Refocus: Vision various texts

Refocus: Vision

Various Texts

 

•      As Jesus’ Church we are called to be something more than simply a collection of believers

•      We are called to be and build God’s kingdom in this world

•      And stand as a witness for Christ in the world

o   The light in the dark (Matt. 5:14-16)

•      God gives us vision to keep us on task (Pro. 29:18)

 

The Need to Refocus

•      We know who we are called to be

•      Every time God calls His people to something

o   He needs to remind them of that calling

o   Because we are forgetful

•      The Israelites needed this reminding constantly

o   Thus, God gave them feasts, symbols, and instructions

•      Feasts: Annual reminders of God’s promises and actions

•      Ex.) Passover (Ex. 12:14ff), Tabernacles, Pentecost (Duet. 16), The Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:27-32), etc.

•      Symbols: Stones of Remembrance (Josh. 4:6-7), Phylacteries (Deut. 6:8; Matt. 23:5), the Temple, etc.

•      Instructions: The Law as central to life (Deut. 6)

•      When the Israelites struggled most was when the Law was least central in their lives

•      The Church needs reminders too

o   Feasts: The Lord’s Supper (1Co 10:16)

•      Easter, Christmas, etc.

o   Symbols: The Cross, Baptism, etc.

o   Instructions: The centrality of Scripture to the life of the Church

•      When the Church struggles most is when the Word is least central in our lives

 

What We’ve Been Lacking

•      But these things alone are not enough

o   We must make a point to be intentional about living out God’s calling on our lives

•      Last week we looked at how we are unfocused

o   This is not necessarily due to a lack of knowledge in these areas

•      Though it may be for some of us

o   But rather, a lack of intentionality to practice these areas of our life together

 

Our Vision

We seek to be a community of loving, praying disciples of Jesus Christ where:

•      The Lost are reached through relationships (Evangelism)

•      The Word is faithfully proclaimed and Christ is glorified (Worship)

•      The Body is edified through intentional training (Discipleship)

•      Our lives, hurts, struggles, and victories are shared with one another (Fellowship)

•      Christ is shown to our community through our intentional acts of love (Service)

 

So What?

•      Let’s get refocused on what we are called to be

o   Keeping His vision for His Church before us at all times

•      This is God’s work in and through us

 

Meditation Verse: Matthew 5:14-16