Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

8. In this community both Jews and Gentiles gather as heirs of the Abrahamic promise, and joint heirs with Christ.

The Content of the Gospel Is Directed to the Poor

a. Gal. 3.14

The content of the gospel will be best displayed in its reality among the poor. In the gospels Jesus said that the groups which best demonstrated the gospel in its fullness are the poor and the “sinners.” The self-righteous Pharisees would learn the true nature of the gospel only as they too ate with “sinners,” and learnt what the gospel meant to them. Only as they experienced helplessness and alienation themselves would they be trans- formed by the gospel and experience its true power. ~ C. M. N. Sugden. “Poverty and Wealth.” The New Dictionary of Theology . S. B. Ferguson, ed. (electronic ed.).

b. Gal. 3.28-29

9. Now, in the life and mission of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the shalom of God’s OT covenant community may be displayed and enjoyed.

a. 1 Pet. 2.9-10

b. Ps. 33.12

c. 1 Pet. 1.2

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d. 1 Cor. 3.16-17

B. Equity and mercy: generosity and hospitality addressing the basic needs of life

Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. p. 524.

1. Pentecost : the new community is born through the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2.1-4, 39-39.

2. The love and justice ( shalom ) of God’s covenant community is demonstrated on the first day of its existence, Acts 2.42-47.