“A New Year With An Old Vision, Part 1”

January 1, 2006.  Pastor Matt.

The vision God has for our church is very old.  It is the vision that has existed from the time of the fall till the time when Jesus returs.  We are to reach people for Jesus.

Why are we here?

Acts 13: 38-49.   Specifically: 44 -49.

God has Called Westwood to be light in a dark world.

The Jesus we preach may offend a large group of religious folks.  We don’t preach religion. 

It is important as we start our new year to remind each other why we are here.  Westwood has been called to reach the unchurched.  We have been called to reach the Gentiles.  You cannot reach the gentiles the same way we reach out to those who already believe.

Who are the Gentiles? 

-         People who don’t like church

-         People who are not “religious”

-         People who are not familiar with the customs of the church

-         People who have been hurt by the church, turned their back on Him and need to come back

(CEV) Isaiah 42:6-7 I selected and sent you to bring light and my promise of hope to the nations. You will give sight to the blind; you will set prisoners free from dark dungeons.

Isaiah 61:1-2

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim (the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God), to comfort all who mourn,

So, What does that mean for our church?

Everything we do has as its ultimate goal to bring lost people to Jesus

The Music, the Message, the ministries, the building, the budget, discipleship

We must go where the fields are ripe for harvest…not stay in the fields that have already been harvested

What will the results be?

The result: Verse 49:  “The Word of the Lord spread through the whole region”

The Word of the Lord will spread through the whole region

Closing      

It says in Acts 6:6:

“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

Lets take time to pray for our leadership as they lead the way in the things God is calling us to do here at Westwood.