Has God abandoned Israel? Has the Church “replaced” Israel? What does the Bible say? As we watch the world events, it is clear that Israel is following her prophetic scenario, and a new chapter is about to be written—and there may be a big surprise on our near horizon!

This important document proposes new clarifications and pastoral steps that will serve the pilgrimage toward full unity. It provides the biblical, historical, and theological foundations for a common Catholic-Lutheran understanding of the church. The text carefully links the biblical doctrine of justification to the development of the church in the New Testament as a community of salvation whose structures and ministries serve the church's mission to the human family. A detailed exposition is given to the development of the ministries and structures in the church: councils, dioceses, parishes, bishops, presbyters, and the Petrine ministry. Book jacket.

"Ecclesiology which takes into account the Second Vatican Council, ecumenism, and globalization"--Provided by publisher.

Which translation is best? Which Study Bible? What are the secrets of resolving difficult or controversial passages? From forty years of intensive Bible study and teaching, Missler shares his favorite helps, secrets and practical suggestions on how to take the Bible seriously. Most Christians, although they want to do in-depth Bible study, know little of the types, philosophies and tools of study available. Is the Bible to be taken literally or figuratively? What study aids would be most helpful in beginning my own home study library? Going through the Bible book by book. "Eat the elephant one bite at a time." These studies produce the most lasting results. There is a balance in the "whole counsel of God." Emmaus Road in Luke 24:27. Where to Start? A good "first book" is the Gospel of John: "A child can wade in it and an elephant can bathe in it!" Other good starting points include Genesis, Acts, Matthew, Daniel, and Revelation (Which is the only book which unequivocally promises a blessing to the reader). You are unique: let the Spirit lead you

Except for some excellent studies on the notion of koinonia, few works have been devoted to a revival of the entire vision of the Church around communion, a vision of ecclesiology which is rooted in the solidarity that finds its locus in Jesus Christ. Church of Churches, the fruit of several years of research, teaching, and ecumenical involvement, is intended to overcome this lack. It is not an exhaustive study but rather a point of departure for discussing how the vision of the ecclesiology of communion - the most difficult question of the ecumenical debate - can break down the barrier of misunderstanding, suspicions, and claims in which the diverse ecclesial traditions are locked.

The central document of the Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on November 21, 1964. This document is "the keystone" of the Councils whole Magisterium. It focuses on the whole Church as a communion of charity. With it, according to John Paul II, the Second Vatican Council wished to shed light on the Churchs reality: a wonderful but complex reality consisting of human and divine elements, visible and invisible.

Questions surrounding the understanding of "communion" are a significant feature of much contemporary ecclesiology, but their prominence calls attention to wider questions regarding ecclesiological method. Brian Flanagan addresses the questions of how to characterize a systematic ecclesiology and the possibility of a systematic communion ecclesiology through an investigation of the concept of communion in the work of Jean-Marie Tillard, OP. Tillard's theology is noted as the most prominent Roman Catholic communion ecclesiology. Flanagan argues that Tillard contributes to systematic ecclesiology by defining the concept of communion in relation to Christology, soteriology, and theological anthropology, thereby framing an answer to the contemporary question of ecclesial unity and diversity. The book also assesses the danger of idealism in Tillard's thought, and suggests that further engagement with social scientific study of the church will help strengthen, nuance, and critique Tillard's idea of communion.