Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

2. Faith in the power of the Lord
a. To open doors for His prepared servants - cf. 1 Co 16:8-9; Re 3:8
b. To empower His servants wanting to do His will - cf. Ph 4:13; Ep 3:16,20
Mark A. Copeland
D. OUR VISION NEEDS BOLDNESS...
1. A virtue displayed often by the early Christians - Ac 4:13; 9:27; 13:46; 14:3; 19:8; 28:31
2. For which they prayed and solicited prayers - Ac 4:29,30; Ep 6:19-20
3. A boldness based upon our hope in Christ - 2 Co 3:12
4. To say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said, despite the circumstances - 1 Th
2:2
E. OUR VISION NEEDS PERSISTENCE...
1. Not losing heart, for we shall reap in due time - Ga 6:9
2. Always abounding, knowing that our labor is not in vain - 1 Co 15:58
-- Many visions are never realized because people give up too soon!
CONCLUSION
1. Not all “vision” is good...
a. Some have “tunnel vision” - focusing on small and often insignificant problems in the church
b. Some have “visions of despair” - seeing only the negative, never the positive
2. But a vision that has...
a. A grand scope worthy of its mission (saving souls)
b. Specific steps to accomplishing its goal (teaching others)
c. Faith in the Lord and in His word
d. Boldness and perseverance in carrying it out
...such a vision is what the people of God need today!
Is this your vision? Or have you allowed yourself to have “tunnel vision” or a “vision of despair”?
What not rather heed the words of Jesus:
“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white
for harvest!” (John 4:35)
Note: The main idea and several thoughts from this lesson were taken from a lesson by Gary Henry.
The URL for his web site containing many excellent articles and sermon outlines is:
http://www.brasstacks.org
Topical Sermons 245