I.    What is Vision?

    “Vision” in Hebrew = "Chazown" Meaning to perceive, behold, look, prophesy, dream, revelation.
   A.    Vision gives us incentive, a goal, direction, and purpose.
       1.    Without a goal or purpose, the church has no incentive, and we will lack vitality and 
           enthusiasm to serve or occupy until the Lord comes.

        2.    Note also, that one of the meanings is prophesy. Prophecy is words of exhortation, 
           edification, and comfort. How often it is that we, as we serve the Lord, need to be 
           encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of our purpose.  That is what vision is for.

    B.    How does Vision come?

        1.    Vision comes from God. It is His purpose that He desires to fulfill in the body of Christ. Like 
           His own word that doesn't return unto Him void, so also is His power to fulfill that vision in 
           the lives of His people.

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        “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” 

 Isaiah 55:8-11

        2.    Vision is communicated by God to the Set Man. The Set Man is that individual that God 
           has placed the mantle of leadership upon for the local assembly. That individual will be 
           known also by the anointing, responsibility, spirituality or giftings.

        3.    The Set Man has then the responsibility of communicating that vision to those     individuals 
           that are the servants of the vision. These servants would include individuals ministering at 
           the universal church ministry level, sometimes called “Five-fold ministry” or “Doma (Gift) 
           Ministry” which are ordained Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers, but 
           also including the leadership at the local assembly level - Eldership, ministers, and 
           deacons.  Both of these groups of individuals work with the Set Man to communicate God’s 
           vision for the local assembly and to equip the recipients (the congregation) to do the work 
           of the Ministry, or complete His Vision.

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II.    What is the Vision (or calling) of any local assembly?
   A.    The general assembly (the local church) has the same basic calling.

        1.    God has called us, like all His Body to holiness. Holiness is God-likeness.
           (Heb. 12:14-Eph. 5:1)

        2.    His Spirit is at work in us to conform us to the image of His Son. (Rom. 8:29)

        3.    God has predestined us to be conformed. (Rom. 8:29)

        4.    God has called His church to represent Him as ambassadors in this world, preaching 
           repentance of sin and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior.

        5.    God has called every local assembly to perfection, with each assembly gifted in certain 
           areas of ministry.

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IV.    What are the specific areas of ministries for Judah?

    A.    Those areas of anointing through which the Lord manifests Himself:

        1.    God has called us to teach the word, an anointed and fresh (prophetic) word, causing His 
           people to be constantly drawn into a more intimate relationship with Him.

        2.    God has called us to equip the saints of God to do the work of the ministry and to perfect 
           the saints in their particular areas of calling through teaching, example, prayer, instruction, 
           and correction.

        3.    God has called us to lay the foundation for His sanctuary, to nurture, balance, and set in 
           order those things that are lacking. God has called us to be an example or model for other 
           churches.

        4.    God has called us to establish and govern additional ministries as He directs by His Spirit. 
           These ministries will be part of the “Apostolic Ministry” of this body - church planting.

        5.    God has called us to establish “Covenant Ministries”: To provide a covering for instruction, 
           fellowship, accountability, and checks and balances for other ministries. God has said that 
           other shepherds will bring their flocks here to find rest.

        6.    God has called us to serve in the healing of spiritually, physically, and emotionally 
           wounded people, to the capacity that we reach the total man. God has called us to serve 
           one another, and to love one another as we love ourselves so that we (His many-
           membered body, the local assembly) become compacted by the area of work that each 
           member individually serves in. Fruitfully working unto the Lord in love for Him, that same 
           love, shed abroad in vessels yielded unto the Lord, becomes the bond that unites us, 
           confirming our Lord's testimony, “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples.”

        7.    God has called us to be vessels of His PERFECT praise, with anointed worship in which 
           “I AM” Himself comes to dwell in the midst to speak, heal, shower love, and reveal 
           Himself. Praise breaks every yoke, tears down walls, and opens prison doors, and God
           has called us to become that city set on a hill, a place of refuge, a filling station for 
           spiritual and natural needs, a place of refreshing to encourage those who need rest.

        8.    God has called us to serve by setting before us an open door to those in need: to impart 
           love and truth, and sharing those things God has perfected in us, specifically, ministry 
           of word, ministry of praise and worship, ministry of giving, and ministry of serving.

        9.    God has called us to establish a Christian academy, Bible college and day care center.

        10. God has said that He will use us and this facility to be a haven of rest and a retreat center 
           for Christian groups. 

        11.    God has called us to establish a convalescent home, medical facility, and a retirement 
           home/center.

    12.    God has called us to establish and provide shelter, rehabilitation facilities, and ministry 
           services for: drug abuse victims, battered wives and children, foster care, and temporary 
       housing or placement for single parents and their children, homeless juveniles, ex-convicts, 
       the relocation of families, and children with special needs.

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