0803 Church Vision

Acts 10:9

Humor: “Why do I always have to make the coffee?” “because you are the wife, that’s your job” Well bible does not say that, it says its mans job. Where. Godly women replied, “Hebrews”

An 80 year-old woman was recently married to her 4th husband. A reporter questioned the occupation of her newly acquired husband. She replied that he owned a funeral home. Curious about the other husbands, the reporter also asked about their occupations. The woman paused for a while and stated that her first husband was a banker. The second one she was madly in love with and he was a circus master. The third one was a minister. Puzzled by her answers, he replied, “None of these people have anything in common! Why did you marry these?” She stated that she married number one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go.

Vision is picture of future that produces passion in people

People without vision perish, vision without people also will perish

The greatest tragedies in life are people who have sight, but no vision - Helen Keller

Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world - Nelson Mendela

If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you Steve Jobs

1. You can't go further than your vision

[Vision was so massive that Peter said “No, Lord” “I have never”]

Adam was given that mandate Gen.1:28, Noah was given that assignment Gen.9:1, Tower of Babel Gen.11:1, Abraham was chosen Gen.22:15-18, Jesus had Jew and Gentiles, first worshippers wise men, angels say salvation for all people, Luke 2:22 light to gentiles, He became angry when temple was not used as prayer for all nations, parables are kingdom for all people groups, go make disciples of all nations. Mt.24:14.

500 verses in the Bible about God’s desire for all nations to come to know Him.

86% of all Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists do not know a Christian. Only 10% of Muslims in Asia know a Christian, whereas 67% of Muslims in North America know a Christian. Only 13% of all Muslims worldwide personally know a Christian.

2. Vision can go as far as prayer takes it

[Prayer is where vision is born and prayer is where vision is birthed]

Sozo is greek word for salvation. It means to save, to deliver, to protect, to preserve, to rescue from danger.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save (sozo) His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well (sozo).” Matthew 9:22

“They also who had seen it told them by what means he who had been demon-possessed was healed (sozo).” Luke 8:36

Man is triune being. Sin effected all aspects of his being so is salvation.

Ask for leaves of bread (Luke 11:5-8) Prayer does not produce, it transports it.

Prodigal son remember bread, Naomi heard about bread, Joseph gave bread, Jesus I am bread of Life.

3. Vision is for the nations but the method is home groups.

“And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelious was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends.” Acts 10:24

For the first 300 years of early Christianity, people met in homes until Constantine legalized Christianity, and the assembly moved out of houses into larger buildings creating the current style church seen today.

Built in 230 AD, Saint Georgeous is believed to be the oldest “proper” church in the world. Archaeologists say they have evidence suggesting the church sheltered the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ. According to experts, the 70 fled from Jerusalem during the persecution of Christians

“Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.” Col.4:15

"The churches of Asia greet you, especially Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, along with the church that is in their house." I Cor 16:19.

Cornelius was group leader. Peter is the material. Holy Spirit did miracles. Saved and baptized.

The great commission is to disciple nations, not just to gather crowds. (Matthew 28:19)

Graphic of map and of group leaders!

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