I'm working on my message for this Sunday, based on Acts 2:1–13; 42–47.
This is an important day for Fall Creek because it's the 10-year anniversary of the construction of the church building--which is located in one of the most strategic spots on the northeast side of Indianapolis. I want to celebrate the vision and courage that caused a small group of Christians to establish a church here.
I also want to look to the future, seeing how we'll carry on that call in the years ahead.
I'd like for us to think about who we will be as a church, because I think really determines the things we do. That’s true of any organization, or any person for that matter. Jesus said, “Out of the heart the mouth speaks,” meaning that our actions will always flow from our inner nature.
What should characterize and authentic church?
Words like friendly, or generous, or warm-hearted might come to mind, but the question I’m asking goes deeper than those essentially behavioral markers. I want to know what is the spiritual lifeblood of an community of Jesus followers. What are the things that should characterize us at the core?
Transformation
God calls us to be his people, and he intends to transform us into his image. “Be transformed," Paul told the Roman church. If we are to be effective in doing anything good and lasting in the world, we have to be right on the inside. There is no sense trying to represent God in the world if we’re not actually godlike.
How can I communicate that need to people? What will challenge them to see their need for growth without causing them to be frustrated or discouraged?
Unity
It’s no accident that the Holy Spirit came upon the first believers when they were all together. They had just made their first critical decision together—which was to appoint a leader to replace Judas. They were of one mind. (Some translations say “one accord.”) The later part of this chapter emphasizes the fact of their unity—they met together daily, they were united in learning from the apostles, they shared things in common. Unity sets the stage for action. Every coach knows this. Husbands and wives realize this. Where there is tension, disunity, difference of opinion over minor things, there will be no effective action.
What will happen in this place when we come fully together? What has to happen in order for that to occur? What are the essential things that a church should be unified on? What are the things that don't matter?
How can I create in people a sense of togetherness and expectation?
Power
I read a lot of books about management because I like to be effective in what I do. I don't assume, however, that effective management techniques are what make a church thrive. For example, there is no standard operating procedure that can change a heart, forgive sin, reconcile broken people to God or one another. The only thing that can do that is the power of the Holy Spirit.
Power is what overcomes every obstacle. The “tongues” issue in Acts 2 is nothing more than God removing the barrier of language from the spread of the gospel. There is no barrier that the Holy Spirit cannot overcome.
People often ask what my vision is, and when they ask I know they’re talking about two things—structures and programs. Are we going to build again? Are you going to have two services? Are we going to do this program or that? What will our music be like?
What I hope to communicate is that our vision has to start with life transformation. I see a community transformed people who have a transforming effect upon the world. I see people forgiven, marriages restored, addicts recovered, lives changed, a community impacted. When we get right on the inside and come together, I believe God will accomplish that through us.
So there's the sketch, team .... what do you think? Am I on the right track? Have I left important things out? What will help me communicate this message to people?
Let me hear from you.
4 comments:
For me one of the most important goals of unity is for everyone to realize and acknowledge the unilateral importance of each person.
There are no super-heroes in worship and living out our lives for God.
For anything to build people have to understand what grace looks like in relationships and really what relationships look like. They aren't formed from the "How are you?" with the trite response of "Fine and you?"
To make some grow bigger all have to grow deeper - in their faith, in their personal bible study and in their relationships with others.
Maybe you should make this a series. =)
I used Acts 2:42-47 to outline what I wanted to see happen at Kobe Union Church when I went there in 2001.
I think it is a strong scripture and you could flesh out the practices that were wrought in unity--and brought God's power to the community.
I am convinced that when the church focuses on the basics--teaching, fellowship, eucharist, and prayer,everything else falls into place--God can do amazing things through what we sometimes think is ordinary.
Len Sweet might say it--cast a 21st century vision with your feet firmly planted in the 1st.
I will be in prayer for you this week as you prepare for your first Sunday.
Michael Rich
When I think of unity in a church I think of Matthew 18: 15-20. I have seen so many ugly things happen in congregations where everyone thought they were right, but they wouldn't "do" the biblical thing to resolve the conflict. I really long for a church that really does what the Bible (God) calls us to do in our relationships with each other. I long for the people of God to be the people of God. I think of all the people I've had conversations with who are discouraged by the people attending church who don't act very christian like to people in their own churches and certainly not to the people at their work places, etc. I am not looking for perfection, actually the opposite! I am looking for authenticity in relationships and willingness to do the hard work of getting along. So, when I think of unity I think of the above. Unity doesn't just come easily.....it takes work! And, it takes a lot of letting go of "me" and what I want so that God gets to do what he wants. (Marriage relationships)
I also think of a verse that is a favorite of mine. Habakuk 3:2. Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. The passage in Acts makes me think.....Lord it happened back then (unity, transformation, growth, challenge, etc) and I am in awe.....renew these things in my life and in our day.....make your way known to us. Give us the Holy Spirit in a fresh way.....so we can be the church....in the way you created the church to function.
Thanks for the good ideas, guys (here, on Facebook and by e-mail). I'm putting the finishing touches on this message today, and your input is helpful!
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