The Scattered Church: Regathering?

By Kevin Van Wyk
In April, I wrote of the good that could and should come from the church being scattered. I explained how the early Church responded to being scattered by sharing their faith with the world. (Act 8:4, 11:21) This was a transforming moment in church history. The focus was taken off comfort and security. The church or churches were forced to step beyond their walls and circle of friends to share their faith in new places with new people and in new ways. 

It’s happened again! 

And now the church is being invited back to Jerusalem. The doors are open to return. But before you run back to “normal,” consider the blessing and opportunities before us.

We stand as a people of hope in a culture of fear.
We stand as a people of love in a culture of hate.
We stand as a people of truth in a culture of deception.

Let’s be honest, we are easily sucked into the fear, hate, and deception. We are deceived by media. We share the link, only to find the information was half-true. We are confronted with angry posts using deception to bash our ideology, and our hate for the other side boils over. We see the suffering of the innocent and fear we, too, may suffer. We see the abuse of power and fear the loss of control and freedom.

But, we are people of hope, love, and truth! 

As you return to the building or stay home to worship, go into the (social media) world, shining some light on the fear, hate, and deception. Bring the hope, love, and truth of Jesus into the lives of everyone you meet, always watching that you avoid fear, hate, and deception.

Specifically, I encourage you to pray our core values (summarized in three words). Grace. Truth. Mission. 

Grace. Lord, soften my heart. Break my prideful heart and fill it with grace, love, mercy, and thankfulness.

Truth. Lord, open my eyes. Help me see truth in your Word and your world; understanding both the Bible and the reality of others.

​Mission. Lord, move my feet. Give me courage to act when I have the opportunity to bless others.