Vision Sunday

Vision introduction

What is it and from where does it come?

Vision has purpose and it has a mission. All of our missions are based on our purpose. If our purpose is to glorify the Lord then our mission (i.e. what we do and and how we live) is based completely on that.

Excellence

In the world in which we live today, excellence is an extreme. “Good Enough” seems to be the slogan most of us use when we are drifting aimlessly. Excellence according to the Bible is not just about great work but is the theme of which greatness consists. “The verb to ‘excel’ occurs 13 times in AV, translating just as many different Heb. and Gr. words, but always distinctly with the sense of ‘be pre-eminent over others,’ ‘surpass.’”[1] Both excellence and excellent come from this verb, and are seen in many different Scriptural contexts. Each time any of these are used it is describing someone or something that is surpassing or above another

[1] Hastings, J. (1911–1912). EXCELLENCY. In J. Hastings, J. A. Selbie, A. B. Davidson, S. R. Driver, & H. B. Swete (Eds.), A Dictionary of the Bible: Dealing with Its Language, Literature, and Contents Including the Biblical Theology (Vol. 1, p. 799). New York; Edinburgh: Charles Scribner’s Sons; T. & T. Clark.

Psalm 8:1 AV 1873

1 O Lord our Lord, How excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

His mere name is to be praised for its excellence.

Psalm 148:13 AV 1873

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: For his name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.

Connecting, Growing and Serving?

Knowing Christ more causes us to connect with the lost more. It causes us to want to grow together spiritually. It also spurs us forward in serving anyone we can, just as Christ willing laid down His life in service for us.

Philippians 3:7–8 AV 1873

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Philippians 3:7–11 AV 1873

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

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Nothing in the mind of Paul was more exciting than just knowing Christ. Knowing Christ, by His grace (

Nothing in the mind of Paul was more exciting than just knowing Christ. Knowing Christ, by His grace (), was the far surpassing, pre-eminently enormous accomplishment of Paul’s life.

1 Corinthians 10:31 AV 1873

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Rather than just focusing effort on type of dress or way of talking, excellence is shaped around who we are in the service of the King.

The concept of excellence is simple and enormous. The Christian businessman and the Christian carpenter have one thing in common. They have the excellence of Christ to emulate. Everything we do is for the glory of God (), so we must do those things His way if we seek to give Him glory through them. We must live and work for the all surpassing, pre-eminent over all, God and therefore the quality of what we have to offer should be equivalent.

Philippians 3:12–14 AV 1873

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I can never rest on what I have done. I must always be reaching forward to the next step of a deeper relationship with Christ and service to Him. In the matter of service, we cannot be right with God and be selfish in our service. If the whole church served like you serve, where would we be?

Unity is the key to ministry excellence.

Philippians 3:15–16 AV 1873

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

If the whole church had your attitude on unity, where would we be?

Phil. 3:15-

Being on Mission is vital to us. So what is that Mission:

Be seeking Lord through His Word and Prayer.

Be intentional about making more and better disciples.

Be humble and selfless people who love God.

Be set on the foundation of Biblical principles and commited to communicating those principles through relevant and regular Bible Preaching and Teaching.

Be living by faith and contentment on what God is doing, both for our good and for His glory.

Be caring and compassionate stewards of the resources with which God has entrust us.

Follow those who seek unity and singleness of purpose. Avoid those who seek destruction, disunity and subversion, because the God of excellence is watching.

Philippians 3:7–20 AV 1873

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Philippians 3:17–20 AV 1873

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

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Fear is real, but peace if found only in the grace that Christ supplies.

Phil. 4:4-

Philippians 4:4–8 AV 1873

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Rejoice in all God’s goodness and be gentle before the Lord’s coming.

Philippians 4:4–5 AV 1873

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

In addition to joy, believers are to have gentleness, which is to be evident to all. Epieikes (“gentleness”) suggests a forebearing, nonretaliatory spirit. Joy, an inner quality in relation to circumstances, may not always be seen; but the way one reacts to others—whether in gentleness or harshness—will be noticed. Why be gentle? Because the Lord is near. This probably refers to the Rapture, not to His presence with His own at all times.

Rejoice in God, but also in the fact that Christ is returning make sure all know Him through your gentle nature. “Moderation” is really gentleness .

Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 663). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Eliminate worry by giving those things to the Lord in prayer.

Phil. 4:6-

Philippians 4:6–7 AV 1873

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Focus on the good stuff.

Philippians 4:8–9 AV 1873

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:8 AV 1873

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Key Vision Points

Connecting, Growing and Serving is what we do, not a catchy gimmick phrase.

Teach through KMBC Ministry Philosophy as a church.

Streamline ministries to make serving in them a joy and not a hassle.

Scripture Ministry building.

Put the ministry in an area that makes best sense for loading and unloading.

Be sure the ministry is in an area where those who serve in it can easily serve in it.

Invest in an area and tools to make that ministry function with simplicity.

Kids ministries.

Classrooms that are clean, organized and kid friendly.

Supplies and support that help the teachers fulfil their tasks.

Practical Scripture memory program.

Maintain a simple ministry format aligning all ministries under the Connect, Grow and Serve purpose statement.

Maintain a simple ministry format aligning all ministries under the Connect, Grow and Serve purpose statement.

Begin a teenage student ministry.

Compassion for the needy and hurting is a hallmark of who we are.

We are seeking ways to be more involved in serving those in need in our area.

Reaching 5 new families this year.