24 May 2018 Holy Hand Grenades

Last of the Space Invaders series

Acts 11:17-26

Like Monty Python’s “Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch”, the early church exploded in Antioch. If the disciples had not gone to Antioch, had not preached both to the Greeks and the Jews, the Gospel might not have spread to the world today, might not have survived the first century.

The followers of Jesus were first called Christians (“little Christs”) – a derogatory term – at Antioch, because they followed Jesus’ example so closely, living their lives such that observers saw Christ in their conduct, in the core of their lives.

Barnabas shows up, a big wheel in the early church, sees the explosion of the church, and turns around and gets Saul – soon to be Paul – saying how they needed to stay with these people and teach. While they were worshiping and fasting, the community set these men aside for a new purpose, commissioned them praying for them, and sent them out.

As a participant in a post-Christian society, being a Christian has lost its value among the world and is likely instead to draw the ire of your community. Then, as now, there were lots of religions, lots of churches, but very little Christ. They were not preaching salvation to the cast asides, preaching healing to the weak and ill.

How do we live out as Hand Grenades personally, and corporately?

How many of the people in your friend circle are the same as you? Same age, same gender and culture, same bands.. Same faith? We need to engage in the lives of others who don’t look like us, think like us. People of different cultures, politics, and faith – even atheists. Look for people who don’t look like you, strike up a conversation, and go get lunch. Build bridges that spread the Gospel. Start doing what Jesus did, show up and show people love. Love them where they are at, meet their needs, and share your faith experience with them.

Looking at the Antioch church, they saw that the church in Jerusalem was experiencing famine. They began collecting food and resources and sending it back to Jerusalem.

So look for ways to support the church at large.

We need to be a church that makes evangelism a priority. We can’t be self serving as a body or an individual. Look for ways to engage with the community so we can reach them and transform them with the love of Christ. Seek ways to serve the people of this town.

Invite people to church, sure. But also invite them to coffee, or to lunch, or to join you in the garden. You are a missionary (remember, this is not your eternal home).

We need to send people out to multiply the church. There are people right now who have a burden to “go” invade spaces. Look for them and support their effort.

Last, but not least, pray and seek the will of the Lord for the areas He wants us to work in and the people to engage with.

Maybe the first step is to reach out to Jesus? Let Him invade your space.