July 2012

Post date: Jul 1, 2012 10:24:27 PM

From the Shepherd's Heart

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18

What is our vision at First Baptist Putney right now? The Bible teaches that if we have no vision we are perishing. The vision is not something we come up with. The vision is God's and we join Him in it. God's ultimate vision never changes - that is to reach people for His Kingdom. So, if we are not actively as a church reaching people for Jesus Christ then we are in a state of decay. Herbert Hodges, in his book. Tally Ho The Fox, says "You will become what you see, but what you do not see you can not be." Meaning, if we do not join God in His vision we will not be the Church God desires us to be. Look at II Corinthians 5:7 and Hebrews 11:6. Speaking of spiritual vision, J.B. Phillips in his paraphrase of Colossians 1:9 says, referring to Paul, "I pray that you will see things from God's point of view." Do you want to see things from God's point of view? Why do members get excited about so many things but not excited about the church? I believe the answer is Proverbs 29:18 - lack of vision! If we have no vision we are like Judges 17:6 - we do what is right in our own eyes and the church perishes. Vision gives us energy, purpose and helps us focus on God's calling. No vision leads to apathy, lack of desire or commitment to God and church which leads us to follow other "things." Herbert Hodges believes the greatest sin in the body of Christ is unreached potential for God.

So, church family, what is our vision for 2012? What are we as a church going to do to reach people for Jesus Christ?

In His Service,

Brother Tab