Reach One More: A Call to Boldness and Generosity

In the over 100-year history at Christ Community Church, God has done some amazing things through the decades. In the grand tapestry of history, we find ourselves standing on the shoulders of giants, asking, “What can we do today?” The next chapter for our vision is a riveting mission to reach people with the gospel. It echoes the age-old question posed by the apostles: How can we reach one more, and one more, and one more? Let's delve into the biblical narrative of Acts 4 to draw inspiration for our journey of faith and action.

Boldness in the Face of Opposition

The narrative unfolds with Peter and John confronted by a beggar, boldly declaring, “We don't have silver or gold, but we do have Jesus.” This courageous act of healing lands them in trouble with the authorities. But, undeterred, they stand before the Sanhedrin, proclaiming the sovereignty of God even in the face of adversity.

The apostles’ response to the threat of silence is surprising. Instead of cowering in fear, they gather for a prayer meeting, asking for boldness to speak the word of God. Their prayers are marked by a profound acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty over all, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Bold Prayers for Bold Actions

Their prayers are not like our typical pleas for security or comfort. Instead, they start by recognizing God’s absolute authority over the universe and every earthly power, including governments that may act against morality and common sense. In their petition, they ask for the strength to speak boldly in the face of threats accompanied by supernatural signs and wonders.

This episode teaches us a valuable lesson about the nature of boldness. When filled with the Holy Spirit, boldness becomes the hallmark of our faith. In our era, characterized by the raised eyebrow rather than the raised sword, the disciples' request for increased boldness is especially poignant.

Generosity as a Sign of Spirit Filling

The narrative doesn’t stop at bold prayers; it extends to the realm of generosity. Acts 4 paints a picture of believers who are not possessive of their possessions. They become a community where “no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own.” This selflessness resulted in a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus, and God’s grace was evident in their midst.

Challenging Cultural Norms

The concept of sharing everything challenges the prevailing cultural norms, particularly in a society like contemporary America, where ownership is deeply ingrained. The passage reminds us that every blessing comes from God, and generosity is a reflection of our likeness to the generous nature of God.

Embarking on a journey of spiritual reflection and intentional living often begins with a simple question: “Am I using my possessions for God's glory?” This introspective inquiry encourages us to assess the purpose behind each item we own, prompting a thoughtful examination of our material treasures.

Start this transformative process by creating an inventory of your belongings, starting with the most significant assets. Take, for example, your home—a space where God's glory can manifest through fostering children, hosting residents, or nurturing a community group. If your answer is a resounding “yes,” fantastic! You're leveraging that asset for divine purposes.

Move on to the next item, perhaps your car, and repeat the evaluation. If it, too, is contributing to God’s glory, you’re on the right track. However, as you progress through your possessions, you might encounter items that are gathering dust or leading you away from God’s intended path. Here lies the crucial juncture: redeem or release.

Redeem: Breathing New Purpose

To redeem an item is to declare, “I am committed to using this for God's glory.” Take the example of a neglected motorcycle. Instead of allowing it to languish in the garage, consider how it can be repurposed. Perhaps you can connect with a friend who shares the same passion for biking, turning it into an opportunity for fellowship. Alternatively, use the motorcycle as a means to commune with God in the serenity of nature. By redeeming neglected possessions, we infuse them with newfound purpose and align them with God's plan for our lives.

Release: Liberating for Kingdom Purposes

The alternative path is release. This involves parting ways with possessions that do not contribute to God’s glory. Selling the item and directing the proceeds toward a cause like Reach One More allows your possessions to serve a higher purpose. Whether it’s a motorcycle, electronics, a portion of your wardrobe, or a collection of old video games, releasing these items can fund initiatives that make a difference in the world. It’s a tangible way to ensure that your material wealth aligns with your spiritual values.

The journey of redeeming or releasing possessions is a powerful step towards intentional living. By continually assessing the role of our belongings in glorifying God, we pave the way for a purpose-driven and spiritually enriched life. So, as you survey your belongings, consider the transformative impact that redeeming or releasing can have on both your possessions and your journey of faith.

As we embark on a vision initiative, we draw inspiration from Acts 4. Our commitment to boldness in sharing our faith and generosity is the essence of our journey. The call to reach one more is not just a slogan; it’s a clarion call to be a highly unusual, curve-wrecking church. Let’s be known for wrecking the curve on reaching people, on generosity, and on inclusivity. Our dream is audacious—to make heaven crowded and make it hard to get to hell from wherever we are. Let’s embrace the challenge and reach one more!

Blog adapted from November 12, 2023 message by Minister Mark Ashton