Vision Casting: Looking 4-1

Vision 2019: Looking 4-1 Vision Casting Joel 2:32 Acts 2:21 Introduction: {Begin with explaining "Building Hopeful Lives" as our Mission & the difference with annual Vision.} I. Vision Casting Video A. If you are saved then you understand heaven is your destination, saved from the judging flames of a devil's hell. How much do you appreciate the one who shared the good news of the Gospel with you? a. {Testimony of cousin Paul who took time to minister the Gospel of Christ to me as a boy.} b. April 7, 1974 my life & future changed for eternity. You can have a part of impacting the eternity of those around you. B. Do you know someone who needs to be saved? Is there a family member or friend, maybe a co-worker wandering around hopelessly seeking? a. Anyone you have a relationship with that if they died today you know they would be eternally cast into the Lake of Fire? b. Studies have shown that only 2% of church people will invite friends to come to church, and if asked, 83% of unchurched people would attend church if invited! C. CFWC should look like the places we go... James 5:20 (BIBLE) James 5:20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Joel 2:32And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.   Acts 2:21And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. II. Looking for One Remember the application: One Soul at a Time. James 5:20let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. A. They will Remember Luke 16:19-26 (BIBLE) a. The rich man clothed in purple & fine linen, he lived in luxury; at his gate begging for food was a poor man, covered in sores named Lazarus. When Lazarus died angels carried him to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet table. NOTE: The rich man though he had never met Abraham knew who he was, also take note that Abraham said, "Remember that during your lifetime." b. The rich man was in anguish & torment, he was aware of the unquenchable thirst of his parched mouth & throat, he understood there was no hope to ever be satisfied again. At that point, he got urgent about an evangelistic message - Luke 16:27‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ B. Eternity is Real a. {David’s son became ill & he fasted for seven days for his healing…} 2 Samuel 22:23"But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” b. This child of King David's which died was the child produced from the adulterous act between David & Bathsheba. David exhibits hear the knowledge of the grace & mercy of God. He understood the child was in the presence of the Most High God, full of grace & mercy, though he had broken the Law of God he repented of the sin & knew that he would be reunited again. c. {Gather from this} - Eternity is real. It is forever & once your soul crosses over you are not coming back. The hope you have is to take many family & friends with you. C. Our Assignment a. God placed CFWC in this city 60 years ago. The assignment/vision was originally birthed in the heart of Pastor Norman Butler & after his retirement was picked up by Pastor Charles Bledsoe. Now, almost 16 years ago was passed on to Vicki & I. b. It has never changed, the purpose of the church is to promote, preach, proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ which you heard one day, piercing your heart & convicting of sin. 1. You should never be ashamed to hear the message preached from this pulpit of the destruction which sin brings. In that message is the promise of grace, mercy & forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. 2. The message is Jesus died on a cross - Buried - Rose again & lives forever more. What is Jesus doing right now? He is praying for you! Hebrews 7:25Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. NKJV c. God is not willing for any to perish. He sent His Son, Jesus as a sacrifice for all mankind, all the world - not to condemn, but to seek & save that which was lost. That is the message of salvation. That is the message from this pulpit & from your lips to family & friends. Jesus died, but lives to pray for them to be born again! III. Conclusion A. Looking 4-1 a. What does that mean? It means the Kingdom of God is advanced one person at a time. We don’t consider success to only be by the hundreds or thousands, success is by one life changed at a time. b. Often, Jesus ministered to one single soul. He invested much of His time with His 12 & even His inner circle of three. Lesson learned, invest in those you have relationship with. B. The reason we can do this is because of the resurrection of Christ. - He asks us to: * Repent * Live by Faith * Be Baptized * Be Filled with His Spirit Conclusion: PRESENT THE GOSPEL FOR SALVATION – EVERY WEEK – AND THE NEED TO COME FORWARD IN PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST