Understanding of the Church

Rough Draft

The New Testament gives a precise and unique description of the church. The Greek word “ekklesia”  is defined in specific terms as “an assembly; congregation, the whole body of Christian believers.” (Strong’s) Ecclesiology, the study of the church,  is a derivative of this word. The Apostle Paul refers to the church as a group of believers not a building (Romans 16:5). Beginning in the days of Pentecost, carrying on through the New Testament, and continuing today, the church consists of believers; the body of Christ, and the head of the body; is Christ (Ephesians 1:21-22).

The church is described by two distinctives. As local communities of believers; such as the churches in Galatia. Paul addresses these groups of believers as local churches. The body of believers who trust in Jesus for their salvation, come together for edification and for fellowship within their prescribed locations.(Galatians 1: 1-2). In addition to this, we also see the church is not limited by geographical boundaries, but the entirety of believers. Those who have been baptised into one body. Not separated by race; neither Jew nor Greek. Not divided by socioeconomic groups; slave or free, but a conglomerate of all who have received the Spirit of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The purpose of the church can also be seen as two fold; to know God and to make Him known. Spiritual maturity in believers is achieved in part by the gathering together for the preaching of God’s word, Bible study, worship, and communion (Ephesians 4:13). Reaching the lost for Christ is a command for the believers, effective testimony in every sphere of influence (Matthew 28:18-20) and (Acts 1:8) as members of the church which glorifies God and tells others of the redemptive work of Jesus.

The work of the church can be identified in Acts 2:42, “ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” We see that we are to study doctrine in the word of God, looking into God’s word, knowing it and loving it  (2 Timothy 3:16). We are to study and understand the nature and character of God so that our worship of Him becomes more accurate. We are to understand the nature of sin and the nature of man. That the heart of man is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17: 9). When we understand who we are and who Jesus is we will love much because the one who is forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:47). We are to be aware that we are sinners in need of grace, and that justification is by faith alone. We are shown that we are to fellowship with one another. In this, the world will know who we are because of our love for one another (John 13:35). In the breaking of bread together we recognise that His body was broken for us, His blood was shed for us makes us love much. Prayer is an essential component in our lives because it is God who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). We must recognise our utter and complete dependence upon God and His work.

In summary, the church is not a building or simply a social centre. The church is a group of people called together by His name to know Him, to worship Him, and to make Him known. We are called to be more like Jesus. “He will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).”

Assignment:
Watch this video and comment in point form what you agree with and what you do not agree with
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=98&v=kOWyD_K125g

Fasting and Prayer

Scripture: Matthew 17:31

I.                    There is more to fasting

A.      Not just a lack of food

B.      It is still powerful but not as powerful as it could be

C.      Fasting is mandatory

1. Esther Fasted

2. David Fasted

3. Jesus Fasted

II.                  Prayer in conjunction with Fasting is Powerful

A.      Habits can be overcome

B.      Demons of life can be overcome

C.      Repentance is needed to achieve victory

1.       Jonah and Nineveh

a.       Repentance

b.      Fasting

c.       Prayer

III.                Church Guidelines

A.      Follow the guidelines that are set up by the church

B.      Sit with the Father of Confession

C.      Work out a schedule

The points that were made in this clip were good.  Since my assignment consisted of also commenting on things that I did not agree with; I’ll add a few comments:

I.                    Things mentioned that would take time away from family

A.      Phone

B.      Apps (Candy Crush)

C.      Etc.

The points made were to set aside time to meet with God, but then the emphasis changed to time with family. This change of focus seems secondary, if the intent was to spend more time with God.

II.                  Use of Scripture to support

A.      Matthew 17:31

B.      Jonah

Prayer and Fasting is mentioned in the Bible for more than personal growth. It can also be used in preparation for ministry, Acts 13:2 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Also for service, to name a few, Luke 2:37 – “And she [was] a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served [God] with fastings and prayers night and day.”

Assignment:
 Leave a telephone message 
for a friend with details 
about an upcoming 
community event and 
directions to the location. 
Check out this poster and leave a voice message for your friend Sandra to see if she's free to go with you. Place the link from Audioboo or AudioPal on your blog.

Phone message for Sandra
From Galicia

to listen follow this shortcode: http://chirb.it/q5tBa7

Assignment:
Listen to information about Canada 
and make inferences about the 
characteristics of Canadian culture 
in comparison to other cultures. 
Watch this video and list 2 things you agree with and 2 things you would comment on. Post your answers on your blog.

What Constitutes a Canadian?

This video featured Canadian citizens and immigrants who describe what they feel is special about their Canadian nationality. The first thing that I agreed with is that there is truth in the statement that being born in Canada creates a sense of "geographical pride" and identity. This is a fundamental characteristic of any nationality. A sense of heritage and loyalty are important factors for patriotism and national unity.

I also agree that the diversity of cultures and customs that form the multicultural setting of Canada, which provide the nation with a rich and diverse society. These aspects were clearly represented in the interviews throughout the video. This diversity in culture is something that enhances tolerance, empathy and understanding.

Some additional comments are that there is more to the Canadian culture than preference to a coffee franchise or a certain kind of doughnut. The specificity or uniqueness of the history and culture gives greater depth to the Canadian character. Canada is a country with two official languages; this in and of itself makes it unique. The peace that exists between Canada and the neighbor to the south is another special aspect of the land. This camaraderie between two friendly nations gives the people security. These are only a few valid points about the true meaning of being a Canadian.

What Constitutes a Canadian?

The Video that I saw featured Canadian citizens and immigrants who describe what they feel is special about their Canadian nationality. There is truth in the statement that being born in Canada creates a sense of geographical pride and identity. This is a fundamental characteristic of any nationality. A sense of heritage and loyalty are important factors for patriotism and national unity.

The diversity of cultures and customs that form the multicultural setting of Canada provides the nation with a rich and diverse society. These aspects were clearly represented in the interviews throughout the video. This diversity in culture is something that enhances tolerance, empathy and understanding.

There is more to the Canadian culture than preference to a coffee franchise or a certain kind of doughnut. The specificity or uniqueness of the history and culture gives greater depth to the Canadian character. Canada is a country with two official languages; this in and of itself makes it unique. The peace that exists between Canada and the neighbor to the south is another special aspect of the land. This camaraderie between two friendly nations gives the people security. These are only a few valid points about the true meaning of being a Canadian.