God’s manifesto for change

PENTECOST is a wonderful time in the liturgical life of the church. It is an opportunity to express in worship the source of the Church’s power and inspiration and its end purpose. It is also an opportunity this year, at a time of General Election, for the Church in the UK to think about the message of Pentecost and its significance in seeking to shape the public space.

Photo: iStock

In the Jewish tradition Pentecost celebrated the importance of the law in shaping community. In the Christian tradition this idea is completed as the Spirit of God is poured out on all people regardless of their race and God announces he will write his law into the hearts of his people. The story of the Tower of Babel is reversed, humankind is being offered a new unity of mind and purpose. God’s Spirit is bringing about a new world order, beginning with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s new Adam.

The first disciples empowered by the Holy Spirit were able to make connections into their world, touching troubled and hurting people who were in search of meaning and belonging. Over 3000 people were added to the Church on that day. We are told they heard and understood the Gospel in their own languages.

In these articles I have been encouraging church leaders and congregations to recognise that the internet offers the Church a new highway, or public space, to connect with people who feel like spiritual refugees in search of a place to belong.

Despite all our imperfections the Church has been called to live to the praise of the glory of God. In practice this means we have a responsibility to live out the hope of the Gospel, to lift the eyes of often tired and weary people from the dust of defeat and shame and see a new glory being born through the presence of God’s Spirit in the world.

We are living in a society where many feel neglected and overlooked. The gap between the rich and the poor is increasing. Large sections of our population feel alienated from the communities they live in. Our politicians seek to offer various solutions to the growing problems only to create what would appear to be more injustice. Perhaps the root of this unrest in many lives is a longing for a spiritual dimension. The Church has a great deal more to offer the nation than a General Election can ever deliver.

If we could allow the theology of hope and restoration to take root in our lives and our thinking as God’s people we would have a profound effect on those around us, especially those who see themselves as opinion formers. No one can be sure what the outcome of the election will be but it feels like one of those defining moments. Change is underway and lives will be affected. Facing up to change is never easy, but having a sure hope and certain faith, that God has plans for all our lives can give us the reassurance to begin to think positively about the future. The story of Pentecost offers the Church confidence and the power to attempt the impossible in the name of Jesus Christ.

Christianity is about breaking down the barriers of mistrust and fear. It is about empowering the weak and oppressed. It is about inviting humanity to listen to God speaking to them in their own voice. To begin to realise real change, spiritual change, doesn’t happen through a cross placed in a ballot box but through a cross that has been placed in the heart of God. Pentecost marks the birth of the Church, a movement of change ushering in God’s alternative Kingdom though suffering, sacrifice and service. Words seldom read in a political manifesto, but they belong to the heart of God’s manifesto for change in the world.

The Very Rev Albert Bogle is a Pioneer Minister of Sanctuary First Church Online www.sanctuary/first.org.uk