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

ancient and passionate. For you, as students, to grapple with God’s great cosmic plan is the purpose of this section. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Why would it be significant for a church leader to understand and be able to explain that the Church is foreshadowed in God’s exalted purpose to glorify himself in his people? What is the relationship of your local congregation to God’s desire to raise up a new humanity which will live with him forever? * What are some of the practical implications of the idea that God intended to include even the Gentiles in his redemptive purpose for the world? What does this say about God’s intention for his local congregations to be open, free from bigotry, prejudice, and partiality? * If all those who believe in Christ belong to his people, how ought we to look at even the humblest gathering of believers, even the tiniest store front church where Jesus is worshiped and glorified? How can tiny, little urban churches claim to be a part of the people ( laos ) that God promised to raise up for himself as his own peculiar people? * Why does it appear that certain groups among the people of God seem to carry more weight and prestige than others do? How does this common tendency among Christian groups undermine the idea God is working to draw out of all the nations of the earth a people for himself? * Why might it be important for a leader within a church to understand that God has been working to gather his people together for many centuries? What kind of lies might the enemy tell a discouraged, despairing leader that his or her efforts to build the Church will never work? * Why might it be important for an urban minister to understand God’s deep desire to make the Church a place for everyone, even for Gentiles, i.e., those in the Bible associated with immorality, idolatry, and sin? What might this suggest for those on the outside of society today? * Why might it be necessary for a committed Christian worker to affirm God’s purpose to bring together a people? Does that mean we ought to work any less to make disciples for Christ?

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