The Alpha Course is a good introduction to the Christian faith with Jesus content and relevant topics. I’m always thinking about who to invite. Perhaps what I like most is the format. Pure genius to eat together in small groups each week, watch the video together and discuss together – a great way to taste the horizontal, relational expression of church.
Many have negative past experiences or wrong perceptions, imagining churches filled with ‘holier than thou’ types and are usually pleasantly surprised by the non- judgemental stance of group leaders and Christians they encounter at Alpha.
The big question
Alpha participants are encouraged to ask their questions, but in my experience it’s the group leader who poses the questions that prompt discussion, and then people voice their opinions – often about the unfairness of life, the sufferings of good people and their own rights being denied.
The really big and crucial question for me is, ‘If God exists and is creator and sustainer of the universe, what is his purpose for the world?’ because if I can answer this, then I can discover his plan for me.
I often hear it said, ‘God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life!’ Perhaps this half- truth is responsible for much disappointment and pseudo discipleship. The plan doesn’t turn out as ‘amazing’ as anticipated. The girl is still single; the job is still unrewarding; the couple are still barren; the sickness proves terminal.
A healthier approach might be, ‘Holy God who is all powerful has an amazing plan for this world; he loves you and invites you to join him in it.’
Omega – the end
We long for Alpha participants to make Jesus their goal, their end as well as their beginning. He and the Father are one and both declare themselves Alpha and Omega (Revelation 21:6, 22:13). God’s purpose in this world is to display his glory. Christ was in the beginning, before creation, and is also the end, the consummation and transformation of all things. The cross is surely the apex of his glory. Here we see his attributes in perfect harmony, his holiness and righteousness with his mercy and love. His sacrificial death purchases people for God from every ‘tribe and language and people and nation’, bringing worship and fullness of joy in heaven and earth. This is the ultimate purpose, the great Omega.
When we see our lives called to his purpose, we find everything does work together for our good – conforming us to the image of Christ, by which he is glorified together with us in him (Romans 8:28-30) The Reformers were right when they declared the ‘chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever’.
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