JUBILEE THE YEAR OF GREAT FAVOUR
WHY VISION? • Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. Proverbs 29:18 (AMP)
• If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble over themselves; But when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 (Message)
VISION MAKES IT PLAIN • And the Lord said to me, "Write my answer on a billboard, large and clear, so that anyone can read it at a glance and rush to tell the others. But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day! Habakkuk 2:2-3 (TLB)
VISION HAS STRATEGY AND PROCESS
TIME TO REFLECT
• Our past does not define who we are, but we can learn from it. • Our present situation does have the power to control us, only if we give in to it. • Our future is not dependent upon our ability, but on the One who is leading us into it. • Let us look back into the future and see where 2018 is taking us.
VISION IS THE BLUEPRINT TO VICTORY • It takes wisdom to build a house, and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. Proverbs 24:3-4 (MSG)
• Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. Proverbs 24:3-4 (Living Bible)
VISION REQUIRES WISE COUNSEL • A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 24:5-6 (NASB)
• A wise man is mightier than a strong man. Wisdom is mightier than strength. Don't go to war without wise guidance; there is safety in many counselors. Proverbs 24:5-6 (TLB)
VISION HAS PURPOSE • 1.To effect spiritual change through evangelism, pastoral care, discipleship and missional assignments. • 2.To establish households that can practically and spiritually benefit a community through its care, projects and programs. • 3.To demonstrate the presence of God in a tangible way to all who are searching for an authentic encounter with God.
VISION NEEDS LEADERSHIP • We hit the reset button last year in changing the Leadership Structure. • Over the next few weeks the three Overseers will be bringing vision for the local church here in Bristol. • They will continue to implement Carmel’s aims and objectives so that we function proficiently.
VISION HAS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES • Advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs in such parts of the UK and the world. • The main objectives are the promotion of the Christian faith, education, improvement of life skills, childcare and alleviation of poverty. • We continue to provide a range of services within the community addressing the needs.
VISION HAS FOCUS - JUBILEE • “The Spirit of the Lord is upon ME, Because HE anointed ME to preach the gospel to the poor. HE has sent ME to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, TO set free those who are oppressed, TO proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 (NASB)
THE MEANING OF JUBILEE • Jubilee is all about new beginnings: breaking free from involuntary enslavement and formulating a new way living. • It is like hitting the reset button without losing the input that has been previously been there and upgrading to where we want to go to. • Jubilee Year started on the Day of Atonement, which is symbolic of the atoning of sin for the nation of Israel.
JUBILEE PROMISES FREEDOM • “For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34-35;
JUBILEE – GOD’S RESET AND UPGRADE
• The good news of a reset is that spiritual, physical, economical, and social poverty has been taken care of by Jesus. 3 John 2
• This means that there will be a suddenly in your life. Sudden debt release, sudden financial promotion, sudden increase on investments. 2 Kings 4:1-7;
JUBILEE – GOD’S RESET AND UPGRADE • Reset and upgrade means that God will open your eyes to see opportunities and give you ideas that will promote you to prominence. 2 Kings 7:1-20;
• This means that what you struggled with for years will suddenly be done away with and healing and deliverance will be yours. John 5:2-9;
JUBILEE – GOD’S RESET AND UPGRADE
• Jubilee means we operate from a position of rest, that means no striving but thriving. It is by Grace through Faith. 2 Corinthians 8:9;
• The greatest upgrade we can ever have is the knowledge that eternity is settled in our hearts and that we can help others receive it. John 4:34-38;
THIS YEARS RESET • Our focus will be to build strong family households to care for the community. • To implement a leadership process so the every member becomes a minister. • To take responsibility for the community we are in and invite them in person to church. • To invest in our neighbours by being generous with acts of kindness.
THIS YEARS RESET • Teach and train members to become financially sustainable so as to release resources for kingdom responsibilities. • To provide for our Spiritual home and those that serve in the house of God. • To volunteer our time to be taught, mentored and equipped to serve faithfully in our church. • Become missional minded and explore the opportunities that God makes available.
TOGETHER WE CAN……. • ”…….rebuild the ancient ruins, ……… raise up the former devastations; and ……..repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. …we will be called the priests of the Lord; and be spoken of as ministers of our God. We will eat the wealth of nations, and in their riches we will boast…. “ Isaiah 61:4-6; Paraphrased