Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
The transcript argues that “ekklesia” was a government assembly, but that Jesus is building *His* government—not earthly structures—and that the goal is heaven coming to earth (not merely dying and going to heaven); how would early Christians have practiced that “government” in daily life without seizing the mechanisms of Rome?
Another way to ask: If Jesus is building His own “government” and not taking over Rome, what would that have looked like in everyday life for early Christians? How could they live out heaven coming to earth without grabbing Roman power?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, early Christians would have practiced Jesus’ government by living as a distinct kingdom community—using spiritual authority like truth, persuasion, and church discipline—rather than using Rome’s coercive tools.
- He says ekklesia “was a government assembly,” but warns against the “switcheroo” that turns that into building worldly government.
- Jesus is building “a heavenly kingdom… that will rule and reign over this world,” growing like the “parables of the kingdom” from small and hidden to manifest.
- He frames the end-goal as “heaven come down on earth… heaven and earth becoming one,” not just “we die and go to heaven.”
- He highlights the church’s authority as conscience-focused: “commending ourselves to every man's conscience,” and “we persuade men.”
- From the Slighthound Confession: in Christ’s perfection “only the ban is used… for excommunication,” showing internal kingdom governance rather than physical punishment.