Vision

Many are calling for a fresh Vision for their church. Folks want an exciting new dream to pursue on behalf of the Lord. Churches can become like products that compete for customers and seek to gain market share with rapid expansion. I have been reading the early chapters of the book of Acts. If ever there was a time for Vision this was it. The infant Church has lost its Head, as Jesus has resurrected and now ascended to Heaven. They are the ones who remain to carry the torch and spread the news of forgiveness through faith. So what is the Vision that plays out in those early chapters? We see the Apostles, especially Peter and John, laying their lives on the line before the chief priests who had just condemned Jesus. Having performed a miracle healing of a lame man, they were brought before the counsel of priests and were thrown in prison. But they were set free when the priests saw that thousands had already believed their testimony. The Vision of the Apostles was obedience to Jesus, to never stop sharing the Gospel and never stop ministering and touching others in His name, regardless of the price that might be paid. I believe that the Vision is the same for us today. We need to be prepared for two things: to boldly live out our faith in word and deed and to be prepared for (a) the blessing of God and (b) the opposition of Satan. The Vision of the Church walks the edge of the line between life and death. But we should be more than excited by this Vision...we should be full of hope. For we know how the Vision will ultimately be fulfilled.

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Acts 4:13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.

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blessings,

Rob Smith