--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Come Holy Spirit

Foundation Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 2:1-4 NLT

Prayer Points:
1. Invite the Holy Spirit to Unify and Consume Us
2. Invite the Holy Spirit to Protect as He Elevates and Empowers Us
3. Miracles and Power To Manifest During Connect 40
4. Continued Clarity, Favor, and Wisdom for the Expansion of Linked UP Church.
5. Powerful Sunday Services

--MESSAGE--

" Vision4ward" Part 2

Vision (châzôn):a sight (mentally), that is, a dream, revelation, or oracle.

Introduction:

The Book of Revelation addresses seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) (Revelation 2-3). Each letter, as proclaimed by Jesus and recorded by John the Apostle, declares the triumphs and failings of the recipient churches and warns each congregation to repent.

1. Ephesus
2. Smyrna
3. Pergamum
4. Thyatira
5. Sardis
6. Philadelphia
7. Laodicea

Angel - (ang'-el-os) a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger.

B.H. Carroll, a well-known Bible scholar, in his commentary, estimates that there were probably 100,000 members in the Jerusalem church after 25 years. Peter Wagner and many have agreed. G. Campbell Morgan estimates a minimum of 60,000.

In the New Testament times, the city of Jerusalem was home to approximately 200,000 people as confirmed by Bible dictionaries. The Jerusalem church, with around 100,000 members, indicates that HALF of the city’s population had embraced Christianity. It is no surprise, then that it was said, “you’ve filled Jerusalem.”

There are 17,554 residents in the city of Powder Springs according to 2023 data. We need to reach a minimum of 8,777 of them.

Jesus left the early church His vision and they ran with it.

When you look at the book of Acts, you find at least eight characteristics of the early church that positioned them for this kind of blessing from God.

Eight Characteristics of the Early Church

1. We must CONNECT people to GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT.

2. We must CONNECT people to FAMILY. (Connect Groups)

3. We must multiply CONNECT GROUPS.

Meeting house-to-house in Connect Groups offers four significant advantages:

1. Infinitely expandable.
2. Unlimited geographically.
3. Promotes good stewardship.
4. Fosters strong relationships.

There’s benefit—wisdom—in God’s way of multiplying Connect groups.

As a result, the Lord added to their number daily those that were being saved.

4. We must ENLARGE our vision of God.

The Apostles were essentially saying, “God, there are rulers, leaders and other people against You, but You’re in control. You’re the sovereign Lord. You made everything in heaven and on earth.


As children of the King, we are on the winning side. We’ve read the last chapter and know how it will end. Jesus Christ has broken our chains, and Jesus says in the Bible, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

Don’t be afraid to rock the boat if Jesus Christ is the captain. We need to magnify our vision of God.

5. We must MAXIMIZE the power of CORPORATE PRAYER.

Forty-eight times in the book of Acts, it reads, “They prayed.” We will have the power the early church experienced when we pray like the early church prayed. Spiritual warfare requires the use of spiritual weapons. Acts 4:31: “After they prayed, the place they were meeting was shaken.”

6. We must model GENEROSITY to manifest GREAT GRACE.

The New Testament church in Jerusalem was a giving church.

Notice there were three results of their generosity:

1.Verse 32 - there was unity in the church.
2. Verse 33 - it was a powerful testimony to the community.
3.Verse 34 - there were no needy people.

7. We must mobilize every member for PURPOSE. (Dream Team)

They presented these seven men to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them. Then, the scripture indicates, “So the word of God spread and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly.


When every member is a minister, discovers their God-given purpose, and serves someone else, the church moves from just a leader “adding” more people to the church “multiplying.

8. We must continue with God’s mission in the COMMUNITY.

This text is God’s reminder to the apostles of the Great Commission: “Go! Go into all the world and make disciples!”

Conclusion:

We will be the New Testament church when we:

• CONNECT people to GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT
• CONNECT people to FAMILY (Connect Groups)
• Multiply our CONNECT GROUPS
• Enlarge our VISION of God
• MAXIMIZE the Power of CORPORATE PRAYER
• Model GENEORSITY to manifest GREAT GRACE
• MOBILIZE every member for PURPOSE
• CONTINUE God’s mission in the COMMUNITY

As believers, we are confident in our place in heaven, and nothing can change that. However, until that day comes, our goal is to bring as many people along with us as possible. We hope you'll join us in this mission.