And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost. And they had all things common among them, therefore they were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free and partakers of the heavenly gift.
[Excerpted from “Challenges and Opportunities,” President Stephen M. Veazey, God, Where Is Your Spirit Leading, Adult Reunion Text, Herald Publishing House 2022, p. 12]
Many opportunities to spiritually connect people to God and the gospel exist in Christ-centered community! God relates uniquely to each of us while inviting us into spiritual community fashioned in the love of Christ. This is God’s way of redeeming and transforming the world. Inviting and being with others in this way is central to God’s nature as expressed through the church. The Holy Spirit is always fitting people together in Christ to become a dwelling place for God on Earth. (Ephesians 2:21–22).
Once, after I baptized three older adults, one said to me, “Why do you think it took us so long to find this church?” Later, as I pondered that question, the Holy Spirit reframed it in my mind as, “Why did it take the church so long to find these people?”
There is a remarkable response to the gospel as shared by Community of Christ in some nations. Baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations occur frequently. The gospel is embodied in Christ-centered communities of invitation, generosity, and peace. Response to the cause of Zion is evident!
Let’s celebrate what the Holy Spirit is doing in these nations! It is like the Spirit-led growth of the early church depicted in the Book of Acts. Apostle Paul described it as “...a wide door for effective work has opened...” (1 Corinthians 16:9 NRSV).
The gospel is shared most authentically through the languages, stories, symbols, music, and art of human cultures. It truly does not take root in people’s lives until that happens. At the same time, the gospel transforms cultures as it becomes rooted in them. This is called “inculturation.” It is how the gospel is embodied in human lives and societies. The process is ongoing.
In response to our “great door of opportunity,” we must find ways to increase support for disciple and leader formation (education, materials, training) provided in local languages and cultural themes. The Holy Spirit is urging us to act before opportunities are lost. What will our response be?
Prayer Phrase
“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Spiritual Practice
Sea of Light
Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love; then offer a prayer of gratitude.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.