Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 233

e. Proclaiming the return of Jesus, the urgency of the hour, and the reality that soon every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Matthew 25:1-13; Philippians 2:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:12-13).

The Church Is One Community Where the Sacraments Are Rightly Administered

IV. A community of worship A. The Church recognizes that worship is the primary end of all creation. 1. The worshiper adores, praises, and gives thanks to God for his character and actions, ascribing to him the worth and glory due his Person. This worship is directed to: a. The Father Almighty who is the Maker of all things visible and invisible. b. The Son who by his incarnation, death, and resurrection accomplished salvation and who is now glorified at the Father’s right hand. c. The Spirit who is the Lord and Giver of Life. 2. Worship is the primary purpose of the material heavens and earth, and all life therein (Psalms 148-150; Luke 19:37-40; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11; 15:3-4). 3. Worship is the central activity of the angelic hosts who honor God in his presence (Isaiah 6; Revelation 5). 4. Worship is the chief vocation of the “community of saints,” all true Christians, living and dead, who seek to glorify God in all things (Psalm 29:2; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). B. The Church offers acceptable worship to God. This means: 1. The worshipers have renounced all false gods or belief systems that lay claim to their allegiance and have covenanted to serve and worship the one true God (Exodus 34:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).