The last in our sermon series entitled ‘The Church Growth Toolkit’. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Kuda Osoba.

Sermon Notes

Habakkuk 1:12-17 & Ch 2:1-3

Over the past 6 weeks, we have been sharing principles from God’s word concerning three aspects of growth. Spiritual, Numerical & Relational. Today is the final sermon of the series and we are going to take a look at what tools are important for us to deploy, as we look ahead to 2023.

What is Vision?

According to Merriam-Webster, vision is“the act of power of imagination.”  When you apply vision to the future, you can create a mental picture that can be used to direct your actions. Vision serves as a guide and can be used to provide a sense of purpose. 

What does God’s word say about Vision?

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. – Pro 29:18  – God’s law for the Israelites was God’s vision to keep His people focused on Him and protect them against their enemies.

Habakkuk’s Vision from God – The old testament prophet was dismayed that God’s vision for Judah was judgment and punishment at the hands of their own enemies (The Babylonians). Often times Habakkuk is quoted to launch the start of an exciting new ministry or vision, but the context of the prophet’s vision was one of despair, that turmoil was around the corner.

Just like Habakkuk and Judah, we desire to hear from God and receive all that He has in store for us. We are blessed to live in a time of Grace whereby Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins and the church is His body on earth. However, we must learn from Habakkuk’s vision to ensure we are operating in God’s will for his church.

Challenge

God gives vision and insight to his people in order for them to understand His will and protect them from heading in the wrong direction. – Like Habakkuk are you receiving the message God has for you? Are you listening and obeying God’s voice?

What’s in the toolbox for 2023?

Let’s consider the following points for our toolbox

1. All in for Christ – Matt 5:13, Rev 3:16
2. A church where God’s love is shared amongst all – 1 John 4:20
3. A church where the full gospel and undiluted word of God are preached –  Gal 1:8, 2 Tim 4:2
4. A forgiving church – Mark 11:24-25
5. A church serious about prayer (Individually & collectively) – Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42,
6. A no gossip tolerance church – 2 Cor 12:20, Eph 4:29, James 1:26, Pro 10:18
7. A church committed to the Great Commission – Matt 28:19
8. A Church of unity amongst all generations and ethnicities – Rev 7:9, Gal 3:28
9. A church where children and youth are embraced as the church of today, not just tomorrow – Matt 19:14, Luke 2:41-52, Acts 2:17
10.  A worshipping church in Spirit & Truth – John 4:24-2

Questions

1. What idols do people worship today? In what ways are they powerless and foolish compared to God?
2. What sins of this nation are deplorable against the word of God?
3. What “woes” might Habakkuk pronounce on our culture today?
4. Habakkuk asked God why he would use the Chaldeans to punish people more righteous than they. Chapter 2 is God’s response. Summarise God’s answer in your own words
5. Have a look at the 2023 toolkit suggestions and discuss ways we can all contribute to each tool.