Proverbs 29:18 (Voice)

Where there is no vision from God, the people run wild, but those who adhere to God’s instruction know genuine happiness.

Purpose of a Vision

1) Aligns us with God

2) Aligns us with people

3) Gives us a positive standard of action and behavior

4) Gives us a clear picture of success

5) Helps us determine what is not God’s will for us

6) Prepares us for God’s provision

• Provision = for the vision

The vision of Sinai Church is…

To fill His house by bringing lives to Christ so they may live and serve in community, within the culture of the Kingdom and the church.

Romans 16:17 (NLT)

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

5 Common Vision Issues

#1) BLINDNESS

• Traditions, predictable, no risk taking

• Blindness can affect our ability to see clearly what God wants us to do and not move forward even if risky.

1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

#2) NEAR-SIGHTED

• Lack of compassion, Lack of evangelism
• Focus is only on taking care of everything within the 4 walls of the church.

Romans 14:1 (ESV)

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

John 13:20 (NKJV)

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.

Luke 14:21 (NLT)

“The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’

Romans 12:13-18 (ESV)

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Mark 16:15 (NLT)

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.

#3) FAR-SIGHTED

• They are only about evangelism and missions. A church that does not shepherd.  Lack of disciples, no discipleship

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Jeremiah 10:21 (NLT)

The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered.

#4) TUNNEL VISION

• Focused on the gift of a person, a pastor, prophet, healer, great teacher, etc.
• Follows one specific desire of a gift or spiritual experience.

Psalm 146:3-4 (NLT)

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.

2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

#5) LAZY EYES

• People, groups, or ministries that are not connected with the vision

Romans 13:2-5 (NLT)

2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

CONCLUSION

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

• If you recognize that you are not connected with the vision, take this moment to make the decision. There is a blessing when we join the vision of your spiritual home.