Pastor Matt kicks off a new ministry year with this special vision weekend message.
SERMON OUTLINE
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Starting with a Vision of Jesus (Colossians 1:15-20)
- Revelation of God (Colossians 1:15, 19)
- Center of Creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
- Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)
- Savior and Reconciler (Colossians 1:20)
A Particular Vision for Our Church (Mark 12:29-31; Matthew 28:18-20)
- “To proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ in the city and in the world.”
- The Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31)
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)
6 Priorities for Our Particular Vision
- Becoming a disciple-making church (Matthew 28:19).
- Growing as a praying church (Ephesians 6:18).
- Making an impact in our city and neighborhood (Jeremiah 29:7).
- Mobilizing the whole church to join God’s global mission (Acts 1:8).
- Empowering the next generation to follow Jesus Christ (Psalm 145:4).
- Multiplying at every level: disciples, ministry leaders and churches (2 Timothy 2:2).
Two Areas of Focus this Year
- Deep – Growing in our Faith
- Wide – Sharing our Faith
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is your aim or vision for life?
- This weekend at Eastbrook we are talking about our vision for the year ahead. There are a lot of Scripture passages which we will look study, but it all begins with our vision of Jesus. Read Colossians 1:18-23 aloud after you have asked God to speak to you through this study.
- Colossians 1:18-20 provides one of the most powerful descriptions of Jesus within Paul’s letters. Take a few moments to list the descriptions of Jesus found in these verses. Based on these descriptions, what do we know about who Jesus is and His role in the universe and church?
- Moving from these words about Jesus, Paul goes on in Colossians 1:21-23 to describe what Jesus has done for us. Put into your own words what Paul is saying about Jesus’ actions for us.
- The vision of Jesus moves us toward having a specific vision for our particular church. We often talk about our vision at Eastbrook Church as living at the intersection between the Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Read those two passages aloud. What does it mean to you to live at the intersection of these two great statements of Jesus?
- This weekend, Pastor Matt talked about our vision and the six priorities we are working on as a church (see the sermon outline). He also mentioned going “deep” and “wide” with our faith. What is one thing God is speaking to you about these things for the year ahead? If you are alone, write it down. If you are with a small group, discuss these things with one another.