The Acts 2 Challenge

The closing verses of Acts 2 inspire us with a vision of what church could be. The description of the life of the early church is thrilling, and causes us to wonder - what if?

What if we could be more like this?

What would it have been like to be part of this vibrant church?

It's natural to wonder - why can't we be more like this now?

That's the Acts 2 Challenge.

It's a challenge every generation needs to take up. It can't be worked out and the secret passed on. With each year that goes by, this challenge - to be a living, vibrant church comes at us afresh.

It's the challenge we face today.

'They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.'

Acts 2:42

That's the challenge - how do we respond? How can we respond?

How can we live like this - in the midst of a public health crises, with all the necessary restrictions there are on meeting together?

Is it possible for us to meet this challenge?

Yes!

Is it easy?

Absolutely not.

But then God didn't call his people to an easy life. He has though, equipped them to meet the challenge they face to be his people, in whatever setting they face at any particular moment.

So what does it mean for us, today, to face this challenge?

I think we can group some of the description of the life of the church given in Acts 2 into particular areas - worship, fellowship, discipleship and growth. To group them in this way is not particularly novel, or contentious, but it is hugely helpful. It reminds us of the full breadth of the life of the church, of all that we are called to be and do.

And that is a reminder we need.

You see, we get lost in the details of restrictions. We walk around estimating two metre distances. We put up signage and source a good deal on perspex. We do all that is necessary for people to come and be present at an act of worship. And that is good.

But is it enough?

Is it the fullness of the life of the church?

Is that really all God is calling us to do?

Or put it another way, are we simply to be present at worship?

I have to say, my fear is that the current restrictions reduce worship. They cause us to file in, be present and file back out. We have done our bit, satisfied our conscious - ticked the box.

From the Governments perspective I can understand that by allowing churches back into their buildings, enabling a worship service to take place - in a restricted and physically distant manner - they have ticked a box, and allowed a segment of society to do something which is important to them. I don't expect the Scottish or UK governments to understand the fullness of the dynamic of a worship service. Or to get the depth of life the church is called to.

But I do expect the church to face up to the Acts 2 challenge.

I do want to hear a holy dissatisfaction with what we are able to do.

I don't want us to settle for anything less than the fullness of the life of the church we see described in Acts 2.

It will take us to be creative and prayerful. We need to have eyes open to opportunities, and a willingness to be flexible and brave in taking opportunities we see before us..

I don't want us to look out only for our own - to seek to get our activities going again. That's like we are a little club, looking out for each other.

No, we are called to grow. Called to mission - even now. In these circumstances.

But how?

How can we experience the fullness of the life of the church in the time we are living in? How can we live as the people God is calling us to be?

Working backwards in Acts 2, I see two things to encourage us.

Peter, found himself in the middle of a situation were people where questioning. He heard their questions and he took the opportunity to address them. He preached. He preached a really direct sermon, centered on Jesus. He begun with their questions but he went way beyond answering them. He dared to address the things they should have been asking. And because he did, 3000 men and women where added to the church. That's not bad.

I might have cringed a little if I was one of the others in the upper room. I might have thought Peter was being too bold - or too direct. He needs to work with people more. Give them space to respond.

But Peter, just saw an opportunity. He took it with both hands and God blessed. 3000 people added to the church.

Opportunity knocks. They come by every day. We need to see them. And boldly take them. Even today.

The second encouragement I see - is God sent his Spirit. He was the one who gave Peter the boldness. He created the opportunity in the community

We have the same Spirit within us. Jesus still keeps his promises. The Spirit is still moving, creating a restlessness in peoples souls. Opening them up to hear and receive Jesus Christ.

We do live in unprecedented times. Yet we can be assured that we are thoroughly equipped to meet the Acts 2 challenge. God himself is with us.

Let's not shrink back. Let's not settle for less. Let's be creative, spot today's opportunities and prayerfully take them with both hands.

And so, lets see a vibrant growing church in our community and country.