Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 235

which reenact the story of God’s salvation (Deuteronomy 16:3; Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). c. The Church remembers the worship and service of saints through the ages, learning from their experiences with the Spirit of God (Deuteronomy 32:7; Psalms 77:10-12; 143:5; Isaiah 46:9; Hebrews 11). 5. The Church worships in freedom: a. Constantly experiencing new forms and expressions of worship which honor God and allow his people to delight in him afresh (Psalms 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 149:1; Isaiah 42:9-10; Luke 5:38; Revelation 5:9). b. Being led by the Spirit so that its worship is responsive to God himself (2 Corinthians 3:6; Galatians 5:25; Philippians 3:3). c. Expressing the unchanging nature of God in forms that are conducive to the particular cultures and personalities of the worshipers (Acts 15). 6. The Church worships in right order, making sure that each act of worship edifies the body, and stands in accordance with the Word of God (1 Corinthians 14:12, 33, 40; Galatians 5:13-15, 22-25; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 4:8). D. The Church’s worship leads to wholeness: 1. Health and blessing attend the worshiping community (Exodus 23:25; Psalm 147:1-3). 2. The community takes on the character of the One who is worshiped (Exodus 29:37; Psalm 27:4; Jeremiah 2:5; 10:8; Matthew 6:21; Colossians 3:1-4; 1 John 3:2). V. A community of covenant A. The Church is the gathering of those who participate in the New Covenant. This New Covenant: 1. Is mediated by Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, and is purchased and sealed by his blood (Matthew 26:28; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6; 4:14-16). 2. Is initiated and participated in only through the electing grace of God (Romans 8:29-30; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1).