1. How does the church today mimic the church described in the chapter? How does it not?
2. How do you define "church"?
Here are the questions for the blog, I guess we none of us did them. I am not surprised because the questions are kinda weak. anyway, if we just want to blog about them we can at least get the points for that!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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.
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.
Tim On The Eighth Chapter Of Scott
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?
I would agree with Scott that the Holy Spirit does indeed come upon the Church. However I would disagree with him to some extent because I believe that it can be upon the individual as well.
2. Discuss Scott's Presentation of Church governance. What may be the best method?
That’s a great question. I have only experienced a congregational model in my life and it has worked well. As for the other models, I am sure that they work well too. I think Nathan stated it well when he said “In each case a church can be run effectively if the persons involved are following the Word of God and praying through their decisions.” I believe the Lord is faithful and those he places in positions of any kind of power or responsibility can pursue a governing style that is both worthy, efficient and proper.
3. Why is the word ekklesia appropriate to designate this particular group or body? pp. 199
It names a particular group of people, the Christians, who are the “People of God”.4. Compare and contrast the role of prophecy in the Old Testament with the New Testament.
New Testament prophets were concerned with giving information that was of the Lord that was also new. As for the Old Testament prophets, they were concerned with giving Israel the proper words of the Lord dealing with their sin, giving blessing and punishment and to establish the hope of restoration.
I would agree with Scott that the Holy Spirit does indeed come upon the Church. However I would disagree with him to some extent because I believe that it can be upon the individual as well.
2. Discuss Scott's Presentation of Church governance. What may be the best method?
That’s a great question. I have only experienced a congregational model in my life and it has worked well. As for the other models, I am sure that they work well too. I think Nathan stated it well when he said “In each case a church can be run effectively if the persons involved are following the Word of God and praying through their decisions.” I believe the Lord is faithful and those he places in positions of any kind of power or responsibility can pursue a governing style that is both worthy, efficient and proper.
3. Why is the word ekklesia appropriate to designate this particular group or body? pp. 199
It names a particular group of people, the Christians, who are the “People of God”.4. Compare and contrast the role of prophecy in the Old Testament with the New Testament.
New Testament prophets were concerned with giving information that was of the Lord that was also new. As for the Old Testament prophets, they were concerned with giving Israel the proper words of the Lord dealing with their sin, giving blessing and punishment and to establish the hope of restoration.
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.
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.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Chapter 7
1. What does it mean the spiritual life is a “cooperative effort” and what do you believe this implies?
I believe what Scott is saying is that life with Christ is participatory. It involves us actively pursuing growth and understanding of ourselves, God and others better. This process does not just happened automatically but only after we chase after God and what He desires.
2. Some denominations believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit can be gained and lost. Can human‟s affect the work of the Holy Spirit to the point where it can be lost and regained in one‟s life?
I do not believe that we can lose the Holy Spirit. Once He comes He is there to stay.
3. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount as presented by Scott? How does Scott's understanding contribute to the sanctification process?
Scotts understanding of the Sermon on the Mount leads us to understand that it was there to help us know how to live according to the law. As the theme of this chapter was sanctification, I believe the Sermon on the Mount is there to help us through the process of sanctification.
1. What does it mean the spiritual life is a “cooperative effort” and what do you believe this implies?
I believe what Scott is saying is that life with Christ is participatory. It involves us actively pursuing growth and understanding of ourselves, God and others better. This process does not just happened automatically but only after we chase after God and what He desires.
2. Some denominations believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit can be gained and lost. Can human‟s affect the work of the Holy Spirit to the point where it can be lost and regained in one‟s life?
I do not believe that we can lose the Holy Spirit. Once He comes He is there to stay.
3. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount as presented by Scott? How does Scott's understanding contribute to the sanctification process?
Scotts understanding of the Sermon on the Mount leads us to understand that it was there to help us know how to live according to the law. As the theme of this chapter was sanctification, I believe the Sermon on the Mount is there to help us through the process of sanctification.
Ch. 7 Timothy Fatheree
1) When I was younger in my faith I often fell into the rut that it was only the Holy Spirit working inside of me that brought about sanctification. Of course, the negatives to this way of thinking is that there were times in my life when I did not grow as rapidly as other times because I myself was not striving along with the Spirit to bring about my sanctification. Now let's get it straight that when we grow to be more like Christ it is all God. There is nothing we could do to become more like God without the Holy Spirit. So God receives all of the glory. However, it is necessary that we take the changes that the Holy Spirit brings about inside of us and put them into practice. It is also necessary that we work along side the Holy Spirit in doing things such as keeping ourselves out of situations which would probably lead to our own sin.
2) No, we can not lose the Holy Spirit. Once the Holy Spirit has been gained by a believer he belongs to God forever. If there is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves to gain salvation then there is nothing that we can do to lose our salvation either. I believe that this way of thinking, that we can lose our salvation based on something wrong we have done, is just as wrong as someone believing if they can just be a good enough person they can make it to heaven. It all revolves around Christ. He and His work on the cross did away with this whole line of thinking. It is not for us to lose the Holy Spirit. Christ has already assured us through His work on the cross that we are forgiven of our sins and justified, belonging to the Lord for all eternity.
3) "A careful study suggests that the Sermon on the Mount is a selected sampling of Jesus' teachings which demonstrate in general and by example the type of life and attitudes expected of those who are citizens of the Kingdom of God." Scott's understanding of the Sermon on the Mount would open the way for a believer to view what it is that he/she has in store for him/herself when they are before Christ and glorified/perfected. To be a little bit more straightforward, Jesus' sermon on the Mount is a great set of guidelines for Christians to strive to follow seeing as how they are the details of how people are expected to act in the Kingdom of God. So, seeing as how we as Christians are continually seeking to grow closer to being like Christ, which would be putting into practice the lessons taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we can use the Sermon on the Mount as something which points us in the right direction on our journey towards sanctification.
2) No, we can not lose the Holy Spirit. Once the Holy Spirit has been gained by a believer he belongs to God forever. If there is nothing that we can do in and of ourselves to gain salvation then there is nothing that we can do to lose our salvation either. I believe that this way of thinking, that we can lose our salvation based on something wrong we have done, is just as wrong as someone believing if they can just be a good enough person they can make it to heaven. It all revolves around Christ. He and His work on the cross did away with this whole line of thinking. It is not for us to lose the Holy Spirit. Christ has already assured us through His work on the cross that we are forgiven of our sins and justified, belonging to the Lord for all eternity.
3) "A careful study suggests that the Sermon on the Mount is a selected sampling of Jesus' teachings which demonstrate in general and by example the type of life and attitudes expected of those who are citizens of the Kingdom of God." Scott's understanding of the Sermon on the Mount would open the way for a believer to view what it is that he/she has in store for him/herself when they are before Christ and glorified/perfected. To be a little bit more straightforward, Jesus' sermon on the Mount is a great set of guidelines for Christians to strive to follow seeing as how they are the details of how people are expected to act in the Kingdom of God. So, seeing as how we as Christians are continually seeking to grow closer to being like Christ, which would be putting into practice the lessons taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we can use the Sermon on the Mount as something which points us in the right direction on our journey towards sanctification.
nathan ch 7
1. What does it mean the spiritual life is a "cooperative effort" and what do you believe this implies?
Scott's definition gives that the responsibility relies not only on the Spirit, but on the believer for continuing growth. We cannot just sit on our tail and expect growth. There must be effort and learning on our part to continue to grow in the Lord.
2. Some denominations believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit can be gained and lost. Can human‟s affect the work of the Holy Spirit to the point where it can be lost and regained in one‟s life?
Tim F. and I have talked about this numerous times this Semester. I believe that a true believer will (as Tim puts it) perservere to the end. If no they might not have ever been a believer. This is a tough question that I wanted to get everyone else's opinion on this question.
3. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount as presented by Scott? How does Scott's understanding contribute to the sanctification process?
Scott communicates that the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount was for Jesus to instruct on HOw to fulfill the Law. He stresses that the disciples will be governed by their relationship with God and not what they do. Jesus is saying that believers are to have the same mature of the nature and intent of the Law the way God veiws it.
Jesus is giving specific instructions on how to communicate with the Father. This contributes to the sanctification process in that He teaches us how to have a reationship with the Father. Spiritual lessons that will continue to challenge a believer t no matter how mature they are in their faith.
Scott's definition gives that the responsibility relies not only on the Spirit, but on the believer for continuing growth. We cannot just sit on our tail and expect growth. There must be effort and learning on our part to continue to grow in the Lord.
2. Some denominations believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit can be gained and lost. Can human‟s affect the work of the Holy Spirit to the point where it can be lost and regained in one‟s life?
Tim F. and I have talked about this numerous times this Semester. I believe that a true believer will (as Tim puts it) perservere to the end. If no they might not have ever been a believer. This is a tough question that I wanted to get everyone else's opinion on this question.
3. What is the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount as presented by Scott? How does Scott's understanding contribute to the sanctification process?
Scott communicates that the purpose of the Sermon on the Mount was for Jesus to instruct on HOw to fulfill the Law. He stresses that the disciples will be governed by their relationship with God and not what they do. Jesus is saying that believers are to have the same mature of the nature and intent of the Law the way God veiws it.
Jesus is giving specific instructions on how to communicate with the Father. This contributes to the sanctification process in that He teaches us how to have a reationship with the Father. Spiritual lessons that will continue to challenge a believer t no matter how mature they are in their faith.
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