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The Body of Christ - Library of Adventist Theology

A Biblical Understanding of the Church

by Reinder Bruinsma

The church is the body of Christ—God’s people.

With a clear, straightforward definition such as this, the subject of the church isn’t one that most people would consider a “doctrine.” For this reason, there aren’t many books that deal with this crucial fundamental belief. This very readable and informative treatment of such a vital topic fills an important gap in Adventist literature.

Reinder Bruinsma’s far-ranging look at the doctrine of the church moves from Old and New Testament foundations for this doctrine up through church government and on to controversial issues such as ordination and church discipline.

Fittingly, he concludes with the mission and future of the church. His fourfold approach—biblical and theological, historical, practical, and with an Adventist perspective—ensures that every facet of the doctrine is explored in detail.

This though-provoking discussion challenges those who call themselves “God’s people” to examine their current understanding of the church and to prayerfully consider their roles as part of the body of Christ.

Contents:

Is the Church About to Disappear?

  • Is the Church in Trouble?
  • Does the Church Still Have a Message?
  • The Church Is Not About to Disappear
  • Why This Book?
  • Where Will This Book Take You?
  • The People of God

Biblical Foundations: The Old Testament Roots

  • God Elects Individuals and Families
  • The Covenant Renewed
  • God's Holy People
  • Why Israel?
  • A Remnant

Biblical Foundations: The Earliest Beginnings of the Christian Church

  • A Very Modest Beginning
  • Called by Jesus
  • Jesus Did not Call Perfect People
  • Disciples Must Be Willing to Learn and Serve
  • Why These Twelve?
  • Built on the Rock
  • Ekklesia
  • The Church in the Book of Acts
  • The Theology of the Church in the New Testament

Biblical Foundations: Themes and Metaphors

  • The Church and the Kingdom
  • The Church and Israel
  • The Body of Christ
  • The Bride of Christ
  • God's Temple
  • The People of God
  • The Priesthood of All Believers

The "Marks" of the Church

  • One
  • Holy
  • Catholic
  • Apostolic
  • Other "Marks"?

The Spirit in the Church

  • What Does the Spirit Do?
  • A Spirit-filled Church
  • The Gifts of the Spirit
  • The Church at Worship
  • The "Ordinances"
  • Baptism
  • The Lord's Supper

The Government of the Church

  • The Church as a Visible Institution
  • Church Authority
  • Local Church Leadership
  • A Biblical Model of Church Governance
  • Discipline
  • Church and State

Ordination

  • The Biblical Data Regarding Ordination
  • The Meaning of Ordination
  • The Ordination of Women
  • Theological Considerations

The Doctrine of the Church in History

  • Apostolic Fathers and Apologists
  • Developments in the Third and Fourth Centuries
  • Subsequent Developments
  • The Time of the Reformation
  • Martin Luther (1483 to 1546)
  • Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
  • John Calvin (1509-1564)
  • The "Radical" Reformation
  • Methodism
  • Roman Catholic Ecclesiology
  • Vatican II: Lumen Gentium
  • Some Contemporary Ecclesiologies
  • Evangelical Protestantism

One Church for All?

  • A Call for Restoration of Organic Unity
  • Adventists and Ecumenism
  • Adventists and Roman Catholics
  • How to Relate to Other Christians?
  • Principles for a Balanced View on Ecumenical Involvement

The Church and Social Justice

  • The Adventist Church and Social Concerns-in the Past
  • Poverty and Injustice-the Biblical Data
  • What Does God Want From Us?
  • What About the Church?
  • A Prophetic Voice
  • The Role of the Church at Present
  • The Need for Balance
  • Models of the Church

The Mission of the Church

  • Why Mission? The Biblical Perspective
  • The Uniqueness of Christianity and of Adventism
  • The Adventist Self-understanding in Mission
  • Contextualization

The Future of the Church

  • The Future of Adventism
  • The Future Is Secure
  • What Will the Church of the Future Be Like?
  • The End-time Church
  • Defining the "Remnant"
  • All Ends Well
$36.95
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Publisher: Review and Herald

ISBN: 9780828024884

Format: Hardcover

STATUS: AVAILABLE TO ORDER (item is either in stock or quickly/soon obtainable from supplier)

Pages: 222

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