What is a Vision from God worth? THe writer of Proverbs said, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” The word for vision in that text means a “God given revelation.” When a people or a church have no vision from God they wander aimlessly. All across America are churches that have lost their vision, and lost their direction as a result.
Recently, God revealed a new direction for Beulah Baptist Church. He defined the plan and the direction, and launched His church with a new name, Church Unleashed. Sometimes a vision like this is opposed by folks who don’t understand and who fear change. Sometimes it may come under attack from those who come from other places and try to direct the church toward what is familiar to them. Everyone may even have the best of intentions. Some may be good friends and folks we love very much, but who have a different agenda.
The difficulty is this. As the apostles asked the religious leaders in Jerusalem when they were commanded to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, “Is it better for us to obey God, or to obey you?” Human plans are simply that, human plans. They may be altered and changed whenever folks think they find a better way. But a Vision from God carries the challenge of obedience to God. As painful as it is to hear, God says, “My vision is not for sale.”
So what is that vision? It is clearly defined in Matthew 28 and Matthew 16. Jesus said to his disciples, “You make disciples”, and “I will build my church.” Some have said it this way, “To know Him and to make Him known.” No matter how you say it, we must obey God and follow His vision. It is important to see God’s vision and to sacrifice our own dreams and wishes for His plan.
bradunleashed 