Nathan Chap 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 says that the Holy Spirit, for the most part, does not come upon an individual, but on the church. I see what he is saying with the accounts of Acts and how the Spirit worked within the church. My question would be with Christ. I know that most times he would rely on His Father, but the Holy Spirit did descend on Him at His baptism. Would that count as the Spirit working through an individual. Personally I think that it can be both. The Holy Spirit can work through an individual and of course through the body of Christ.

2. Discuss Scott's Presentation of Church governance. What may be the best method?
The three different models are The Monarchial, meaning the the control is with one or a few different persons, The Presbyterial, the leasership is held with the elders, and the Congregational, which each member of the congregation has an equal vote.
This seems to me to be a loaded question that the answer is determined by individuals. In each case a church can be run effectively if the persons involved are following the Word of God and praying through their decisions. In the same way corruptness could come from any system. I have grown up with a congregational model that I have seen work effectively, but also has been used to for selfish reasons. So I don't know what the best method is.
3. Why is the word ekklesia appropriate to designate this particular group or body? pp. 199
It names a particular group of people, Christians, whoa are distinct from but have community with the Old Testament society, they are "the People of God." (taken from Scott 199)
4. Compare and contrast the role of prophecy in the Old Testament with the New Testament.
OT prophets were spokespersons of God to remind Israel of God's revelation, call attention to sins in the peoples lives, warn of punishment and give blessing, and promise restoration after times of punishment. NT prophets were spokespersons of God but were primarily concerned with giving new information and help applying the new information.