Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

232 | Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

h. The compassion of God is expressed in bearing each other’s burdens, first within the Church, and then, in sacrificial service to the whole world (Matthew 5:44-45; Galatians 6:2, 10; Hebrews 13:16). i. The redemptiveness of God transcends human frailty and sin so that the treasure of the Kingdom is evident in spite of being contained in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7). 2. Performing signs and wonders which confirm the Gospel (Mark 16:20; Acts 4:30; 8:6, 13; 14:3; 15:12; Romans 15:18-19; Hebrews 2:4) 3. Accepting the call to mission a. Going into all the world to preach the Gospel (Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:6). b. Evangelizing and making disciples of Christ and his Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). c. Establishing churches among those unreached by the Gospel (Matthew 16:18; 28:19; Acts 2:41-42; 16:5; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Hebrews 12:22-23). d. Displaying the excellencies of Christ’s Kingdom by engendering freedom, wholeness, and justice in his Name (Isaiah 53:5; Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:16; 12:18-20; Luke 4:18-19; John 8:34-36; 1 Peter 3:11). 4. Acting as a prophetic community a. Speaking the Word of God into situations of error, confusion, and sin (2 Corinthians 4:2; Hebrews 4:12; James 5:20; Titus 2:15). b. Speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves so that justice is defended (Proverbs 31:8-9). c. Announcing judgment against sin in all its forms (Romans 2:5; Galatians 6:7-8; 1 Peter 4:17). d. Announcing hope in situations where sin has produced despair (Jeremiah 32:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; Hebrews 10:22-23; 1 Peter 1:3-5).