Vision: The Catalyst for Transforming Lives Together
Summary
In today's message, I explored the concept of vision and its critical role in driving our actions and decisions, both as individuals and as a church community. I began by drawing parallels between the inventions that have shaped our society, such as the light bulb, the internet, and even AI, and the vision that fueled their creation. These innovations were not just about doing things; they were about making life better and safer, connecting people, and advancing society.
Similarly, at Asbury Church, we are driven by a vision to guide people to wholeheartedly follow Christ and to advance the Kingdom of God at all costs. Our mission is to engage in relationships where Christ transforms lives, and we have a discipleship plan encapsulated in the acronym GROW: Gather in community, Raise up the next generation, be Outward-focused, and Walk with God daily.
I emphasized that while facilities like AC units, heaters, and parking lots are not our vision, they are essential to our mission. They enable us to gather, worship, and carry out our vision without hindrance. I shared the story of Nehemiah, who, upon hearing of Jerusalem's plight, wept, fasted, and prayed before taking action. His vision was not merely to rebuild the walls but to restore worship, community, and identity among God's people.
Nehemiah's approach to the problem was not to act impulsively but to seek God's will and gather support from others. He demonstrated that when God is moving, we must join in, and when we do, we can accomplish what seems impossible. This is the heart of our message at Asbury Church: to join together in rebuilding our "walls" – the necessary structures and systems that support our vision.
Reflecting on the past year, we celebrated the growth and impact of our church, including increased attendance, new families joining, baptisms, and individuals coming to Christ. We also highlighted the tangible outcomes of our mission work, such as donations, volunteer hours, and community outreach.
As we partook in communion, we were reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the grace we receive through His body and blood. This sacrament is a call to remember and to be transformed, to be united with Christ and each other, and to be one in ministry to the world.
In conclusion, I urged the congregation to commit to the hard work of advancing the Kingdom of God, drawing strength from the knowledge that what we do matters and echoes into eternity.
Key Takeaways:
- Vision is the catalyst for transformation. Just as inventors throughout history were driven by a vision to improve life, our church is propelled by the vision to lead people to follow Christ wholeheartedly. This vision shapes our actions and gives purpose to our efforts, ensuring that everything we do aligns with our ultimate goal of advancing God's Kingdom. [28:12]
- The story of Nehemiah teaches us the importance of seeking God's will before taking action. Nehemiah's response to Jerusalem's broken walls was not immediate action but fasting, prayer, and mourning. This teaches us that in our own lives and church endeavors, we must first seek divine guidance to ensure our efforts are in line with God's plans. [36:28]
- Community engagement is not just about building physical structures but fostering spiritual growth and connection. Nehemiah's vision went beyond the physical rebuilding of walls; it was about restoring a sense of worship, community, and identity. Similarly, our church's focus on facilities serves the greater purpose of creating a space where spiritual life can flourish. [40:13]
- The act of communion is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings. As we partake in the bread and wine, we are called to remember Christ's work on the cross, which not only redeems us but also unites us as one body in Christ, committed to serving and expanding His Kingdom together. [57:21]
- Our past achievements and future aspirations are rooted in our faithfulness to God's calling. Reflecting on the growth and impact of our church in the previous year inspires us to continue our mission with renewed vigor. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fruit of our collective commitment to His vision. [51:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:3-4 (ESV) - "And they said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
2. Nehemiah 2:17-18 (ESV) - "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.' And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' So they strengthened their hands for the good work."
3. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) - "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the state of Jerusalem's walls? ([35:50])
2. What specific actions did Nehemiah take before he started rebuilding the walls? ([37:44])
3. How did Nehemiah gather support for his vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem? ([44:28])
4. What are the four components of Asbury Church's discipleship plan encapsulated in the acronym GROW? ([30:01])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Nehemiah weep, mourn, fast, and pray upon hearing about Jerusalem's broken walls? What does this reveal about his character and priorities? ([35:50])
2. How does Nehemiah's approach to rebuilding the walls reflect the importance of seeking God's will before taking action? ([37:44])
3. In what ways does the story of Nehemiah illustrate the importance of community engagement in achieving a shared vision? ([45:07])
4. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to the church community? ([57:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Nehemiah's response to Jerusalem's plight, how can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your decision-making process when faced with a significant challenge? ([37:44])
2. Nehemiah sought support from others to accomplish his vision. Who in your life can you reach out to for support in your spiritual journey or in achieving a God-given vision? ([44:28])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of facilities in supporting the church's mission. How can you contribute to maintaining or improving the physical aspects of your church to ensure they do not hinder the mission? ([32:28])
4. Nehemiah's vision was not just about rebuilding walls but restoring worship, community, and identity. How can you actively participate in fostering spiritual growth and connection within your church community? ([40:13])
5. Reflect on the past year and identify one area where you have seen growth or impact in your church. How can this inspire you to continue contributing to the church's mission with renewed vigor? ([51:23])
6. The act of communion calls us to remember Christ's sacrifice and be united in ministry. How can you live out this unity in your daily interactions with others, both within and outside the church? ([57:21])
7. Nehemiah's story teaches us the importance of not growing weary in doing good. What specific steps can you take to ensure you remain steadfast in your efforts to advance God's Kingdom, even when faced with challenges? ([54:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Vision Ignites Transformative Action
Vision is not merely a dream; it is the blueprint for action that propels us forward. It is the force that drove inventors to create life-changing technologies and it is the same force that drives the church to lead people to Christ. A vision gives purpose to our efforts and ensures that our actions are not aimless but directed towards a meaningful goal. In the context of the church, this vision is to wholeheartedly follow Christ and to advance the Kingdom of God. This vision shapes every decision and action, ensuring that the church's activities are not just busy work but are contributing to a larger, divine purpose. It is the catalyst for transformation within the community and the individual believer's life. [28:12]
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV)
"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: How does your personal vision align with the transformative action of advancing God's Kingdom in your daily life?
Day 2: Divine Guidance Precedes Action
The story of Nehemiah is a powerful example of the importance of seeking God's will before taking action. When faced with the broken walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah did not rush to rebuild; instead, he fasted, prayed, and mourned. This period of seeking divine guidance ensured that his efforts were aligned with God's plans. In our lives and church endeavors, we must emulate Nehemiah's example. Before embarking on any mission, it is crucial to seek God's will to ensure that our actions are not just good intentions but divinely inspired steps towards fulfilling God's purpose for us and our community. [36:28]
Ezra 8:21 (ESV)
"Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods."
Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate fasting and prayer into your decision-making processes to seek God's guidance more earnestly?
Day 3: Building More Than Structures
Community engagement in the church goes beyond the construction of physical spaces; it is about fostering spiritual growth and connection. Nehemiah's vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem included a deeper purpose: restoring worship, community, and identity among God's people. Similarly, the church's investment in facilities like AC units, heaters, and parking lots is not an end in itself but a means to create an environment where spiritual life can thrive. These structures support the vision by removing barriers to worship and fellowship, allowing the church to focus on its mission to transform lives through Christ. [40:13]
Haggai 1:8 (ESV)
"Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the Lord."
Reflection: What physical or structural barriers can you help remove in your church community to foster a better environment for spiritual growth?
Day 4: Communion as a Call to Unity
The act of communion is a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to believers. As the church partakes in the bread and wine, it is a call to remember the work of Christ on the cross, which redeems and unites us as one body in Him. This sacrament is not just a ritual; it is a transformative experience that calls believers to be united with Christ and each other, and to be one in ministry to the world. It is a moment of reflection, transformation, and commitment to the shared mission of expanding His Kingdom. [57:21]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV)
"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you live out the unity symbolized in communion within your church and daily interactions with others?
Day 5: Faithfulness to God's Calling Inspires Future Aspirations
Reflecting on the church's past achievements, such as increased attendance and community impact, inspires a renewed commitment to God's vision. These milestones are a testament to God's faithfulness and the result of the congregation's collective dedication to His calling. As believers look to the future, they are encouraged to continue their mission with vigor, knowing that their hard work and faithfulness have eternal significance and contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. [51:23]
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: What past achievements in your spiritual journey can you celebrate, and how can they motivate you to pursue future aspirations in God's service?
Quotes
1) "We want you to grow; this is what drives us, this is our vision, it is our dream... AC units, heaters, parking lots, landscaping, paint, roof repairs, audio and visual technology... that's not what drives us... But all these things have a way of hindering what drives us though when we're trying to have people wholeheartedly invest their lives into following Christ." [31:51]
2) "The choices we make now determine the stories we tell later on. We want our choices to honor God, to bless others, to impact others positively, we want our choices to echo into eternity... Someone's story that I want to share... is Nehemiah... he is driven by choices... he sees an issue and he wants to do something about it." [33:34]
3) "Nehemiah's vision was to restore worship, His Vision was to restore Community, his vision was to restore identity... How he got there... was simply rebuilding the wall... Here at Asbury we have many different walls that need to be rebuilt... and we are inviting you all to come along and to help us with this hard work." [49:29]
4) "You buy into the vision of us guiding people to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, you buy into our mission of engaging in relationships where Christ transforms, you buy into this idea of growing, of gathering in community, raising up and being outward focused, and Walking with God." [50:46]
5) "We just reflect back upon 2023... we had 38 new families join this church, we had five baptized, we have three people that we know of that said yes to Jesus for the very first time... we've gathered close to 8,000 lbs of food from the garden... we had 131 people participating in an active life group here at Asbury for the first time in a very long time." [51:23]
6) "He gathers them around and this is what he says in Nehemiah 2:17-18... 'You see the trouble we are in... come let us build the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer suffer derision.'... He's drawing attention not necessarily to the wall... but he's also calling them in... we are in trouble, we need to take this serious guys." [45:07]
7) "He has this holy discomfort... he knows he has to move... he prays to God and he says if you're not with me none of this is going to even happen... he goes before King Artaxerxes... and the king is favorable... what I want to do is actually possible... his vision to restore worship because it's not really happening, he has a vision to restore Community." [39:03]
8) "As we look at this table, this isn't my table, this isn't even Asbury's table, it's God's table and he welcomes everybody who says yes to him to follow him... as we draw near as this is our time to remember and to receive the grace that God gives us through this bread and through this juice." [56:43]
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