Isaiah 2:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:19-21 Genesis 1:28, Matthew 28:19,

Mike Davies considers how change will only come in society by everyday Christians doing extra-ordinary things and believing and accepting that God has a purpose for their life.

If we think as a first century Jew would think, then the God of the Bible is a creator God. The one who made heaven and earth and said, "It is very good". If he said the earth is good then we need to care about it.

In Paul's letter to the Romans Paul declares that, 'The whole of creation will be set free from its bondage and decay to share in the liberty of the children of God.' Romans 8:19-21

I remember as a young man in business I used to attend Sunday and weekly meetings and wonder how I could serve the church and local community, especially within my field of operation, which was then as an accountant. On the whole the local church would identify me and other corporate people and sporadically put on the 'business breakfast'.

It was really a case that my vocation was not seen to be connected into the local church and vice versa.

It is interesting that over the years, many people that I have talked to who are in business, have seen it very much the same. However, today there is a move to look at the 'mountains of life' and see how the Christian can be effective in these mountains and help to establish God's Kingdom principles.

The church, by and large, is God's way of transforming the community. I used to believe that all I needed to do was to get my business associates to attend a church meeting, or church service of some kind. How wrong my thinking was. To transform a community, a town, a nation or a specific mountain (field), those who are within it need a transformation of the mind to realise that God has empowered them to reach and touch their own communities.

The work of the church and the life of the church, is very much involved in 'going out' or being 'sent'. Over the years, my perception of the function of the local church has needed to change. I now see that the church is not a building, but a gathering of unique individuals. Individuals are who God works in and through.

If the area in which we live and work is going to be influenced by the Gospel then change is essential. It is not going to happen through a church service, or a new teaching programme held from within the confines of the building or home groups, or by the church leader preaching the best sermons ever. It is by everyday Christians doing extra-ordinary things and believing and accepting that God has a purpose for their life.

Charles Colson said, "It is not enough to focus exclusively on the spiritual, on Bible studies and evangelistic campaigns, while turning a blind eye to the distinctive tensions of contemporary life. We must show the world that Christianity is more than a private belief and more than personal salvation. We must show that it is a comprehensive life system that answers all of humanity's age-old questions: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Does life have any meaning or purpose?"

Our purpose, as the church, is not simply limited to saving souls from hell (which is vital); it also includes a mandate to steward the earth as salt and light. The Kingdom of God involves the whole created order, not just the spiritual realm.

If we are going to bring transformation into our communities we need to consider our community ministry. The Bible is very clear on our responsibility in helping the poor and providing for widows. But how should the Kingdom of God be manifested in the earth's government?

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28

This mandate shows that God called those in covenant with him to be involved in the stewardship of the whole earth. God did not make a 'sacred and secular' divide, but instructed his people to subdue and have dominion over all.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

Whatever you are involved in, whether it is working in a care-home, attending school, or being a parent, I trust that you will see that having God's principles within you is what transforms a neighbourhood and a community, one step at a time.

You are an Ambassador for Christ and an overcomer!