TLDR;
The sermon emphasizes the importance of vision, guided by God, for personal and collective growth. It outlines four key truths about vision: it needs a vessel, it must be visible, it must be vast, and it must have a vehicle. The sermon encourages the congregation to embrace the new, let go of past achievements, and move forward with faith towards God's calling. The word of the year for Transformation Church is declared to be "Forward," urging the community to focus on forgetting the past and pressing on to what lies ahead, surrendering to Christ for a transformed life.
- Vision is most valuable and leaks if not constantly rehearsed.
- The four truths about vision are that it needs a vessel, must be visible, must be vast, and must have a vehicle.
- The word of the year for Transformation Church is "Forward," emphasizing the importance of forgetting the past and moving towards the future with faith in Christ.
Introduction [0:00]
The pastor welcomes the congregation and expresses gratitude for starting the year in the house of God. He believes God will do something powerful this year, emphasizing the value of vision for both the church and individual lives. He announces that today is vision Sunday, where he will share the prophetic word of the year, applicable to both the organization and its members. He also acknowledges and appreciates everyone participating in the 21 days of prayer and fasting, explaining its purpose is to connect with God, hear His guidance, and gain clear vision.
Vision Is Most Valuable [2:05]
Vision is more valuable than money because without vision, wealth lacks purpose. People often seek identity in external things because they lack a clear sense of self. God calls individuals to be unique and not conform to trends, which can lead to sacrificing one's true calling. The pastor emphasizes the need for vision to stand firm in what God has called one to do. Vision leaks and needs constant reiteration to avoid dilution. People often miss the blessings by focusing on the blessings themselves rather than the blesser.
Four Truths About Vision: Vision Needs a Vessel [7:46]
The first truth about vision is that it needs a vessel. God gives vision to a vessel, and individuals should have faith that they are that vessel. God trusts individuals with ideas that can change lives, like the Ring camera, which was one person's vision executed successfully. God chooses to work through His creations and wants to change, heal, and meet needs through individuals. People should be ready to capture ideas and create, becoming professional catchers of vision. Clear vision comes through prayer and fasting, and individuals should act on their faith.
Four Truths About Vision: Vision Must Be Visible [13:28]
The second truth is that vision must be visible, meaning it must be written down to be real. Habakkuk 2:2 instructs to write the vision in big block letters so it can be read on the run. Writing down the vision shows belief that it will move beyond the paper. The vision should be so big that others can see it and run with it. The act of writing down the vision is a spiritual act that requires setting aside distractions and seeking God's guidance. God confirms His word, so individuals should write down what they think they hear from Him.
Four Truths About Vision: Vision Must Be Vast [19:14]
The third truth is that vision must be vast, bigger than what one can do alone, requiring God's help. If God doesn't need to show up, it's not a vision. People should not play it safe but believe for more, touching the world. The pastor acknowledges the disappointment and fear of past failures but encourages trying again with unique strength, grace, and power. The vision should be bigger than oneself, fitting more than just the individual, and should involve others. The vision for the church is far beyond what has been achieved in the last 10 years.
Four Truths About Vision: Vision Must Have a Vehicle [27:50]
The fourth truth is that vision must have a vehicle, with the church being one of God's primary vehicles to expand His kingdom. People should invest in what God invested everything in, which is the church. God uses the church to touch the whole world, connecting people and offering grace. A vessel is good, but a vehicle amplifies the vision, as demonstrated by a single singer versus a choir. People should connect with others in community to move the cause of Christ forward in various sectors.
Past Vision of Transformation Church [37:49]
The pastor reflects on the past years of Transformation Church, recalling the word of the year for each year and how it guided the church. In 2015, the word was "survive," marking a commitment to lead the church. In 2016, it was "maintain," emphasizing the importance of staying in place to learn and grow. In 2017, the word was "beyond," leading to significant growth. In 2018, it was "stride," finding the pace of grace and cutting back on activities. In 2019, it was "release," leading to the acquisition of the current building. The pastor shares the vision God gave him 37 days into being the lead pastor, to acquire the Spirit Bank Event Center.
Past Vision of Transformation Church (Cont.) [49:31]
In 2020, the word was "stronger," as the church navigated the pandemic and reached more people. In 2021, it was "anchored," preparing for the storm of criticism in 2022, which was "holy," a time of purification. In 2023, the focus was on producing fruit and walking in authority. In 2024, the emphasis was on "focus." God commands to forget the past and focus on the future. The pastor encourages the congregation to forget the past and allow God to write a new story, surrendering to Him for a greater chapter in life.
Forget the Former Things [56:28]
God is about to do something new, and the past is not worth being compared to what's coming. People should be grateful for the past but not let it define their future. God is holding a greater future and is calling people to forget the past and embrace the new. Nostalgia can bind people and divorce them from the future God has for them. God has already begun something new, and people need to see it with vision, not just sight.
The Word of the Year: Forward [1:01:38]
The word of the year for Transformation Church is "Forward." God is moving people out of where they've been into where He's taking them, requiring transition. People must be okay with transition and have a memory lapse to know that the past was not the extent of God's goodness. Philippians 3:12-14 emphasizes pressing on to the purpose for which Christ possessed us, focusing on forgetting the past and looking forward. God is calling all to move forward, and the phone is ringing, asking if people will answer the call.
Invitation to Accept Christ and Closing [1:17:53]
The only way forward is with Jesus, and today is the day of salvation. Following Christ means surrendering one's life to Him. The pastor leads a prayer for those who want to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The altar team is available for prayer, and the congregation is encouraged to join the time of prayer and fasting. The pastor prays for everyone, asking God to give them revelation of what it means to move forward in their lives. He declares that this will be the year of the greatest forward momentum for the church and its members.
