Vision Sunday (01-10-21)

INTRODUCTION-. Matthew 21:12-13 We have substituted loose theology for legalism and entertainment for hymns written in Old English we couldn’t sing. We have settled for conversion over maturity and the Christian life seems to be optional as long as there is a Christian decision and a Christian feeling. THE CHRISTIAN WALK– Colossians 2:6-10 Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he. "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing." ~ Martin Luther “Your theology should become your biography.” ~ Tim Hansel WORSHIP– John 4:24, Romans 6:3-4 • • • • If the Christian life is centered around a person bringing God glory, then worship is the means by which God is glorified. Living a lifestyle of worship affects how you work in the workplace, what you do with your time and what you DON’T do with your time. Worship changes the words you speak and it changes the reason why you do anything. Whole-hearted worship doesn’t begin with a feeling. It begins with a choice. We either experience both the death and resurrection or we will miss all of it. Theology must match up with doxology. FASTING– John 4:32-34 • • Fasting was also a part of regular life. The point of fasting was simple: If our lives have less of the world, we make room for more of God. Fasting is an emptying; it is usually a removal of food and sometimes water to demonstrate an attitude of trust and dependence. Fasting 1. 2. 3. 4. Choose what you will abstain from. Know why you are fasting. Allow fasting to create something in you. Ensure you have a purpose and plan. TRANSPARENCY– • This church began on September 20th 2020, so we have been meeting for almost 4 months. Funds: All our funds as of December 31st of this year, total giving is $24,902 Expenses currently: • Software subscriptions for production • Christmas giving to Community Elementary • My Salary ($500 a month, paid from my person tithes) • Music Purchases (iPad repairs, cajon/sticks and stand) • State Registration Fees Year-end Balance (2020): $22,278.95 Live Stream Upgrade • The elders and officers approved roughly a $2k budget for the upgrade. • Livestream should have a better quality and audio will be improved with this upgrade. Elders/Officers • As of today, officially, Jason Washam, Joseph Mason and Frank Cunningham are elders (2-year term). • As of today, officially, Sheila Washam, Sandra Mason and Michelle Ashworth are officers (6-year term). Structure • Elders and officers vote on every major decision. • Elders are ministers serving biblical roles in the church while officers vote from an administrative standpoint. • This is not a pastor-led church. I do not vote for big decisions unless there is a tie. • Officers serve in an administrative position longer to protect the DNA of the church. • Elders have more responsibility, so bringing in new elders every two years spreads the load. Elders can be reappointed after a 2-year break. • We are currently a not for profit and we are working on our 501C3. Future • We should bring in $60k this year if we don’t find a building and don’t grow. • We will tithe 10% back to the community as God directs us to needs in the community. • We will move as God leads. CONCLUSION: Our goal is real Christianity. One that forgives, is longsuffering, growing and maturing. The reality of grace and the responsibility of the Gospel should be present in our lives. We cannot have one without the other. I’m glad this church exists and has started. Let’s be intentional on where we go.