“WHAT MAKES A GREAT DREAM?”

I came across this in my personal study this week and wanted to pass it on to you just as it is written. Enjoy!

(Proverbs 29:18)

[KJV] “Where there is no vision, the people perish:  but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

[NIV] “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

[NCV] “Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.”

[TEV] “A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy is the man who keeps God's law!

[TLB) Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws.

The KJV has led many to misinterpret this verse. Vision--does not mean the ability to formulate goals and plans, but “God's revelation” [NIV]. [Jamieson, Fausset, And Brown Commentary] Vision. i.e., prophetic revelation. Without prophetic revelation from God, people are unrestrained, and fall under judgment. [Ryrie SB]

“Vision” refers to words from God received by prophets. Where there is ignorance of God, crime and sin run wild. Public morality depends on the knowledge of God, but it also depends on keeping God’s laws. In order for both nations and individuals to function well, people must know God’s ways and keep his rules. [Life Application SB] That gospel is an open vision, which holds forth Christ, which humbles the sinner, and exalts the Savior, which promotes holiness in the life and conversation: and these are precious truths to keep the soul alive, and prevent it from perishing. [Matthew Henry Commentary]

“Where there is no vision . . . .” When once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless, we cast off certain restraints, we cast  off praying, we castoff the vision of God in little things, and  begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating what we have out of our own hand, doing things on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on the downward path, we have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that springs from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done? Is there a freshness and vigor in our spiritual outlook. [Chambers, Oswald, My Utmost for His Highest]

In today's society the Bible has been trampled upon by the feet of man. No longer do the masses look to the book of books for instruction in righteousness but perish with humanist views and new age propaganda, each man doing what is right in his own eyes. Nations throughout history have and always will fall without the guidance of God. The validity of the scriptures is being attacked on every side. Have they not read, have they not heard, God will preserve his word throughout eternity? Many have tried to destroy it and have failed miserably. I challenge those who deny that the scriptures come from God to seek out and do a fervent study, look at the evidences that surround us...do not take the easy way out, give a reason for what you spew about.  Look to history. Suzanne Whelan suewhelan@mediaone.net

The world operates on vision. God’s people live by revelation. The world seeks grand and noble purposes and goals to achieve. People dream up the greatest and most satisfying things in which they can invest their lives. Institutions establish goals and objectives, and then organize themselves to achieve them. God’s people function in a radically different way. Christians arrange their lives based on the revelation of God, regardless of whether it makes sense to them.  God does not ask for our opinion about what is best for our future, our family, our church, or our country. He already knows! What God wants is to get the attention of His people and reveal to us what is on HIS heart, and what is HIS will, for God's ways are not our ways! (Isa. 55:8-9).

Whenever people do not base their lives on God's revelation, they “cast off restraint” (see Psalm 2). That is, they do what is right in their own eyes. They set their goals, arrange their agendas, and then pray for God's blessings. Some Christians are living far outside the will of God, yet they have the audacity to pray and ask God to bless their efforts!

The only way for you to know God's will is for Him to reveal it to you. You will never discover it on your own. When you hear from the Father, you have an immediate agenda for your life: obedience. As the writer of Proverbs observed: “Happy is he who keeps the law.” from "Experiencing God Day-by-Day", the January 7 entry. sharonkolff@juno.com

·      As a child, what did you dream of becoming? Has that been realized in your life? If no, why not?

·      If you could dream of doing something “BIG” for God, what would it be? What is keeping you from doing it?

·      In your own words, how would you define “vision”? Now go back and reread Proverbs 29:18. How do you think the Bible defines it?

·      Read Psalm 2. What does this passage say about those that don’t follow prophetic divine revelation?

·      How do you need to adjust your life to better live out God’s vision? What is holding you back?

excerpted from www.abible.com

“Catching God’s Vision For His Church”

Recently, I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and, once again, I have been both challenged and thrilled at the same time.

 

I began to read it with some questions in mind: 1) What makes a great church? 2) What caused growth in the early church? 3) How was the early church structured? 4) How can we at Sierra Vista be more in alignment with the church in Acts?

It could be dangerous to enter into a study with questions like this because you can be assured that God will answer them through His Word!

Let me ask you the same questions. In your opinion, what makes a great church? Is it a large building? Is it having a healthy budget? Is it having a dynamic, well-known ministry staff? Is it having lots of programs or multiple services? Is it having over a certain amount in attendance?

We live in an age, that with a click of a mouse, we can access all kinds of resources. I recently did an internet search on “Church Growth” and I was amazed at how many experts there are on the subject and how much has been written about it. But, the question still remains, what does God say is the key to church growth? What is your opinion on this? As you strive to answer this, be sure to make it void of your preferences, religious culture and religious upbringing. Let God’s word guide you.

Sometimes our churches take on the make-up or structure of an organization instead of remaining an organism, something that is living! In your opinion what are some set backs to our contemporary churches structure?

As you look at our modern church what are some things that you know through God’s word that need to change or realign with the church in the book of Acts?

I pose these questions to you, not only to stimulate your thinking, but also to encourage you to give me your input on what you think. I really am anxious to hear from you.

I highly encourage you to come join us this Sunday as we begin our new series “Catching God’s Vision For His Church”. This week I will begin with “What Makes A Great Church?” as we look at God’s word for answers.

This Sunday also marks our relaunch of our LIFE Groups. Why don’t you make plans to try  one out this week? Refer to the  bulletin for meeting times and places.

Read: Acts 4:32-37

Differences of opinion are inevitable among human personalities and can actually be helpful if handled well. But, spiritual unity is essential– loyalty, commitment, and love for God and his Word. Without spiritual unity, the church could not survive! Paul wrote the letter of 1 Corinthians to urge the church in Corinth toward greater unity.

None of these Christians felt that what they had was their own, and so, they were able to give and share, eliminating poverty among them. They would not let a brother or sister suffer when others had plenty. How do you feel about your possessions? We should adopt the attitude that everything we have comes from God, and we are only sharing what is already his.

The early church was able to share possessions and property as a result of the unity brought by the Holy Spirit working in and through the believers’ lives. This way of living is different from communism because:

• The sharing was voluntary.
• It didn’t involve all private property but only as much as was needed.
• It was not a membership requirement in order to be a part of the church.

The spiritual unity and generosity of these early believers attracted others to them. This organizational structure is not a biblical command, but it does offer vital principles for us to follow.

Barnabas (Joseph) was a respected leader of the church. He was a Levite by birth, a member of the Jewish tribe that carried out Temple duties. But his family had moved to Cyprus, so Barnabas didn’t serve in the Temple. He instead traveled with Paul on Paul’s first missionary journey (13:1).

• In what small group setting have you sensed the most unity: A Life Group? A team? A Bible Study? A Family? Why?
• Take a moment and compare Acts 4: 32-35 with Acts 2:42-47. What qualities mark this church? Take a moment and list them.
• How well does verse 32 describe your relationship with others in your church? What would have to change for such sharing to be possible?
• What can you personally do to promote this type of unity as mentioned in these verses?