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
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