Mission & Vision
When God Says "No More"
April 27, 2016 • Jeff Lyle
While we are constantly comforted by the mercy and grace of God, let us never be mistaken to assume that there is not an active end to the access of that mercy and grace. God is seen throughout Scripture to repeatedly declare, “No more!” When He does this, all hope is lost for those who have not aligned with Him. This message highlights several places in Scripture wherein God refuses to let mankind proceed in a direction that goes against what He has decreed. From these examples, we are able to predict that our generation is due for the same resistance from God. The Lord shows no favoritism, and He will ultimately put down all rebellion. Wise people who are made aware of God’s ways will first examine their own hearts to repent of personal rebellion. Having done so, we also will be inclined to speak to those in our lives and remind them that they cannot afford to be on the wrong side of God’s next “No more!”
Dedication on Display
March 30, 2016 • Jeff Lyle
One area of vision which does not receive enough emphasis is the reality that vision never comes to fruition apart from dedicated stewardship of the vision given by God. God may open doors and offer opportunities, but if you and I do not remain dedicated until the vision comes to pass, it was nothing more than a daydream for us. Ideas are marvelous. Intentions are often helpful, but apart from activity they will always remain unfulfilled potential. This message harnesses the testimony of the Apostle Paul and motivates us to follow Christ in the same way as Paul did. Starting from the place of gratitude, we move forward into dedicated endurance through all of the difficulties, detorus and dsiappointments which come our way. In the end, for those who remain steadfast, God’s vision WILL be accomplished. When we trust in Him and do not quit, He will accomplish His satisfying purposes for our lives.
The Beginning of Something Beautiful
March 20, 2016 • Jeff Lyle
There is a point when God determines for His children that it is time to get up and get going again. When He determines seasons like this, He usually stirs in the heart of one person, whom He then uses to stir the hearts of other people. A vision originates with God, proceeds through human instrumentation and then defines a Kingdom moment that makes history. This message reveals how God did this very thing in the days of Israel after the years of captivity were coming to an end. The listener will be challenged to ask the questions, “What is God doing in my generation? What is offering me the chance to take part in? What do I need to do to get in on what He has determined?” Seasons come and go during our lives. Very often, the quality of our lives are directly connected to our ability to discern when God closes one season and then embarks to begin something beautiful.
Unwilling to Fumble the Vision
March 16, 2016 • Jeff Lyle
It is said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This was certainly the case for many generations of people in ancient Israel. The repeated cycles of sin, chastisement, brokenness and then repentance found them often. It seemed that one generation often failed to learn from the mistakes of those who went before them. In this message we see the good, the bad and the ugly as recounted by a group of believers who had embraced the vision of God. In their words of praise to God, they reveal that at least one generation in Israel’s history clearly determined that they would learn from their parents’ mistakes. Because of this, they were unwilling to fumble the vision of God for their own generation. They achieved what their parents did not…and God was greatly glorified.
Cloudiness to Clarity
March 6, 2016 • Jeff Lyle
Sometimes we just need for God to talk to us. He hears our voices all the time – prayers, pleas, praises and petitions. Yet, most of us would candidly confess that we don’t discern Him talking back as easily as we might hope. This message connects us to an ancient believer, a prophet, and allows us to eavesdrop on his conversation with God. The words that come back to Habakkuk lend us great hope in our determined pursuit to know the will of God for our lives. Whether it is a day of calm for you or a day of crisis, God’s throne is occupied and His heart if for you. Though His activity on your behalf may seem to be slow-coming, He calls us to wait for it. He never breaks His promises and, for those who will remain patient, there will be Heaven-sent answers.