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

8. What has God promised to those who feed on the Word of God through the teaching ministry of the Church? How does the goal of Christlikeness relate to the goal of observing the teaching of Jesus in the midst of the Church? 9. What promise does Jesus make to us in the Great Commission about himself while we obey this mandate to make disciples throughout the entire earth?

This lesson focuses upon the doctrine of election as it applies to Jesus as God’s Elect Servant of God, and God’s election of Israel and the Church as witness to his grace and as his agent in the world. We also covered in detail the various elements of the Great Commission (going, baptizing, and teaching) as it relates to the Church’s witness in the world. Again, the importance of the Christian leader to be at home with and be completely familiar with these ideas is plain. Without understanding the role of the Church’s witness, the Christian leader will neither be able to train others to witness effectively nor be an effective witness himself or herself. Make sure you understand the basic ideas and Scripture associated with the concepts below on the Church as witness. The Lord God, as a sovereign and authoritative God, has called and elected certain persons to certain ends and status, all for his glory. Above all else, God has elected Jesus of Nazareth to be his Elect, Suffering Servant. In his person, God has elected to bring about salvation to all humankind, to everyone who clings to him by faith in his death, burial and resurrection. God has also elected Israel to be the instrument through which he would bring Messiah into the world, and by which he would provide us with a clear picture of his salvation given to both Jew and Gentile in Jesus Christ. Individual believers are elected “in Christ,” through their union and association with him. God blesses his people as they are associated with Christ through their faith and allegiance. God’s election is based on his sovereign purpose and grace, given to the base and weak of the world in order that no one should boast in his presence.

Summary of Key Concepts

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