Study 6: CHURCH RESPONSE

Introduction In the previous study we looked at what individuals can do to respond to the kind of issues this whole series is considering. Now we turn our focus to the wider body - what groups of Christians can do at all levels, from the small home group, through the local church of which it is part, to the wider church nationally and internationally. But first we take a look at our motivation and call to be involved in the world, and an example from the early church.

Read Matthew 5:13-16

Note  This familiar passage shows us two related images, which demonstrate two sides of the same truth: that the church (i.e. a collection of  local believers) is called to be visible and active in the society in which it is placed. Salt in Biblical times was widely used as a preservative to stop meat going rotten, not just to enhance taste. To do this it needs to be in close contact, almost inside the meat. Light, on the other hand, shines out to show people what is going on, both good and bad. These analogies reflect the importance of being involved in the world without being compromised by it. The whole exercise is useless if the salt loses its saltiness or the light is hidden. The questions are designed to help you to work out what you might achieve in your own situation. Bearing this in mind, we then go on to think about and take appropriate action.

Discuss  

(1) Jesus says we are salt and light. What characteristics of salt and light come to mind? What differences are there between the way salt works and the way light works?

(2) What do these analogies say about the relationship between the church (i.e. all Christians) and the rest of society? How can we balance being in the world (as salt is in meat to preserve it) with shining God's light on the world, which implies being separate from it?

(3) The passage mentions the dangers of salt losing its saltiness and light being hidden. How does this happen to the church, and how can we avoid it?

Read Acts 4:32-37

Note This passage gives a striking example of how the early church operated, putting into practice many of the ideas this series of studies has touched on. What they did may seem daunting, but note that this was immediately after the Holy Spirit came to them.

Discuss

(4) Is the way these early Christians lived feasible for us today? What do you think enabled them to live the way they did?

(5) Discuss how you might practically take action as part of the church at all levels:              

As a small group: How can you help each other to simplify your lifestyles? Can you share possessions like cars, equipment, allotments etc.?

As part of the local church: You might like to think about how the church can save energy. Would a recycling project be feasible? Has what you have learnt in these studies affected the kind of worship and preaching you would like to see?

As part of the wider church (nationally and internationally): Do you know how good your denomination is as a steward of its money, property and land? What problems do Christians in the Two Thirds World face in trying to care for the environment?

Commit  Choose one or two of the matters you have discussed, and set yourselves, as a group, some realistic targets to achieve. Commit yourselves to this before God and before each other.

Worship

I am building a people of power; I the Lord of sea and sky; Show your power O Lord; Lord of life, we come to you (Wild Goose)

Pray

O God of the high heavens,

O Christ of the deep earth,

O Spirit of the flowing waters,

O Trinity of love,

You have offered your love to us,                                                               

And here we pledge our love to you.

You have been faithful to your people through the ages,

And here we pledge our faithfulness to one another.

You have sustained in love the earth, sea and sky around us,

And here we pledge our sustaining love for creation.

You have identified with the powerless

and the weak of the world,  

And here we pledge our identification with them.

O God, strengthen us in our desire,

And breathe into our bodies the passion of your love.

We pray this in the name of Jesus,

To whom we commit ourselves.

Amen.

From the Iona Community's Service of Commitment.

© Wild Goose Publications, Iona Community, Glasgow, Scotland.

Reproduced by permission.