The Mission of Jesus Christ Continues in the Church: Ecclesiology (= Study of the [Assembly ≈ Church])

Dear Reader, You are about to begin your study of the Church. In many ways studying this subject will be similar to studying any other subject: you will learn new vocabulary, become familiar with some famous people in the Church, and be introduced to some new concepts and ways of thinking. But in other ways, this study will be unique, because the subject matter is unique. The Church is unlike any other reality on earth, because she is both within history and beyond it. She is both human and divine. In the Church we meet God. This study will engage not only your brain but also your heart and your spirit—in other words, your whole self. You will be challenged mentally to understand teachings about the nature of the Church and gain a sense of how she has been present in the world throughout history. You also will be challenged in other ways—challenged to pray more deeply with the Church and challenged to become a more committed and active member of the Church. After all, you are a holistic person, made up of body, mind, and spirit. This study will challenge you to broaden and deepen all aspects of yourself. In writing this book, the editors and I have expanded our knowledge about the Church, have thought in new ways about the Church, and have grown in our own commitment to and love for her. I invite you to share in that experience.

Author’s Introduction Our study Similar Vocabulary, People, Concepts, & Thinking Unique Historical & Meta-historical Human & Divine Parts of you involved Mind but also heart & spirit = Whole self Most important part? Author’s experience Knowledge, love, & commitment Will it be yours?

The Church: Christ’s Continued Presence and Work in the World Section 1: The Church: Christ’s Continued Presence and Work in the World

The Origin of the Church Section 1, Part 1: The Origin of the Church

Introduction Where did the Church come from Who founded it It always part of God’s plan Who founded it Instituted by Jesus and sustained by the Holy Spirit Church = Assembly of people God gathers together to be in a special relationship with him Means of salvation and goal of his plan Israel & God’s relationship with them foreshadowed his plan Jesus instituted the Church at the Last Supper and Good Friday He inaugurated it by his life’s ministry—preach, teach, & heal Also instituted the structure—Peter & 12 Apostles Significance of Pentecost then? 3 questions of 1.1 (A. 1) The Meaning of Church (A. 2) God’s Call to Israel Foreshadows the Church (A. 3) Christ Instituted the Church

A. 1: The Meaning of the Church Everyday definition of the Church—building NT etymology of the Church—ekklesia (Gk.) 3 formal definitions of the Church Global--universal Local--(arch)diocese Liturgical—especially mass Separate only analytically but not practically How can you live out each level more fully (shadow box) Essential to God’s plan—plan and nature of salvation Did the Church begin with Jesus? Shepherd of Hermas (visions of a 2nd century slave) Church = created first, reveals future events/secrets, world made for her rather than her for the world

You Tube Videos: The Church Meaning of the Word Church The Shepherd of Hermas

Article 2: God’s Call to Israel Foreshadows the Church Relationship between OT & Christ/NT 2/3 B.C. Relationship between OT Israel & the Church Define foreshadow & Chosen People How do Abraham & Moses & their covenants do so Land, descendants, & blessing/curse The Law/10 Commandments What about the non-chosen people 3rd Abrahamic promise & OT prophetic tradition Infidelity of the Israelites—idolatry Need for Jesus and the New & Everlasting Covenant Transforms & fulfills the OT Law & Covenants OT images of Israel taken by NT Church Flock, vineyard, temple, …

You Tube Videos: Foreshadowing The Church in the Old Testament

A. 3: Christ Instituted the Church Institution in general—ceremony Definition and role of the Incarnation How did Jesus do it—Word & Deed Essence of Jesus’ preaching = the Kingdom of God thru parables Miracles were a sign that the words about the Kingdom were true Drew upon hope foreshadowed by the OT prophets—esp. Isaiah Audience All people but preferential option for the poor (Mt. 25) Helpers Apostles (Gk. To send out) vs. Disciples (LT. To learn) Complete dedication to the Church by Jesus Eucharist (Holy Thursday) anticipates the Cross (Good Friday) which fulfills Structure—hierarchy, Peter and 12 Apostles (12 tribes of Israel) Who can be a disciple—weak but given the power & authority of God The Jewish question—Nostra Aetate (1965) “…God holds the Jews most dear…” (#4) Share a common heritage (esp. the Psalms) Christianity grew out of Judaism

You Tube Videos: Church Institution The Kingdom of God Church: Hierarchical & Maternal

Homework Section 1, Part 1 review questions #’s 1-6 Study for the Section 1, Parts 1-2 Quiz (AA. 1-9) on Wednesday Make sure Section 1, Part 1 Homework is ready to turn in Friday