Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Answers to Four Questions


1) What is the meaning of the term "church" and who or what makes up that church?
The church is first and foremost the "body" of Christ. It is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ across all denominations. Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ is part of the "invisible" body of Jesus or the Church. The "visible" church are those members who adhere to the Church that teaches God's Word rightly and who administer the Sacraments according to the institution of Jesus.
2) What is the mission (purpose, goals) of the Church?
We are, as the Church, to go out into all the world, making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Triune God, and to teach them to observe the doctrine of God. The mission of the church, then, is to preach the Word of God rightly and to administer the Sacrament of Baptism, Confession and Absolution and Holy Communion according to Christ's institution.
3) What is the nature and purpose of the worship (liturgical) services?
The purpose of worship is to receive the gifts of God. In the Divine Service, heaven and earth come together. Through the hearing of God's Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Jesus Christ gives us His gifts. He forgives our sins, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, comforts us in our trials, and encourages us to live as His people in the world. In response to the gifts that are given to us in The Divine Service, we respond with prayer, praise and thanksgiving. 4) What is the relationship or connection of these three to everyday life of the members? How does it encourage you in day to day living?
Every day, we live as the body of Christ. Everyday, we put to death our old nature and live in our new nature. Every day, we no longer live but Jesus lives through us. We measure our time from Sunday to Sunday. During the week, we perform our liturgy or our service to our neighbor as we serve them in Christian love and devotion. We are part of the body that takes the Gospel out to the world. In our vocation, God serves others through us.