Non-christians do not read the Bible; they read Christians. Because of this, the church’s mission is inevitably tied to its example. Tim Keller points out that the Bible depicts “the extremely close connection between deed-ministry and word-ministry. The practical actions of Christians for people in need demonstrate the truth and power of the gospel. Acts of mercy and justice are visible to non-believers and can lead men to glorify God (Matt. 5:13–16).”1 That the character and justice
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