In this Lecture we will discuss the Nature and mission of the church in 4 parts. by the end of the lecture you will have a clear understanding of the church as Christ's body, the holy spirits role , and what the church mission is. The church is not simply a building or an organization; it is a community of believers who gather together to worship, serve, and fulfill a great mission. 1. The Church as the Body of Christ The apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12) Just as a body has many different parts working together for a common purpose, so does the church. Each member has a unique role to play and contributes to the overall functioning and growth of the body. In the church, diversity is embraced and celebrated. Just like the different organs and systems in a human body serve distinct functions, each member of the church brings forth their unique talents, skills, and perspectives to fulfill specific roles within the community. Some may be gifted with teaching, others with serving, healing, or leadership. Together, they form a cohesive unit that works towards a shared mission of love, service, and spreading the message of faith. When everyone contributes their God-given gifts and abilities, the church becomes a place where individuals are encouraged, edified, and empowered. It is through this synergy that the body of Christ flourishes, as each person's contribution is valued and vital for the overall health and effectiveness of the community.

To recap in this lesson we discussed...  The importance of building better habits How these habits can directly effect our faith  Go over a starter blue print for developing better habits  Now you should know the 6 benefits of building better habits have set up practical steps to start taking in your own life  Next we will discuss faith from a more biblical perspective using scripture for some reference points so we can tie things together. Understanding Faith: How We Construct Better Habits Starting Today The last lesson we discuss how faith works in this lesson we will start getting into habits around faith . This can be applied to much more then just our faith as habits are what runs our lives from what we eat , to what we wear, to what we do everyday.  We can choose to continue a behavior or stop that behavior but often the longer we have done something the harder it is to change .   In this lesson we will discuss  The importance of building better habits How these habits can directly effect our faith  Go over a starter blue print for developing better habits  By the end of this lesson you will know the 6 benefits of building better habits have set up practical steps to start taking in your own life  The Importance of Building Better Habits Around Faith While faith is a deeply personal experience, it is essential to cultivate and strengthen it through intentional actions and habits. Building better habits around faith can have a profound impact on our daily lives. Here's why: 1. Deepens Personal Connection: Developing habits that nurture our faith allows us to deepen our personal connection with our beliefs and values. Regular practices such as prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts can help us stay connected and grounded in our faith. 2. Provides Guidance and Direction: Building better habits around faith helps us establish a framework for making decisions and navigating life's challenges. It provides us with a sense of guidance, purpose, and direction, helping us make choices aligned with our beliefs and values. 3. Strengthens Resilience: When faced with adversity, a strong faith can provide the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. By cultivating habits that reinforce our faith, we develop the inner strength necessary to persevere through difficult times. 4. Fosters Gratitude and Positivity: Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life are essential habits that can be nurtured through faith. Faith encourages us to appreciate the blessings we have and approach life with a positive mindset. 5. Builds a Supportive Community: Engaging in faith-based communities and activities can help us build meaningful relationships and find support. By participating in group worship, volunteering, or joining spiritual study groups, we create connections with like-minded individuals who share our beliefs and values. 6. Promotes Inner Peace: Building better habits around faith can bring a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Regular practices that promote stillness and reflection, such as meditation or mindfulness, can help us find moments of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. Building better habits around faith in our daily lives  involves a deliberate and consistent effort to integrate spiritual practices into our routines. Here are ten steps to help you cultivate these habits: Set Clear Intentions: Start by clarifying your spiritual goals and intentions. Reflect on what aspects of your faith you want to strengthen or develop further. Establish a Routine: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, scripture reading, or reflection. Consistency is key to forming lasting habits. Start Small: Begin with manageable tasks and gradually increase their complexity or duration over time. This approach helps prevent overwhelm and increases the likelihood of success. Use Visual Reminders: Place visual cues such as sticky notes, religious symbols, or inspirational quotes in prominent places to remind you of your spiritual goals throughout the day. Find Accountability: Share your spiritual journey with a trusted friend, mentor, or religious community member who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by regularly reflecting on blessings and expressing thanks to a higher power. Gratitude enhances spiritual well-being and fosters a deeper connection with faith. Engage in Community: Participate in religious or spiritual gatherings, study groups, or service activities to connect with like-minded individuals and strengthen your sense of community. Adapt to Challenges: Expect setbacks and obstacles along the way, and be prepared to adapt your habits accordingly. Instead of viewing challenges as failures, see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Reflect and Adjust: Take time to reflect on your progress periodically. Identify what is working well and areas where you can improve, then make adjustments accordingly. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing progress reinforces positive habits and motivates you to continue your spiritual journey. By following these steps and remaining committed to your spiritual growth, you can gradually build better habits around faith that enrich your daily life and deepen your connection with your beliefs. To recap in this lesson we discussed...  The importance of building better habits How these habits can directly effect our faith  Go over a starter blue print for developing better habits  Now you should know the 6 benefits of building better habits have set up practical steps to start taking in your own life  Next we will discuss faith from a more biblical perspective using scripture for some reference points so we can tie things together. 

In this lesson we will cover How We Study God. Foundational principles historical perspectives contemporary approaches Practical Application Each of these parts works together with the theological method. By the end of this lesson you will Gain a comprehensive understanding of God, foundational principles, understand the theological method, and His divine attributes. We will divide this lesson into 4 parts: Lets start by defining the theological method : how a person approaches the interpretation of the Bible and how they arrive at the doctrinal implications of that interpretation. So how are you interpreting what you are reading? and how are you coming to those conclusions?