Becoming: Rooted in Identity and Radical Generosity

Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate Vision Sunday—a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness, to remember our calling, and to look ahead with expectation. At the heart of our community are four pillars: belonging to family, hoping in Jesus, growing in our journey, and becoming the people God designed us to be. This year, I felt a deep prompting to focus on “becoming”—to root our identity not in what we do or possess, but in the unshakeable truth that we are children of a good Father. In a world searching for meaning in status, achievement, or wealth, we are called to anchor ourselves in God’s love and let that identity shape every part of our lives.

We are reminded that following Jesus means living differently—set apart for God’s purposes, marked by radical generosity, and surrendered in every area, including our finances. As we step into Vision Month, we’re challenged to pray, to ask the Holy Spirit how we might live off less so we can give away more, and to participate in God’s mission both locally and globally. Our vision is not just about filling rooms or hosting events; it’s about being sent out—into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and campuses—with a burning passion for the mission and message of Christ.

We celebrated the miracles God has done: the growth of our church, the planting of a new church on the University of Alberta campus, and the collaborative work with other churches in Edmonton. We rejoiced in stories of lives transformed, young adults encountering Jesus, and partnerships that are breaking down competition and building true Kingdom unity. Our vision extends beyond our city—to national church planting through ARC Canada, to training and equipping pastors in Uganda and Europe, and to supporting the underground church in Iran.

This season, we’re invited to count the cost of following Jesus: to stretch, to strengthen our foundations, and to make room for more people to encounter God’s love. We’re called to pray, to give, and to go—trusting that as we surrender our comfort and resources, God will multiply our impact. As we look to the future, let’s commit to being a family on mission, devoted to seeing God’s Kingdom come in Edmonton and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Identity Rooted in God’s Love True identity is not found in our achievements, possessions, or the labels the world gives us, but in the reality that we are beloved children of God. When we anchor ourselves in this truth, we are empowered to live with confidence, purpose, and authority, regardless of shifting cultural values or personal circumstances. This identity is the foundation for all growth and transformation in our lives. [38:50]
• 2. Radical Generosity as a Mark of Discipleship Generosity is not about giving what is convenient or easy, but about allowing God to challenge us to live off less so we can give away more. This kind of generosity reflects the heart of our Father and is a tangible way we participate in His mission. It requires prayerful surrender and a willingness to let go of comfort for the sake of greater Kingdom impact. [43:06]
• 3. The Church Exists to Be Sent, Not Settled It’s tempting to become comfortable with what God has already done, but the call of Jesus is always outward—sending us into our city, our workplaces, and the world. We gather to be equipped, but we scatter to be light and hope in places that need the presence of Christ. Our mission is not complete until every person has had the opportunity to encounter Jesus through us. [53:14]
• 4. Kingdom Collaboration Over Competition God is breaking down walls between churches and leaders, inviting us to see His Kingdom as abundant and expansive, not limited or competitive. When we partner with other churches, share resources, and celebrate each other’s victories, we reflect the unity Jesus prayed for. This posture of open-handedness multiplies our effectiveness and brings greater glory to God. [66:59]
• 5. Counting the Cost and Embracing Sacrifice Growth, expansion, and renewal require us to count the cost—personally and collectively. Whether it’s planting new churches, giving sacrificially, or stepping out of our comfort zones, we are called to trust God with the unknown and to say yes to His leading. The fruit of this surrender is a legacy that impacts generations and nations for Christ. [55:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [14:20] - Worship and Expectation
• [36:52] - Introduction and Church Values
• [38:01] - The Journey of Becoming
• [40:43] - Community, Groups, and Serving
• [43:06] - Generosity and Vision Offering
• [46:57] - Vision Sunday: Celebrating and Looking Ahead
• [47:44] - Living Set Apart and Financial Surrender
• [52:26] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [53:14] - The Mission: Sent to the City
• [55:05] - Enlarge the Tent: Counting the Cost
• [57:35] - Miracles on Campus and Church Planting
• [66:29] - Kingdom Collaboration and Unity
• [73:49] - Local Partnerships and Impact
• [80:43] - National and Global Vision
• [89:49] - Vision Offering Goals and Invitation
• [92:51] - Next Steps: Pray, Discuss, Respond
• [98:31] - Closing Worship and Prayer
• [101:09] - Vision Wall and Sending Out
• [103:30] - Dismissal and Fellowship

Bible Reading

1. Habakkuk 2:2 (NLT) — > Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.”

2. Isaiah 54:2-3 (NLT) — > “Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams. Your descendants will occupy other nations and resettle the ruined cities.”

3. Acts 2:42-47 (NLT) — > All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Observation Questions

1. In Habakkuk 2:2, what is the purpose of writing the vision plainly, and who is supposed to run with it?
2. According to Isaiah 54:2-3, what actions are God’s people called to take, and what is the promised result?
3. In Acts 2:42-47, what are some specific ways the early church lived out their faith together?
4. The sermon described four pillars at the heart of the church community. What are they? ([37:22])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that our identity is rooted in being children of a good Father, not in what we do or own. Why is this distinction important for how we live out our faith? ([38:01])
2. Radical generosity was described as living off less so we can give away more. How does this challenge the way most people (including Christians) think about money and comfort? ([43:06])
3. The idea of “being sent, not settled” was highlighted. What does it mean for a church to be sent, and how does this differ from just gathering together? ([53:14])
4. The sermon talked about “Kingdom collaboration over competition.” Why is it significant for churches to work together rather than compete, and what impact could this have on the city? ([01:06:59])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to root our identity in God’s love rather than in achievements, possessions, or status. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been tempted to find your worth in something other than being God’s child? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([38:50])
2. Radical generosity means letting God challenge us to live off less so we can give away more. Is there a practical step you could take this month to simplify your spending or lifestyle in order to be more generous? What might that look like for you or your family? ([43:06])
3. The church is called to be sent out into neighborhoods, workplaces, and campuses. Who is one person or place God might be sending you to this season? How can you intentionally bring the hope of Jesus there? ([53:14])
4. The sermon celebrated partnerships with other churches and ministries, breaking down competition. Are there ways you can support or pray for other churches or ministries in your city? How might this change your perspective on “success” in the Kingdom? ([01:06:59])
5. “Counting the cost” was a theme—being willing to stretch, sacrifice, and step out of comfort for the sake of God’s mission. What is one area where you sense God asking you to take a risk or make a sacrifice? What’s holding you back? ([55:25])
6. The vision for the church includes praying, giving, and going. Which of these three do you find most challenging, and why? What is one step you can take this week to grow in that area? ([01:40:08])
7. The sermon invited everyone to pray about how they can participate in Vision Month. Will you commit to praying for the church’s vision and asking God how you can be involved? What is one specific prayer you can start with this week? ([01:37:10])