A Church That Dares to Do Anything - Youth Work in Cornwall

Scripture

Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 11:1-3, Ephesians 3:20

Introduction

Is your church alive? Are you in a church that dares to do anything? A church that is not content with merely existing, but one that thrives, pulsates with the life of Christ, and boldly steps out in faith.

A Church Rooted in Fellowship (Acts 2:42-47):

The early church, as described in Acts, was a vibrant community marked by deep fellowship, shared resources, and a commitment to prayer and worship. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, broke bread together, and lived lives of generosity and praise. This was a church that dared to love one another deeply and share their lives authentically.

We glimpse a vibrant and dynamic community, a model of authentic fellowship that resonates even today. This passage paints a picture of a church deeply rooted in four essential pillars:

Devotion to the Apostles’ Teaching

The early believers were committed to learning and growing in their understanding of the faith. They didn’t just passively attend sermons; they actively engaged with the apostles’ teachings, seeking to apply them to their lives. This commitment to learning fostered a shared understanding of the Gospel and a common purpose.

Fellowship

The Greek word used here for fellowship is “koinonia,” which signifies much more than mere socialising. It implies a deep sense of communion, sharing, and participation in one another’s lives. This fellowship extended beyond the walls of the church, as believers shared meals, resources, and experiences, creating a strong sense of belonging and support.

Breaking of Bread

The “breaking of bread” refers to both the sharing of meals and the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This act of communion fostered a sense of unity and reminded believers of their shared identity in Christ. It was a time of fellowship, thanksgiving, and spiritual nourishment.

Prayer

The early church was devoted to prayer, seeking God’s guidance, strength, and provision. They recognised their dependence on God and sought to align their lives with His will. Prayer was not just a private activity but a shared experience that strengthened the community’s bond with God and with each other.

The Impact of Fellowship

The impact of this deep-rooted fellowship was profound. The church experienced rapid growth, attracting new believers who were drawn to the love, unity, and joy they witnessed. It also fostered a spirit of generosity, as believers willingly shared their possessions to meet the needs of others.

Lessons for Today

The model of fellowship found in Acts 2:42-47 challenges us to re-examine our own understanding of community and belonging. It calls us to prioritise authentic relationships, shared learning, and communal worship. It reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of sharing our lives with one another.

A church rooted in fellowship is not just a gathering of individuals, but a vibrant body, interconnected and interdependent, each member playing a vital role. It is a place where we can experience the love of God in tangible ways, where we can grow in faith, and where we can find support and encouragement as we journey together.

Let us strive to build churches that reflect the fellowship of the early believers, churches that dare to love deeply, serve sacrificially, and share their lives authentically. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of community and fulfil our calling to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

A Church Embracing Faith (Hebrews 11:1-3)

The book of Hebrews reminds us that faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. The heroes of faith mentioned in this chapter dared to trust God’s promises, even when faced with seemingly impossible odds. They built arks, led nations, and conquered kingdoms, all because they believed in a God who was bigger than their circumstances.

Hebrews 11:1-3 beautifully describes faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It speaks of how faith allows us to understand that the universe was created by God’s word and that the things we see were not made from what is visible.

Here are some practical ways a church can embrace this type of faith:

Teaching about faith

The church can regularly dedicate sermons and lessons to explore the concept of faith, its importance in the Christian life, and how it manifests in various situations. Teaching should focus on what the Bible says about faith, drawing examples from the lives of biblical figures who demonstrated unwavering trust in God.

Sharing stories of faith

Encourage church members to share personal testimonies of how faith has impacted their lives, especially during challenging times. Hearing real-life examples of God’s faithfulness can inspire and strengthen the faith of others.

Providing opportunities to practice faith

Faith grows through action. Offer opportunities for members to step out in faith by serving others in the community, participating in missions, or taking on new responsibilities within the church. These experiences can deepen their trust in God and build their confidence in what they hope for.

Encouraging prayer and Bible study

Dedicate time for corporate prayer and encourage members to engage in personal prayer and Bible study. These practices foster a deeper relationship with God, leading to a greater understanding of His character and promises, which in turn strengthens faith.

Creating a supportive community

Foster a warm, welcoming, and supportive church environment where members feel safe to share their doubts, fears, and struggles. Encourage them to uplift and encourage one another in their faith journey.

Remembering the unseen

Regularly remind the congregation of the eternal perspective—that our ultimate hope is in God’s unseen kingdom. Celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us in faith and trust that through Christ, we too will experience the fulfilment of God’s promises.

By embracing these practices, a church can create a culture of faith that inspires its members to trust in God’s word, even when the outcome is uncertain. This kind of faith not only transforms individual lives but also empowers the church to fulfil its mission in the world.

A Church Empowered by God (Ephesians 3:20)

Paul’s words in Ephesians remind us that our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. This means that we, as the church, are not limited by our own resources or abilities. We have access to the unlimited power of God, and when we dare to step out in faith, He can accomplish incredible things through us.

Ephesians 3:20 speaks of God’s ability to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” This verse highlights the incredible potential for God’s power to flow through a church, empowering it for extraordinary things. Here are some ways a church can tap into this divine empowerment:

Cultivate a Deepening Relationship with God

Prayer: Prioritise consistent, fervent prayer, both individually and corporately. Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, through which we receive guidance, strength, and empowerment.
Worship: Engage in authentic, heartfelt worship that exalts God and focuses on His presence. Worship creates an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely and empower believers.
Bible Study: Immerse yourselves in God’s word, both individually and in groups. The Bible reveals God’s character, promises, and instructions, equipping us for every good work.

Embrace the Holy Spirit’s Work

Welcome the Gifts: Encourage the use of spiritual gifts within the church body. Recognise and celebrate the diverse ways the Holy Spirit empowers individuals to serve and build up the community.
Be Open to the Miraculous: Create an atmosphere of expectancy for God to move supernaturally. Believe that He can do extraordinary things through ordinary people.
Surrender to the Spirit’s Leading: Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every aspect of church life, from decision-making to ministry initiatives. Be willing to follow where He leads, even if it stretches you beyond your comfort zone.

Foster Unity and Love

Practice Forgiveness: Embrace a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation, recognising that unity is essential for God’s power to flow freely among believers.
Value Every Member: Recognise and appreciate the unique contributions of each person in the church body. Celebrate diversity and encourage everyone to use their gifts to serve others.
Show Love to One Another: Demonstrate Christ’s love through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. A loving community attracts God’s presence and power.

Engage in Outward-Focused Ministry

Serve the Community: Seek opportunities to meet the practical and spiritual needs of those around you. Show God’s love through acts of service, compassion, and generosity.
Share the Gospel: Boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, both within the church and beyond its walls. Trust that God’s power will work through your witness to bring transformation.
Partner with Other Churches: Collaborate with other churches in your community and around the world to advance God’s kingdom. United in purpose, we can achieve more than we could ever do alone.

By embracing these practices, a church can become a conduit of God’s power, impacting the world in extraordinary ways. Remember, God’s power is not limited by our own abilities or resources. As we surrender to His leading and allow Him to work through us, we will witness His power unleashed in our midst, bringing glory to His name and fulfilling His purposes in the world.