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

This devotion focuses on the identity of the Church as God’s own holy nation. Notice the emphasis here on just how the Church reflects and displays the glory and standard of God and his Kingdom, or, at the very least, should aspire to display this grandeur in her life and work. Undoubtedly, it is a common problem among Church men and women to entertain low and ignoble thoughts about the Church. And no wonder, considering the fact that the Church has had its share of tragic expressions of sinfulness, greed, and worldliness. Churches in particular sometimes do not reflect the glory of the one, true Church, and often our students can fall prey to the habits of denouncing and rejecting the Church as necessary. Phrases like “churchianity” become derogatory, and often commentators can provide low and spiteful treatments of the role and practice of congregations whose life shows anything but what God represents and who he is. The goal of this devotion is to begin right away with a clear sense that God Almighty has selected the Church, and that the Church, as his chosen people, have an integral and important role in representing God and his interests in the world today. Truly, to be a part of the Church is to be a part of his community, and to be given the high privilege and calling to reveal him and his purposes to the world through its proclamations and practice. No one congregation can claim to fulfill this mission entirely, but this is our corporate aspiration and deepest desire. The prayers in these lessons are intended to be emphasized, not merely as a formal introduction to the study of the lesson and its concepts, but as a heartfelt invitation to God to come into the midst of the students and do the work that only the Holy Spirit can. Jesus makes it clear that the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit is a central and life-giving ministry. John 16.13 - When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Take the time of prayer seriously, for in doing so, you will through your actions demonstrate to the students the foundational role that the Holy Spirit plays for us in the discovery of revelation in our study of the Word.

3 Page 13 Devotion

4 Page 14 Nicene Creed and Prayer