After seeking hard after God through prayer and conversation, I believe God has given us a new vision for West Lakewood Baptist Church. Without reservation I say it’s from God.
I read these qualifications for a God-given vision, and it fits:
Vision gives us stability, guidance, joy and excitement. The God-given vision will bring glory to God and fit us into His eternal purpose.
A true vision from God is not self-seeking, but praises God and brings glory to Jesus Christ. (Rodney L.Johnson, Sr.)
A. Formal definition = sight, dream, revelation, enlightenment
B. Vision is the ability to see beyond the surface of human potential. It is not what we are but what we desire to become. Vision is a mental picture of a desired future. It is a picture that can be seen of what is not yet, but of what can be. Our present belief is a reflection of our vision. (Pastor Rodney L. Johnson, Sr.)
C. God’s particular word to a particular people for a particular time
II. Why do we need a vision?
A. A God-given vision will help us find and fulfill our divine purpose
B. A God-given vision will empower
- what’s the difference between a flashlight and a laser? FOCUS!
- focus is what gives power
C. A God-given vision will keep us connected
- a common vision will unify us
D. A God-given vision will help us maneuver through the changes
A. Communication of the vision
B. Clarity of the vision
C. Commitment to the vision
- Followership: authentic followers, students, devotees of Christ
What does it look like? JESUS!
John 15:8 (NIV)
8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Hebrews 5:14-6:1 (NIV)
14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. 1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God…
Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
- Truly being the Body of Christ: a distinct people bringing glory to God in their distinct way
- Thriving: not just being but becoming!
What will it look like? JESUS!
John 17:22-23 (NIV)
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
What will it take to thrive in community? EFFORT
Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
2 John 1:6 (NIV)
6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
(walk – not a stroll but a journey!)
- moving beyond being disciples (students, devotees) and going out as the body of Christ and moving into the world.
- we are called to be servants of Christ and we serve Christ by serving others
Mark 10:43-44 (NIV)
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
John 13:14 (NIV)
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
What will it take to serve the world? SACRIFICE!
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
.jpg)
Looks great - remember a vision is ALWAYS visual! Pictures, videos, etc. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am praying God will bless this and you will speak of it in every communication. :-)