Vision Forward: Embracing God's Purpose and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series on "Vision Forward," focusing on the four pillars of our vision: connecting people to God, family, purpose, and community. We began by reflecting on Proverbs 29:18, emphasizing the importance of having a God-given vision for our lives. Without vision, people perish, but those who keep God's law are blessed. We also revisited the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, particularly the church in Philadelphia, which was commended for its faithfulness. This serves as a reminder that while we have been faithful, we must continue to obey God to reach the next level.
We discussed the significance of the "key" mentioned in Revelation, symbolizing both authority and access. God has closed certain doors but has also opened a significant one for us, and we must be prepared to walk through it. This involves not getting too comfortable but being ready for greater challenges and opportunities.
We then moved on to the third pillar: multiplying connect groups. The early church had a daily experience with God, not just a Sunday-only relationship. They met in homes and public places, sharing their faith and experiencing God's favor. We aim to replicate this by expanding our connect groups, making them infinitely expandable and geographically unlimited. This approach promotes good stewardship and fosters relationships, allowing us to reach people globally.
Finally, we touched on the need to enlarge our vision of God. We must think bigger and trust God for greater things, including schools, warehouses, and affordable housing. We need to be less dependent on the government and more reliant on God. This also involves marketplace ministry, where we keep our resources within the community to build each other up.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Vision: Proverbs 29:18 teaches us that without a God-given vision, people perish. This vision should come from God and His Word, guiding us in our personal and communal lives. Keeping God's law brings blessings, happiness, and fortune. [01:27]
2. Faithfulness and Obedience: The church in Philadelphia was commended for its faithfulness, but to reach the next level, further obedience is required. God has given us authority and access, symbolized by the "key," and we must be ready to walk through the doors He opens, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. [02:42]
3. Daily Experience with God: The early church had a daily relationship with God, meeting in homes and public places. This daily commitment brought them favor and allowed God to add to their numbers daily. We must move beyond a Sunday-only faith and integrate God into every aspect of our lives. [08:46]
4. Enlarging Our Vision of God: We often think too small because we see God too small. We need to trust God for bigger things, such as schools, warehouses, and affordable housing. This involves being less dependent on the government and more reliant on God, fostering a community that supports each other. [21:44]
5. Marketplace Ministry: We need to keep our resources within the community to build each other up. This involves creating a marketplace ministry where our resources circulate within the body of Christ, supporting each other and building a stronger, self-sufficient community. [46:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - The Importance of Vision
[02:42] - Faithfulness and Obedience
[04:00] - Authority and Access
[08:46] - Daily Experience with God
[10:37] - Multiplying Connect Groups
[12:29] - Infinitely Expandable and Geographically Unlimited
[14:26] - Good Stewardship and Relationships
[16:06] - The Role of Connect Groups
[19:26] - Living Out Loud for God
[21:44] - Enlarging Our Vision of God
[23:37] - Facing Opposition with Boldness
[25:28] - Making God Bigger Than Our Problems
[28:36] - Praying for Boldness and Signs
[30:10] - Operating in Signs and Wonders
[31:38] - Healing and Miracles
[34:30] - Being Ready to Minister
[36:19] - Building Church God's Way
[37:48] - Knowing God for Yourself
[39:21] - Taking Authority Over the Enemy
[40:52] - Revelation Knowledge
[42:47] - Building People, Not Buildings
[44:49] - Access and Authority
[46:36] - Marketplace Ministry
[48:49] - Permitting and Binding
[50:56] - Worship and Authority
[52:25] - Invitations to Salvation and Rededication
[54:43] - Responding to the Holy Spirit
[57:11] - Prayer for Online Viewers
[59:06] - Tithes and Offering Time
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 29:18 (NIV): "Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction."
2. Revelation 3:7-8 (NIV): "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
3. Acts 2:46-47 (NIV): "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 29:18, what happens to people when there is no vision? How does this relate to the importance of having a God-given vision? [01:27]
2. In Revelation 3:7-8, what does the "key" symbolize, and what does it mean for the church in Philadelphia? [02:42]
3. How did the early church in Acts 2:46-47 experience God daily, and what was the result of their daily commitment? [08:46]
4. What are the four pillars of the "Vision Forward" series mentioned in the sermon? [00:00]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does having a God-given vision impact both personal and communal life according to Proverbs 29:18? Why is it important to keep God's law? [01:27]
2. What does the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia teach us about obedience and readiness to walk through the doors God opens? [02:42]
3. Why is it significant that the early church met daily and not just on Sundays? How can this model be applied to modern-day connect groups? [08:46]
4. What does it mean to enlarge our vision of God, and why is it important to think bigger and trust God for greater things? [21:44]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal vision. Is it aligned with a God-given vision? How can you ensure that your vision is guided by God's Word? [01:27]
2. The church in Philadelphia was commended for its faithfulness. Are there areas in your life where you need to step out of your comfort zone to obey God more fully? [02:42]
3. The early church had a daily experience with God. How can you integrate a daily commitment to God in your life beyond just attending Sunday services? [08:46]
4. Think about the concept of multiplying connect groups. How can you contribute to expanding your church's reach through small groups or other means? [10:37]
5. Enlarge your vision of God. What are some specific, bigger things you can trust God for in your life and community? How can you be less dependent on external sources and more reliant on God? [21:44]
6. Marketplace ministry involves keeping resources within the community. How can you support and build up your church community through your resources and talents? [46:36]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a light in your school, job, or neighborhood. What practical steps can you take to live out your faith boldly in these areas? [17:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of a God-Given Vision
Without a vision from God, people lack direction and purpose. Proverbs 29:18 emphasizes the necessity of having a God-given vision to guide our lives. This vision should be rooted in God's Word, providing a clear path for both personal and communal growth. When we align our lives with God's law, we experience blessings, happiness, and fortune. A God-given vision helps us navigate life's challenges and keeps us focused on our ultimate purpose.
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV): "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: What specific vision has God placed on your heart for your life? How can you align your daily actions with this vision today? [01:27]
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith and Obedience
The church in Philadelphia was commended for its faithfulness, but to reach the next level, further obedience is required. God has given us authority and access, symbolized by the "key," and we must be ready to walk through the doors He opens, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. This involves trusting God and being willing to face new challenges and opportunities with courage and faith.
Revelation 3:8 (ESV): "I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a step of obedience today? [02:42]
Day 3: Cultivating a Daily Relationship with God
The early church had a daily relationship with God, meeting in homes and public places. This daily commitment brought them favor and allowed God to add to their numbers daily. We must move beyond a Sunday-only faith and integrate God into every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we create a vibrant, living faith that impacts our communities and draws others to Christ.
Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): "And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Reflection: How can you incorporate a daily practice of meeting with God into your routine? What specific steps can you take to make your faith a daily experience? [08:46]
Day 4: Expanding Our Vision of God
We often think too small because we see God too small. We need to trust God for bigger things, such as schools, warehouses, and affordable housing. This involves being less dependent on the government and more reliant on God, fostering a community that supports each other. By enlarging our vision of God, we open ourselves to greater possibilities and opportunities for His work in our lives and communities.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you been limiting God? How can you begin to trust Him for greater things today? [21:44]
Day 5: Building a Marketplace Ministry
We need to keep our resources within the community to build each other up. This involves creating a marketplace ministry where our resources circulate within the body of Christ, supporting each other and building a stronger, self-sufficient community. By doing so, we foster economic stability and mutual support, reflecting the early church's model of communal living and resource sharing.
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a marketplace ministry within your community? What resources or skills can you offer to support others in the body of Christ? [46:36]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How many know you need to have a vision for your personal life as well right and that vision should come from God and from the word of God. So where there's no vision no redemptive revelation of God the people perish but he who keeps the law of God which includes that of man blessed happy and fortunate and enviable is he." [01:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what God was speaking to me and then all of a sudden everything shifted in a different direction there is one door that God's opening for us that we must be ready and prepared to walk through it's big now if I can just be transparent I just got I had gotten comfortable I mean it was nice to own the building and and uh I mean when you get there you just want to do what relax a little bit right because of what it took to get here you want to enjoy that for a little while right but how many know that's not God it gets you there so that you can get there and then usually it's going to be something greater than what you just achieved and so I understand it God didn't want me to get comfortable so if you're comfortable right now God might be getting ready to shake up some things in your life somebody said go ahead and shake it up God amen" [04:00] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So they have favor with all of of people, watch this, and the Lord added to the church on Sunday those who were being saved. How often? See, today the pastor is the only one that's getting people saved. That's too slow. Come on, don't leave me out here by myself. What the people are saying is, go pastor, go pastor, get them pastor, get them pastor. And what God is saying is, get up out of your seat, be a Christian on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and every time you come in contact with people who don't know me, people who need healing, people who need a touch from God, introduce me to them wherever you are and see if I don't come in and show up and show out on your behalf." [10:37] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to enlarge our vision of God. We need schools. we can't just keep sending our schools, our kids in environments where God is not embraced. Come on, Linked Up Academy. Come on in here, Linked Up Academy. Come on in here, Linked Up Academy. Come on in here, Linked Up Academy. We need warehouses with stuff in them. So when the body of Christ needs help, there's a place that they can go to to get it. Come on, with refrigerators and dryers and furniture. Come on, somebody. And clothes. Come on, somebody. I said we need to enlarge our vision of God. We need to build homes. We need to build communities. We need to create affordable housing." [21:44] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We got to stop being scared of what we believe. Come on, we got to stop being closet Christians. Everybody else coming out, we need to come out too. Oh, Lord. Oh, you starting something, pastor. Come on, everybody else coming out. Come on, we need to come out too. Come on, instead of having a whole month, we need to just celebrate all year long. God month. Come on, we need to come out too. Come on, you, God year. Take pride in your relationship with God and put him on display so that the whole world can see how powerful and how great he is." [19:26] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So, essentially what the apostles were saying here, God, there are rulers and there are leaders. And there are people that are against you, but you're in control. Notice they never said they were against them. They said, Jesus, God, they're against you. Stop personalizing stuff. But you're in control. You're the sovereign Lord. You made everything in heaven and on earth. we are children of the King. Somebody say, I'm a child of the King. We're on the winning side. Somebody say, I'm a winner. We've read the last chapter and we know how it's going to end. Jesus Christ has broken our chains. And Jesus says in the Bible, may we never forget this, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." [36:19] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, Jesus answered and said to him, blessed are you, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you. And that's called revelation knowledge. That's called vision, folks. At some point, you've got to have revelation from God about what's going on in your life. And that's called vision, folks. You cannot live off of my revelation. You cannot live off of another man's revelation. You've got to go to God, get in the Word of God, pray to God. Come on, get on your knees and pray until God reveals to you what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, and how you're supposed to do it. Because when God reveals it to you, can't no man take it away from you. Come on, if God shows it to you, there's nothing anybody can do to stop you from doing it. Because man didn't give it to you, and man can't take it away from you." [40:52] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So, Jesus answered and said to him, blessed are you, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that now you are Peter. Petros. And on this rock, revelation. I will build whose church? You see that M is capitalized, don't you? Whose church is it? It's not, see, this is where pastors get off. It's not my church. It's his church. And see, this is what he's been showing me, right? So, a lot of times, their identity becomes in the building. And they start, beating their chest. Look at what I've done. Look at what I built. This is my building. When in reality, folks, the church is not a building. The church is an ecclesia. It's a called out group of building. This is just a building, folks. You're the church." [42:47] (176 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So, what you've got to understand is what's happening in your life, you're allowing it. I'll come down off of this stage. It's not Satan. It's what you're allowing. You're permitting that. And until you stop permitting it, it will continue to exist. God said, I've given you access and I've given you authority. So folks, we can't be afraid to rock the boat because if Jesus is the captain of the boat, we're going to get to the other side. We must magnify our vision of God." [46:36] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, they said, some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. And He said to them, but who do you say I am? See, folks, the day is going to come where you're going to have to stop saying, the pastor said. I listened to such and such, and they said. I went to this conference, and they, at some point, you've got to know Him for yourself. I said, let me try this out. I said, at some point, you've got to know Him for yourself. Because life is going to happen to you, and prophets such and such is not going to be around. Pastors such and such is not going to be around. Come on, you cannot call them because they're not going to answer the phone. Come on, somebody. And there's going to come a time where it's going to be you and your relationship with God. And who are you saying He is in that moment? It's what's going to matter." [37:48] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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