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

If you are interested in pursuing some of the ideas of The Church Foreshadowed in God’s Plan , you might want to give these books a try: Chapter 6 in Fee, Gordon D. Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God . Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996. Snyder, Howard A. Kingdom, Church, and World: Biblical Themes for Today . Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2001. ------. The Problem of Wineskins: Church Structure in a Technological Age . Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1975. Now is the time to try to nail down this high theology to a real practical ministry connection, one which you will think about and pray for throughout this next week. What in particular is the Holy Spirit suggesting to you in regards to the idea of the Church foreshadowed in God’s covenant with Abraham, with the revelation of the mystery of Gentile participation in salvation? What particular situation comes to mind when you think about the connection between personal faith in Jesus and in the body of Christ? How might you personally apply the truth of the teaching that to be one with Christ is to be one with his people? Are there individuals who need to hear this truth for the first time, or those who might need to have it further clarified right now? Give time to meditate on your personal situation of life and ministry, and ask the Holy Spirit to bring the appropriate individuals or situations to mind for your application of these truths and principles. To fully appreciate the place and importance of the Church in God’s plan we need the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul said that the revelation of the mystery of Gentiles in God’s family came through God’s teaching through the prophets and the apostles (cf. Rom. 16.25-27; Eph. 3.3ff.). Only God the Spirit can adequately show us how dear and precious the people of God are to Christ, and how important it is for us to give ourselves to serve and build up the people of God. Ask God to forgive you, if you have entertained low or unworthy opinions about the Church. Pray to him for new insight into the role of the Church in his kingdom business, and ask him to provide you with new energy, wisdom, and resources as you serve him by serving his people. Wallis, Jim. Agenda for Biblical People . New York: Harper and Row, 1976.

Resources and Bibliographies

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Ministry Connections

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Counseling and Prayer

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