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

The following questions were designed to help you review the material in the second video segment. Comprehending the nature and function of the Church through the lens of biblical images is a well attested and solid method to recognize the Church’s work. Our study has concentrated on a series of images which highlight the intimate relationship the Church has with the Lord himself, with the world, and with Christ’s enemy, the devil. Each image provides us with a rich theological conception of what the Church is to do as God’s own people in the world. Answer these questions, therefore, carefully, giving special attention to how they help us understand better what the Church is to be and do. Be clear and concise in your answers, and where possible, support with Scripture! 1. Why is it a legitimate practice to understand the nature and function of the Church through the lens of images of the Church in the New Testament? What kind of things ought we to be aware of when we engage in this kind of study? 2. What limits (if any) should be placed on doing study in this way, that is, through the lens of metaphor and analogy? How may we best use this method to take full advantage of the ways in which the Spirit instructs us through these analogies about the identity of Church? 3. What do we learn about the Church’s work through the biblical image of the Church as the “household” or “family” of God? How does this help us understand what the Church should be doing in its relationships, especially among its members? 4. How does the image of the “body of Christ” help us comprehend what the Church is supposed to be doing in the world? 5. What do we learn about the Church’s work in the world through the idea of the Church as “the temple of the Holy Spirit?” What does this image do to instruct us about the Church’s role in the world? 6. Describe some of the various duties, responsibilities, and roles that are attached to the idea of being an ambassador? How does this lively image help us understand what the Church is to do in the world, as a representative of Jesus Christ? 7. What insights do we glean about the nature of the Church’s work through the image of the Church as God’s soldier, or army? How can this image help us to equip our members, organize and deploy our resources, and plan our activities consistent with the image?

Segue 2

Student Questions and Response

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