In this episode of The Remnant Radio, hosts Joshua Lewis and Michael Rowntree welcome back Dr. Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, to unpack her latest book, Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Born from reflections during COVID-19, this discussion dives into the biblical roots of the church, starting with Abraham and tracing the concept of the “ekklesia”—the gathered assembly of God’s people—through both the Old and New Testaments.Whether you’re wrestling with past church hurts, seeking deeper biblical prophecy insights, or simply wanting to strengthen your understanding of Christian community, this episode reaffirms the church as a family waiting together for Christ’s return — messy, but ultimately transformative. 0:00 – Introduction5:27 – Ekklesia: Gathered Community7:50 – Church Vocation: Waiting Together for God12:26 – Biblical Narrative: Worship, Wait, Work, Word15:03 – Church Continuity from Abraham18:20 – Deuteronomy: Community Care and Tithe21:30 – Practical Applications to Modern Church27:48 – New Testament Use of Old Testament Laws32:14 – Prophets Rebuking Disorder and False Prophecy38:49 – Addressing Abuses: Accountability and Leaving47:15 – Navigating Political Divisions and Unity55:38 – God's Use of Broken People in Church59:03 – Closing: Power of Gathering as Family 📖BOOK https://a.co/d/hbtEtNa 📽️RR PLAYLIST WITH DR. IMES: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMsjeViSScFFkoOXqXt8NjjQ2U-EdYv6K  Hey Guys, Josh Lewis here. Have you ever wondered if the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit—like prophecy, healing, and tongues—really stopped after the apostles? Cessationists claim they vanished throughout church history, but that's a myth. In Remnant Radio’s new ebook, History of Spiritual Gifts: The Myth of Cessationism, I dive into church history to reveal the active use of spiritual gifts by early church fathers 🙏 God’s been GOOD! 🙏 Watch our year-end message from Joshua Lewis & see how your support helps us resource & equip believers in God's Word & Spirit!If Remnant Radio has blessed you, would you consider partnering with us as we step into the new year? Your support helps us produce content, courses, conferences & more! Thank you!Donate Today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=GC2Z86XHHG4X6&ssrt=1686780016992  Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO: 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER 📚 COURSES & CONFERENCES 🛒 SHOP MERCH 💝 SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY: • Leave a Tip• Become a Patron• Make a Tax-Deductible Donation 🌐📧 Check Out Our Church PagesJosh's ChurchMiller's ChurchRowntree's Church