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.

In this lesson we will discuss - Identifying toxic thought patterns - the impact they have on your mind  By the end of this lesson you will know how to  - address these patterns - stop them  - and learn how to re frame them Breaking Free from Toxic Thinking Patterns: Identifying, Addressing, and Overcoming Them You have heard it before we are what we think about. If we are thinking about something hard or long enough we can and you probably have found a way to get that thing.  It is important to understand and identify these patterns as they can take us way off course if we are not careful .  In this lesson we will discuss  how to identify these patterns  the impact these patterns have on our lives and our faith  how to deal with these patterns  how to free ourselves from them  By the end of this lesson you will know how to identify, understand, deal with, and fix your negative thought patterns.  Our thoughts have a powerful impact on our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Positive and constructive thoughts can uplift us, while negative and toxic thinking patterns can drag us down and hinder personal growth. In this article, we will explore how to identify toxic thinking patterns, understand their impact, and provide strategies to break free from them. Identifying Toxic Thinking Patterns Recognizing toxic thinking patterns is the first step towards overcoming them. Here are some common toxic thinking patterns: All-or-Nothing Thinking: This pattern involves viewing situations in extreme terms, such as black or white, good or bad, without considering any middle ground. Overgeneralization: It involves making sweeping conclusions based on a single negative event or experience. Personalization: This pattern involves taking everything personally, assuming that others' actions or words are always directed at you. Catastrophizing: It involves magnifying and exaggerating the negative aspects of a situation, assuming the worst possible outcome. Emotional Reasoning: This pattern involves making decisions and judgments based solely on emotions, disregarding rational thinking. By becoming aware of these patterns, you can start challenging and reframing your thoughts to break free from their negative influence. The Impact of Toxic Thinking Patterns Toxic thinking patterns can have significant consequences on our mental and emotional well-being. They can lead to increased stress, anxiety, depression, and a decreased sense of self-worth. These patterns can also affect our relationships, as they often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a negative perception of others. Furthermore, toxic thinking patterns can hinder personal growth and prevent us from reaching our full potential. They limit our ability to take risks, embrace change, and learn from our experiences. Over time, these patterns can become ingrained, making it challenging to break free from their grip. Addressing Toxic Thinking Patterns Once you have identified your toxic thinking patterns, it's essential to address them head-on. Here are some strategies to help you overcome them: Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself engaging in toxic thinking, challenge the validity of those thoughts. Look for evidence that supports or contradicts them. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Replace self-criticism with self-compassion, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and has room for growth. Seek Different Perspectives: Try to see situations from different angles. Consider other people's viewpoints and empathize with their experiences. Replace Negative Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and empowering statements. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them. This practice can shift your mindset towards a more optimistic outlook. Breaking Free from Toxic Thinking Patterns Breaking free from toxic thinking patterns is an ongoing process that requires persistence and self-reflection. Here are additional strategies to help you on your journey: Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivate mindfulness to observe your thoughts without judgment. Meditation can help you develop awareness and detach from negative thinking patterns. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Seek out supportive and positive individuals who can help counteract toxic thinking patterns. Engage in activities that bring you joy and inspire positivity. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote your well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, and engaging in hobbies. Professional Help: If toxic thinking patterns persist and significantly impact your daily life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and tools tailored to your specific needs. Remember, breaking free from toxic thinking patterns takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. With dedication and the right strategies, you can create a healthier and more positive mindset. By identifying, addressing, and actively working to overcome toxic thinking patterns, you can pave the way for personal growth, improved mental well-being, and more fulfilling relationships. In this lesson we will discuss  how to identify these patterns  the impact these patterns have on our lives and our faith  how to deal with these patterns  how to free ourselves from them  Now you should know how to identify, understand, deal with, and fix your negative thought patterns. 

Justification: Making Things Right Imagine you made a mistake, but someone forgave you and made things right. That's the concept of justification. In Systematic Theology, it's like getting a fresh start, a clean slate. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:1 (NIV) Why Justification Matters: Justification is like a second chance, a new beginning. It means that God forgives our mistakes and accepts us, even though we've done wrong. It's a reminder that we don't have to carry the burden of our errors. God's justification is like a helping hand, saying, "Let's start again." The Dynamic Trio: Grace, Faith, and Justification These three concepts—grace, faith, and justification—are closely connected. Grace is the gift, faith is the way we receive it by believing, and justification is the result, making things right between us and God. In Systematic Theology, we learn that it's not about earning our way to God's love or trying to be perfect. It's about accepting the incredible gift of grace, having faith to believe in it, and experiencing justification, where our relationship with God is mended and renewed.