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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.

 

United by the Spirit

As we celebrate the outpouring of the Spirit we rejoice in the unity it brings.
(1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

 

Context

The Eurovision Song Contest was held in Vienna.

The battle for the leadership of the Labour Party and the country continues as candidates emerge and set their stalls out.

BBC confirms new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.

 

Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation

On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In his letter to the church in Corinth St Paul reflects on the impact of the Spirit upon the church. Reflections which have parallels even today in both church and society. This provides an opportunity to consider what we are seeking when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives.

The Spirit provides a unifying force even though the gifts which the Spirit offers can be very different. Their significance depends upon them coming from the same Spirit. Together the different gifts unite and have a powerful impact. The Eurovision Song Contest is an extraordinary event. It brings together different nations, different cultures, different languages but its overall effect is an occasion of great joy (even when the United Kingdom entry comes last). The impact is more than the sum of the parts. This is how it feels when the various gifts of the Spirit are brought together. There may be one body but it is strengthened and enhanced by the variety of gifts.

By contrast the political climate is at the present time very divided. The Labour leadership is being challenged and it does not appear as if different candidates are putting forward contrasting policies. This is not unique to the Labour Party by any means. The impact of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was that the apostles presented a unified message. This unity is evidenced in other ways within the church when the gifts of the Spirit are present and when each gift is valued equally.

After what may seem like an interminable wait, finally the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced. Emma Willis is a skilful presenter; Josh Widdecombe is an acclaimed comedian; Johannes Radebe is an award-winning dancer. They are three very different people with very different gifts and graces. The hope is that there will be a chemistry between them that will enhance the quality of the programme. Diversity can be challenging but it can also be rewarding. The gifts which St Paul’s lists as coming from the Spirit are diverse but God’s provision is wise and the diversity has a powerful, positive and unifying impact.

 

Questions for discussion

• Where do you see the gifts of the Spirit evident in your church and community?
• Do you rejoice in diversity or do you seek some form of uniformity?
• In what ways can we encourage one another to exercise the gifts with which we have been blessed?

 

Stuart Wild is the Superintendent of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit, exploring mission and ministry in the hospitality industry and among holidaymakers.

 

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Over the last few weeks, news headlines have been filled with stories of division and difference, leadership and position:

• Which political leader will keep or gain the top spot?
• Are you delighted that the Gunners have taken the crown or weeping that Pep will be leaving his tenure?
• What does it really mean to ‘unite the nation’? Who does belong? Who is in charge?

In the story of Pentecost, we meet these two themes again: division and difference, leadership and power. But the promised arrival of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28; John 15:26) brings unity (All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4)) and equality (But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. (Acts 1:8)).

When the Kingdom of God breaks in, under his power and reign, there is unity and good news for all people.

Becky May is Tutor in Children’s and Families Ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Children, Youth and Families Mission Lead for Rural Missions.

 

Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.

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