Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

• The Word of God teaches that there is a foundational and fundamental conflict and tension between the Church and the world, both having different sources of authority, power, and purposes. • Throughout Church history, the Church has taken various positions in its relationship to the world. One model is to withdraw from the world and its affairs, another is to transform the world, still another is to live in tension with the world. Finally, the Church has also taken the position to be a prophetic witness in and yet not of the world. • In connection to urban communities, four models of the Church in the world have special significance for urban outreach and ministry. The urban church is called to be a neighbor, serving the well being for those who live in the city, and called to be the salt of the earth, preserving and enriching all facets of urban life. Additionally, the urban church is called to be the light of the world, making plain the claims and life of the Kingdom of God to the city, and finally, to be a royal priesthood, interceding on behalf of those most vulnerable and voiceless in the city.

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I. The Nicene Creed and Social Justice: God the Creator and Jesus Christ Is Lord

Video Segment 1 Outline

A. God is creator of the earth: humankind is a steward of the resources of God.

1. Article one of the Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

2. Justice and mercy to those outside the community of faith is rooted in two important theological concepts.

a. God is the God of nature, creation, and justice: the earth and world belong to him and we are called to be stewards of God’s creation.

(1) Ps. 24.1-2