The Flame

“Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us, and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us.” (Henri Nouwen)

 A deep sense of holy awe swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.  All the believers were in fellowship as one body, and they shared with one another whatever they had. Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. (Acts 2:43-45, TPT)

In a time of social distancing, how can we stay connected as a church?

1.     Share God sightings–See Acts 2:43 above

People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps. (Proverbs 16:9, ERV)

2.   Share each other’s burdens- See Acts 2:44-45 above

Shoulder each other’s burdens, and then you will live as the law of [God] teaches us. (Galatians 6:2, VOICE)

We can best do the above by being devoted to a small group. Life change happens in the context of community.

Ask yourself the following questions: How is God working through you, in you, and all around you? Are you aware of daily God sightings? Do you share your God sightings with others? 

To share a meal together with your Christian community via video conferencing, try this challenge. Everyone buy the same meal as you eat, communicate, and connect together.

Share your burdens with God and others. Allow others to bless you with God’s resolution.

God’s solution for peace is in the unified Christian community.
God is always on the move in our lives. His solutions are always larger than our problem.

“Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. No Christian community is more or less than this. Whether it is a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) [i]

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Staying Connected to Your Church: Staying Together” (installment two) Sunday August 9, 2020, Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Gahanna.  All CenterPoint churches are closed due to the Coronavirus, and are meeting online at 10am at the CenterPoint Church Main Page on Facebook.)