Pointing to Christ

As we make our way from Easter to Pentecost, I have been paying particular attention to the passages in Acts from the Revised Common Lectionary. The New Testament book of Acts was written by Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke. The Gospel tells the story of Jesus Christ. Acts tells the story of the followers of Christ as they journeyed throughout the world as they knew it then to proclaim the Good News or as Jesus commanded them—to be His witnesses. Understandably then, Acts contains a number of speeches and sermons from Apostles declaring good news. Miracles often accompany the speeches in Acts. Yet, the Apostles through whom the miraculous work is completed do not point to their own abilities. Instead they point to the work of God to redeem and save.

There’s a story in Acts 8:4-13 that seems to epitomize this for me. Because of persecution of Christians, the early followers of Christ scattered. Philip went to Samaria. Christ instructed the Apostles to bear witness throughout the world, but he specifically identified their role taking the Gospel to people in Samaria (Acts 1:8). In Samaria, Philip encountered Simon the Magician. Acts tells us that Simon was listened to for he had demonstrations of power. Simon’s magic drew attention to himself. Philip proclaimed the Good News, by contrast, and the people believed in God. They were baptized. Even Simon himself believed. The contrast raises the question—do we as a church want people to notice us or believe in God?

Disciples congregations often worry about how they can be more visible in their community. This is a practical necessity if we are doing to be effective. Let me be clear—I’m a cheerleader for Disciples of Christ. I love what our congregations are doing. I proudly wear a congregation’s T-Shirt if I have it. I take pictures and post to Facebook. I celebrate who we are! However, the witness of scripture is that our primary goal is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to draw attention to God—to point other people to God.

—Andy Mangum, Regional Minister, Christian Church in the Southwest

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