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

3. Continued fillings and empowerment from the Holy Spirit display the justice, righteousness, and unity of the covenant people of God.

a. Acts 4.31-35

b. The Church displays the shalom of the covenant community of God, Deut. 15.4-6, cf. Deut. 2.7, Ps. 34.9.

4. The Church makes provisions to meet the needs of the widows and the poor in its midst, cf. Acts 6.1-6 with 1 Timothy 5.

a. Radical displays of generosity, Acts 4.35

b. Official registries were kept to meet the needs of those who were poor and lacked good, 1 Tim. 5.9.

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5. Wealth sharing : provision was made by all the churches in Macedonia and beyond to aid the Jerusalem church during a time of famine, Acts 11.27-30, cf. 2 Cor. 8-9.

C. Advocacy for the poor: a hallmark of authentic Christian mission

1. No partiality in treatment of the poor from the rich, James 2.1-7; 5.1-4

a. God has made the poor rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom of God, James 2.5.