Ch.8 - Ana

Chapter 8

1. Discuss Scott's findings on the "filling" or "baptism" of the Holy Spirit. Did you agree or disagree with his view? How did it fit with your own personal view on this subject?

Scott states the New Testament has several evidences that the baptism and the filling with the Holy Spirit referred to different things. The baptism of the Spirit is related to His presence and activity in the life of the new believer, and the new believer’s identification with the Family of God. The filling of the Spirit has the purpose to meet a special need or provide a special ability for the benefit of the Christian community. Whether is by baptism or by filling, I believe all of those who have place their faith in Christ had been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and He helps the believer in their Spiritual journey by helping them to mature and providing gifts and abilities for this purpose and the edification of the church.

2. Discuss Scott's Presentation of Church governance. What may be the best method?

Congregational church government seems to be the best method, because is democratic and in it each member (who should have made a statement of faith in Jesus) has an equal vote in all church matters. This implies the leadership of a gifted and called servant of God, but a system of accountability as well. It should include a system of “checks and balances”; but the most important thing as the author states is that the congregation recognized Christ as the head, the Spirit as the presence and catalyst of God’s purpose and the authority of the Scriptures.

3. Why is the word ekklesia appropriate to designate this particular group or body? pp. 199
It is appropriate because it designates its function and involves a close communion, service and worship. It refers to a group of believes in Christ who have a relationship with God in Christ. The term carries a concept of individual needs but also one of wholeness and community; it is also free from racial or nationalistic limitations, it conveys novelty and is able to express the deepest expression of a relationship between God and His people.

4. Compare and contrast the role of prophecy in the Old Testament with the New Testament.

The prophets’ task in the OT was:
1. To remind Israel of God’s past revelation (the Covenant, Law and Exodus).
2. To call attention to and condemn sins and to explain how this breaks their relationship with God.
3. Depending on how they respond to the message: to warn of punishment or promise blessings.
4. To promise restoration after times of punishment. (Revelation).

In the NT the apostles were mainly God’ spokespersons; their responsibility was to give revelation, and new information while speaking of the life and ministry of Jesus and interpret those facts; they applied the teachings of the New and Old Testament.
In essence the OT prophets interpreted and applied previously given revelation to God’s people; while according to Scriptures besides the apostolic writes, Agabus, God’s revelation was completed in our Lord Jesus Christ; any new message needs to be tested based on the existent revelation and cannot contradict it since God can not contradict Himself.