The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

a. The Kingdom is gift: God’s rule is available to all who believe in his Son.

b. The Kingdom is task: the Church is salt (preserving) and light (enlightening and exposing) in the life of the Kingdom.

2. The Church in the world, Matt. 5.13-16

Conclusion

» The Church of Jesus Christ is the locus, the place or context, of God’s salvation. » The Church of Jesus Christ is the locus of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

» The Church of Jesus Christ is the locus of authentic kingdom life.

3

The questions below are designed to help you identify the key points in our last video segment on the Church as the locus of the Kingdom. Please answer the following questions carefully, be clear and concise in your answers, and where possible, support with Scripture! 1. In what sense can the Church be called “the community of the triune God?” What are the two meanings of ekklesia (the called-out ones) in Scripture? 2. What is the meaning and interpretation of the fourfold definition of Church in the Nicene Creed? Why are these definitions important for an understanding of the Church? 3. As the locus of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, in what way is the Spirit the down payment ( arrabon ) of the kingdom blessings to come? How does this relate to the Old Testament understandings of the Church (cf. Peter’s statement at Pentecost)? 4. In what sense can it be said that the Church is the “custodian” or “steward” of the revelation of God in Christ?

Segue 1

Student Questions and Response