Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

2. The centrality of preaching and teaching the Word of God with zeal and clarity in the Church can be seen for several reasons.

a. First, the Word of God is able to feed and nurture the spiritual growth of the body, 2 Tim. 2.15.

b. Next, it equips God’s people in the Church for every good task that the Holy Spirit calls them to do, 2 Tim. 3.15-17.

c. Finally, it equips members to engage and defeat the enemy in spiritual warfare as the Spirit’s Sword, Eph. 6.16-17.

B. Next, as we teach the Word of God, we will help individual members of our assemblies identify their gifts and callings as God-endowed members of his people.

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1. All believers are endowed with gifts of the Holy Spirit to be used on behalf of the Church, to 1 Cor. 12.4-7.

2. God has given specially gifted men and women to the Church to equip the believers for the work of the ministry, Eph. 4.11-13.

3. Every member contributes their part for the overall growth and outreach of the body, to God’s glory, Eph. 4.15-16.

4. As we teach new Christians to do all that Jesus provides and commanded, new Christians will identify their gifts, learn to use them for the benefit and edification of fellow members of the Church, Rom. 12.4-8.