Empowered Witnesses: Embracing a God-Sized Vision

 

Summary

Ken DeChant delivers a compelling message focused on the concept of a "God-sized vision," which is a picture of the future that aligns with God's plan for His people. He emphasizes the importance of being witnesses to Jesus Christ in various spheres of influence, as outlined in Acts 1:8. This scripture serves as the foundation for understanding the scope of the vision, which includes Jerusalem (local community), Judea (region), Samaria (those culturally or socially different), and the ends of the earth (global outreach).

Ken begins by explaining that a vision is essential for guiding individuals and communities towards a common goal. He stresses that this vision should not be based on human wisdom but should be a prophetic vision from God. He cites Proverbs 29:18, which warns of the dangers of lacking such a vision, as people may become directionless and follow their own flawed judgments.

The message then delves into the significance of Acts 1:8, where Jesus instructs His followers to be His witnesses in specific areas. Ken breaks down these areas, starting with Jerusalem, which represents one's immediate surroundings. He challenges the congregation to consider whether their lives reflect the hope and peace found in Jesus to those around them.

Judea is described as the broader region, which for Ken's community could be Ohio. He encourages support for ministries that reach out to this wider area, acknowledging that while these places may not be where one interacts daily, they are still part of the vision.

Samaria represents those who are geographically close but culturally or socially different. Ken highlights the importance of overcoming barriers, whether they be language, economic, or political, to reach out to these communities. He reminds the congregation that God loves all people, regardless of their differences.

The ends of the earth encompass the global mission to spread the Gospel. Ken shares about the church's support for missionaries and ministries both within the United States and internationally. He presents a bold financial goal to support these efforts, emphasizing the collective impact that can be made when resources are pooled together.

Ken also touches on the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be effective witnesses. He explains that without the Holy Spirit's power, the vision cannot be accomplished. The message calls for a sense of desperation for the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.

Furthermore, Ken discusses the practical aspect of love as a verb, requiring action and commitment. He encourages the congregation to actively participate in the vision through prayer, financial support, and personal involvement in ministry efforts.

In conclusion, Ken prays for the congregation, asking for the Holy Spirit's empowerment and for the ability to love with action. He envisions a future where the church makes a significant difference both locally and globally, and he invites the congregation to commit to this vision.

Key Takeaways:

- A God-sized vision is not a human construct but a prophetic vision from God that provides direction and purpose for individuals and communities. It is essential for preventing aimlessness and ensuring that actions align with God's will. [38:09]

- Acts 1:8 serves as a blueprint for outreach, emphasizing the need to be witnesses in one's local community (Jerusalem), broader region (Judea), among those who are different (Samaria), and to the ends of the earth. This comprehensive approach ensures that the message of Jesus reaches every level of society. [41:13]

- The Holy Spirit's empowerment is crucial for fulfilling the vision. Without the Spirit's power, believers cannot be effective witnesses. A sense of desperation for the Holy Spirit's presence is necessary for the church to move forward in unity and strength. [58:47]

- Love in action is a key component of the vision. It goes beyond good intentions and requires tangible steps such as setting goals, committing resources, and engaging in ministry. Love as a verb means actively participating in God's work. [59:17]

- Commitment and unity in pursuing the vision can lead to significant impact. When a community of believers aligns their efforts and resources, they can support ministries and missions effectively, making a difference both locally and globally. [01:00:49]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:8 (NIV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the four specific areas mentioned in Acts 1:8 where Jesus instructs His followers to be witnesses?
2. According to the sermon, what does "Jerusalem" represent in our lives? [46:51]
3. How does Ken DeChant describe the role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the God-sized vision? [56:01]
4. What practical steps does Ken suggest for showing love as a verb? [59:23]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus included "Samaria" in His instructions in Acts 1:8? How does this challenge our comfort zones? [52:09]
2. How does the concept of a "God-sized vision" differ from a vision based on human wisdom, according to Proverbs 29:18? [38:13]
3. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus in your "Jerusalem"? How can this be practically applied in your daily life? [47:25]
4. Why is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit crucial for accomplishing the vision laid out in Acts 1:8? [56:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your immediate surroundings (your "Jerusalem"). How can you be a more effective witness for Jesus in your local community? [47:25]
2. Ken mentioned the importance of supporting ministries in our broader region (Judea). Are there any local or regional ministries you feel called to support? How can you get involved? [48:31]
3. Think about a group of people who are culturally or socially different from you (your "Samaria"). What barriers might you need to overcome to reach out to them? [50:13]
4. The sermon emphasized the need for the Holy Spirit's empowerment. How can you cultivate a sense of desperation for the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? [56:17]
5. Ken talked about love as a verb, requiring action and commitment. Identify one specific action you can take this week to show love in a tangible way. [59:23]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort in pursuing the vision. How can you contribute to fostering unity within your small group or church community? [37:09]
7. Ken set a bold financial goal for supporting global missions. What steps can you take to contribute financially or otherwise to the church's mission efforts? [01:01:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Vision Beyond Human Limits
God calls His people to embrace a vision that transcends human understanding and limitations. This God-sized vision is not a product of human imagination but a divine revelation that gives purpose and direction. It is a prophetic vision that aligns with God's will, guiding individuals and communities towards a future that God has ordained. Without this vision, there is a risk of wandering aimlessly, relying on flawed human judgment rather than the wisdom and guidance of the Creator.

"Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction." - Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)

Reflection: How can you seek and discern God's vision for your life beyond your own understanding and plans?

Day 2: Comprehensive Outreach Blueprint
The call to be witnesses for Christ is not limited to familiar territories but extends to every level of society. This includes the local community, the broader region, those who are culturally or socially different, and even to the farthest reaches of the globe. This blueprint for outreach ensures that the transformative message of Jesus is shared with all, reflecting the inclusive heart of God's mission.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to be a witness for Christ in an area outside of your comfort zone?

Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's empowerment is essential for fulfilling God's vision. It is not by human strength or ability that the vision is accomplished, but by the Spirit's power. Believers are called to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and the ability to be effective witnesses. A deep longing for the Spirit's presence is necessary for the church to advance in unity and purpose.

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." - John 16:13 (NIV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience the Holy Spirit's power more deeply, and how can you open yourself up to His work in you?

Day 4: Love as Action
Love is the driving force behind the vision God gives to His people. It is not merely a feeling or an intention but requires concrete action and commitment. Love in action is demonstrated through setting goals, committing resources, and engaging in ministry. It is an active participation in God's work, showing the world the reality of the Gospel through tangible expressions of care and service.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show God's love through action in your community this week?

Day 5: Unity in Vision Impact
When a community of believers comes together in commitment to God's vision, the impact is significant. By aligning efforts and pooling resources, the church can support ministries and missions effectively, making a difference both locally and globally. Unity in pursuing the vision allows for a collective strength that can accomplish far more than individual efforts.

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe." - Psalm 133:1-2 (NIV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and collective effort of your church community in pursuing God's vision?

Quotes

1) "Without prophetic vision, we're each just kind of do our own thing, and God wants us to be united, moving toward what he has for us." [39:13] (Download)

2) "Our hope is not in political candidates or political parties or the political process. If your hope is in those things, you're going to be so disappointed." [58:17] (Download)

3) "Love requires action. Love requires more than good intentions. It requires setting goals, committing resources, and engaging in ministry." [59:17] (Download)

4) "We believe that Journey Church is poised to make an even greater difference than we've ever made locally all the way to globally." [01:00:19] (Download)

5) "God loves the Samaritans just as much as he loves me. God loves people who vote differently than you just as much as he loves you." [51:59] (Download)

6) "We need the Holy Spirit's power and his strength and his discernment and his wisdom and his help. We need the Holy Spirit." [58:47] (Download)

7) "A vision is simply a picture of the future, and here's the cool thing: the Bible lays out what the 'there' should look like." [37:39] (Download)

8) "Jesus wants you to be a witness right where you are. Do the people around you know that you have a hope and peace with God through Jesus Christ?" [47:47] (Download)

9) "We need to understand that love is a verb. Love requires action, attention, and sometimes even our finances." [59:49] (Download)

10) "We believe that if we will all move toward the same vision together, we can do some significant things." [01:00:49] (Download)

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Transcript
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