Title: The Vision

Series: Advent

Icebreaker: What is one of your best memories from this 2025 year? What is something you're looking forward to in the new year?

This Sunday our Bishop delivered a dynamic message as he cast vision for the upcoming new year. We know that we're in the season of Advent, a season marked by great anticipation and preparation for things to come. While vision for the new year does not exactly fall on the Advent calendar, it is important to take the principles we learn from this season, like holding firm to hope in the plans of God for our lives, as we look forward to the seasons ahead...

Habakkuk 2:1-4

I. Vision Comes from God

• Many people struggle with distraction and discontentment, unsure of what path their life is following and generally feeling down about their position. The solution to this is simple, we need vision that only comes from God. Proverbs 29:18 puts it plainly that without divine vision people perish. Without vision we fall victim to our limited reality.
• Vision can be defined as a picture of the desired future. We learned last week that as believers we don't live by optimism and wishful thinking, but we live by faith and God-inspired hope. Vision is not about curating a picture-perfect life for social media, but about unlocking the destiny God has designed us for.
• Since vision comes from God the provision to see it through also comes from him. Our responsibility is not to figure out how to make things happen, but to move in obedience as God reveals each step we should take (Exodus 25:8-9).
• To receive vision from God and move in obedience towards it means we have to be near enough to God to hear when he speaks. Sometimes He speaks in dreams and visions, other times He may use coincidental circumstances or words of scripture. There are countless ways God can communicate with us, but we must be sure to give him our attention. It is only by tuning our ear to His voice that we can receive and begin to pursue His vision for our lives.

Discussion:

How do you like to plan? Do you keep a journal or calendar that you write in, or perhaps you keep notes and reminders on your phone. When things don't seem to go according to your plans, what helps you stay motivated?

II. Write It Down, Give It Time

• Vision takes time to see through (John 7:6). It will always unfold right on time, but to those of us who struggle with patience it can feel like things are happening too late. God lives outside of time, which means he is not restricted to the schedules we like to live by. God is not in a hurry, he knows exactly what he's doing and when it needs to be done, even when we think he's running late.
• As we wait on the Lord and the fulfillment of his promises, we have to fight to stay the course. It is easy to get caught up in comparing our lives to those we follow on social media. It is easy to get distracted by opportunities that come quickly, although we know they're outside of the vision. It is easy to get discouraged when things seem to be taking too long, and that is when it is even more important to recommit to the vision.
• Write the vision down, make it as plain as can be and keep it posted where you will always see it. While we wait, we pray, and praise, and hold firm to hope. While we wait we curse the disappointment that comes from delay, and we repent for our impatience in the process.
• Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us that vision is for an appointed time. Yes, the journey will seem long. Yes, we will be tempted to give up. However, God is faithful to fulfill his plans, so we just have to wait it out, because it will all come to pass.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!