV only is very dangerous to our spiritual health. please go against your initial reaction urges and watch the video with an open mind and heart to receive some mind blowing truth. A wise man never shuns a sound warning.
King James was not perfect. Jesus Christ was the only one that is perfect. Here are some facts that may help you understand this truth.