The Vision on Fire

Devotional

Day 1: The Fire of the Holy Spirit: Presence, Prompting, and Purpose

The fire of the Holy Spirit is not just a symbol, but the very presence of God indwelling every believer, bringing with it the promptings of God, the revelation of His plans, and the calling to a unique purpose and place in His kingdom. When you open your heart to the Spirit, you are invited into a journey where God’s presence leads you, His promptings guide you, and His plans unfold your specific calling, empowering you to pour out His love and power to others. The fire is not just for a select few; it rests on each one who is willing to receive, surrender, and serve, igniting a life that burns brightly for God and His people. [21:22]

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV)
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God prompting you to step out in faith or service, and how can you intentionally make space to listen for His voice this week?

Day 2: Setting the Sail: Blessing, Peace, and the Miraculous

When you set your sail to catch the wind of the Spirit, you position yourself for the blessings and favor of God, peace in the midst of storms, and the experience of the miraculous—even when circumstances seem impossible. Just as the disciples saw overflowing provision, great calm in chaos, and the impossible made possible when they obeyed Jesus’ call, so too can you experience God’s abundance, stability, and supernatural power when you surrender your life and direction to Him. Setting your sail is an act of trust and surrender, inviting God to move you where He wills and to do what only He can do. [18:39]

Luke 5:1-7 (ESV)
On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Reflection: Where do you need to “set your sail” and trust God’s direction, even if it means letting go of your own plans or comfort?

Day 3: The Invitation: Jesus Calls You to Follow and Belong

Jesus’ invitation is simple yet profound: “Come, follow me.” This call is extended to all—disciples, the weary, the thirsty, the sinner, the child—and it is an invitation to leave behind comfort, convenience, and self-reliance in order to step into a life of true discipleship and community. Responding to Jesus’ invitation means embracing both the cost and the joy of following Him, joining with others in authentic relationships, and allowing Him to shape you into a disciple and a disciplemaker. The invitation is open today; will you answer and step into deeper fellowship with Christ and His people? [38:46]

Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Reflection: What is one “net” you need to leave behind in order to more fully respond to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him and engage in deeper community?

Day 4: The Power of Community: Meeting in Homes and the Temple

The early church was marked by a rhythm of gathering both in the temple and in homes, sharing life, meals, worship, and generosity with great joy. This design is not just historical but a directive for the church today: to be a people who meet together in large gatherings and in small groups, where authentic relationships, spiritual growth, and mutual encouragement flourish. God’s dream for His church is realized when we move from spectators to participants, from isolated believers to connected disciples, finding our place and purpose in the body of Christ. [40:43]

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 take a practical step this week to connect more deeply with others in your church family, whether through a small group, serving, or sharing a meal?

Day 5: From Receiving to Giving: Finding Your Place to Serve

The journey of faith is not just about receiving from God, but about discovering your unique place and position to serve and pour out His Spirit to others. Moving from being a spectator to a participant, from a believer to a disciple, means embracing the call to serve in God’s house and beyond, using your gifts and passions as acts of worship. When you step into your God-given role, you become a vessel through which God’s presence, power, and love flow to bless the church and the world. [36:46]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: What is one way you can move from receiving to giving this week—using your gifts, time, or resources to serve someone in your church or community?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family, celebrating the growth and vibrancy of our church community. We were reminded of the importance of making room for others, both literally in our seats and figuratively in our hearts, as we continue to welcome new faces and serve one another with love and humility. Our acts of generosity—whether through tithes, offerings, or the Christmas hamper outreach—are not about recognition, but about embodying Christ’s love to our community.

We reflected on the vision of our church, captured in the phrase “Catch the Wind, Set Your Sail.” This vision is not just a slogan, but a spiritual key that unlocks our participation in God’s movement. The “wind” represents the work of the Holy Spirit, always active in our midst—on Sundays, during outreach, in prayer meetings, and through every ministry. The “sail” is our response: our willingness to position ourselves, to surrender, and to participate in what God is doing.

Through the imagery of boats in the Gospels, we saw that when we set our sail—when we align ourselves with God’s purposes—we experience His favor, peace in the storm, and even the miraculous. The fire of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s presence, is not just for a select few but for each believer. This fire is God’s presence, His promptings, His plans, and His unique purpose for every individual. Each of us is called to discover and live out our flame, our place and position in God’s house, pouring out what He has given us for the benefit of others.

We explored practical ways to engage: connecting to Christ and church life, staying tuned to God’s promptings, and moving from receiving to giving. The church website serves as a tool to help us connect, reflect, dig deeper, and find our place to serve. But beyond tools and programs, there is a divine invitation—Jesus calls each of us to “come,” to move from being spectators to participants, from believers to disciples willing to pay the cost.

We were challenged to consider our involvement in connect groups, recognizing that while there is a cost, there is also a greater reward: community, growth, and the opportunity to become disciple-makers. Every God-given dream may face challenges, but deliverance and fulfillment are found in Christ. Today, we are invited to surrender afresh, to set our sails, and to let the wind of the Spirit carry us into God’s purposes.

Key Takeaways

1. Set Your Sail to Experience God’s Favor When we intentionally align ourselves with God’s movement—setting our sail to catch the wind of the Spirit—we open our lives to His favor and blessing. This is not passive waiting, but an active, faith-filled response to God’s invitation. The miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5 reminds us that obedience positions us for overflow, even when circumstances seem unpromising. [16:05]
2. The Fire is God’s Presence and Purpose The fire of the Holy Spirit is more than an emotional experience; it is the indwelling presence of God that brings His promptings, reveals His plans, and calls us to a unique purpose. Each believer’s flame is distinct, and discovering it requires time in God’s presence and a willingness to respond to His voice. Our purpose is not generic—it is specific, and it is meant to be lived out in a particular place and position within the body. [23:22]
3. Move from Receiving to Giving Spiritual maturity is marked by a shift from being a consumer to a contributor. While it is vital to receive from God and the community, true growth happens when we pour out what we have received. Serving, whether through practical roles or spiritual gifts, is an act of worship and a means by which God’s Spirit flows through us to others. This transition is essential for both personal fulfillment and the health of the church. [35:29]
4. Embrace the Cost and Reward of Discipleship Following Jesus and engaging deeply in community—such as through connect groups—comes with a cost. It may challenge our comfort and convenience, but it is the path to true discipleship and transformation. Jesus Himself modeled and invited us into this kind of committed community, where we not only grow but also become disciple-makers. The cost is real, but so is the reward: deeper relationships, spiritual growth, and participation in God’s dreams. [42:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Seating and Ushers: Making Room
[01:53] - Service Times and Double Portion
[02:32] - Gratitude for the Church Family
[03:11] - Tithes, Offerings, and Prayer
[04:26] - Bulletin, Website, and QR Code
[05:38] - Christmas Hamper Outreach
[06:52] - Upcoming Events and Special Guests
[09:36] - Remembering Brian Gilbert
[11:31] - Introduction to the Vision: Catch the Wind
[13:33] - The Wind and the Sail: God’s Work and Our Response
[15:27] - Three Boat Stories: Blessing, Peace, and the Miraculous
[19:17] - The Fire: Presence, Promptings, and Purpose
[24:01] - The Fire Demonstrated in Our Church
[27:49] - Website Orientation: Connecting and Reflecting
[35:29] - From Receiving to Giving: Lighting the Fire
[37:29] - The Invitation: Come and Follow
[40:04] - Connect Groups: DNA of the Church
[45:57] - Surrender and Response in Worship
[55:20] - Closing Blessing and Fellowship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:1-4 (ESV) — > When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Luke 5:1-11 (ESV) — > (Excerpted) And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking... And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

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.

Observation Questions

In Acts 2:1-4, what are the two main signs that accompany the coming of the Holy Spirit? How are these signs described?
According to Luke 5:1-11, what was Peter’s response when Jesus told him to let down the nets, and what was the result?
In Acts 2:46-47, what two places did the early church gather, and what was the result of their community life?
The sermon described the “wind” and the “sail” as two sides of the church’s vision. What does each represent? ([13:33])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon said, “The wind is the Holy Spirit. The sail is our response.” What does it mean for a believer to “set their sail” in practical terms? ([13:33])
The fire at Pentecost was described as “God’s presence, His promptings, His plans, and His unique purpose for every individual.” How might someone discover their unique “flame” or purpose in the church? ([23:22])
The miraculous catch in Luke 5 happened after a night of failure. What does this story teach about obedience and God’s timing, especially when circumstances seem unpromising? ([16:05])
The early church met both in the temple and in homes. Why do you think both large gatherings and small groups were important for their growth and health? ([40:43])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “make room” for others, both in our seats and in our hearts. Is there a practical way you can make space for someone new in your life or in our church community this week? ([01:18])
When was the last time you sensed a prompting from the Holy Spirit? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? If you struggle to recognize God’s promptings, what could help you become more attentive? ([22:01])
The vision “Catch the Wind, Set Your Sail” calls us to move from being spectators to participants. What is one area in church life where you feel God might be inviting you to get more involved? What’s holding you back? ([36:46])
The sermon said, “Spiritual maturity is marked by a shift from being a consumer to a contributor.” In what ways are you currently contributing to the life of the church? Is there a new way you could serve or give? ([35:29])
Connect groups were described as both costly and rewarding. What are some real challenges you face in joining or committing to a small group? What could be the potential rewards if you push through those challenges? ([42:03])
The fire of the Holy Spirit is not just for a select few, but for every believer. What is one gift, talent, or passion you have that could be used to bless others in the church or community? ([24:42])
The sermon mentioned that every God-given dream faces challenges, but deliverance and fulfillment are found in Christ. Is there a dream or calling you feel God has placed on your heart that you’ve set aside? What would it look like to “set your sail” toward that dream again? ([45:20])

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