Be a part of God's Big Plan

Reading: Acts 2:1-8

Although this reading is usually reserved for Pentecost, we're going to look at it in terms of God's big plan, and the part we can play. But before we do that, let's ask a simple question:

How can you be a part of God’s plan today?

As you think about this, think about the simple, ordinary things that you can do to be part of God's big plan in our community right now. It might mean becoming a good neighbour, or doing something unexpected for someone. It might mean becoming a friend or getting involved in a free car wash. All sorts of things are possible.

Here are some ideas:

Just walk across the room • Seek to serve • Show kindness • Show mercy • Pay attention • Share your story • Listen to someone else’s story • Ask open questions • Be natural • Let God lead you • Giveaway time • Ask God for opportunities • Get involved in something outside of church • Be generous • Be a good neighbour • Pray for someone • Be available • Spend time with the missing • Do what’s doable • Exploit the ordinary

In Acts1:8 Jesus told the disciples that they would be his witnesses all over the world. But how does that connect with God's big plan and the events of the Day of Pentecost?

God’s Big Plan

When you read the story of what happended in Acts 2, you see three things:

1. Includes everyone: Nobody was excluded from the events. Everyone was included.

2. These events brought great change : A small group became a very large group. Structures would have to change, leadership would have to change, almost everything would face the challenge of change.

3. It's the only way forward: There would be no going back to how it used to be. Some of the disciples might have longed for the cosy feeling of the smaller group, but that was never going to come back now that the church had exploded in growth. Things were going to be different and forward was the only way to go.

How do we respond?

Look back at your answer to the question: How can you be a part of God's big plan.

Look back at the list above.

Look back at the The words of Jesus: You shall be my witnesses