I Have A Dream

🗣️ Speaker: Pastor Tom Van Kempen

This week's message from Pastor Tom was all about dreaming dreams from God and living in harmony as a church community. Pastor Tom shared a fun story about a Valentine's Day misunderstanding, linked it to Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous dream, and reminded us that dreams rooted in God's desires are the most powerful. We explored the idea that our dreams need to be big, as Christ's love and mission to save souls is enormous. Pastor Tom highlighted the value of being grounded in the Word of God, like the early church in Acts 2, and called for a vibrant community that reaches out, values each person, and lives in fellowship like a family. The takeaway? Let's dream big with God, hunger for His Word, and be a church that everyone calls family!

Additional Info

The info below was generated by an AI from the audio recording of the sermon.

God’s Dream for Us

Inspiration often strikes during the most unexpected moments, and sometimes, a storm serves as a potent reminder of our desires for spiritual renewal. As we anticipate opportunities for growth and connection, we must reflect on our dreams and the divine purpose behind them.

The Power of a Dream

Dreams are powerful motivators. They can inspire individuals and transform communities. For example, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously shared his dream of equality and respect for all humanity. In this spirit, we too can embrace dreams that invite us to work toward a greater purpose—a community rooted in love, kindness, and unity.

From Personal Dreams to Godly Visions

A critical distinction exists between dreams that stem from our own ambitions and those inspired by God. While personal aspirations often reflect our desires for comfort or recognition, God’s dreams lead us to align with His will. Scripture assures us that God places desires in our hearts that are aligned with His purpose.

The Outpouring of the Spirit

The vision for our community can be rooted in the promise found in Acts 2:17, which states that in the last days, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. This invitation extends to every individual, regardless of background or status. It encourages us to both dream and act in faith, anticipating significant transformation within our lives and community.

The Purpose of Pentecost

Understanding the purpose of Pentecost reveals that it was designed not merely for emotional experiences or spiritual gifts, but primarily for the salvation of souls. The early church grew rapidly because its members embraced this mission whole-heartedly, as illustrated in Acts 2:41, where three thousand were added in a single day.

God’s Heart for People

At the core of our mission is the understanding that God is deeply passionate about people. This love propels us to reach out to those who feel lost or marginalized in our communities. The parables of Luke 15 illustrate how valuable every single person is to God, prompting us to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.

The Importance of Community and Family

The sense of fellowship (in the greeek, koinonia), extends beyond casual encounters to deep, meaningful relationships. Encouraging bonds rooted in shared faith allow us to support and uplift each other through challenges and joys alike. Being a part of the family of God means embracing one another through solid commitments, mutual encouragement, and collective purpose.

Hunger for God’s Word

A thriving spiritual community is characterized by a collective hunger for God’s Word. This devotion is vital for growth and maturity in faith. Staying deeply rooted in Scripture allows us to discern truth and encourages us to share the incredible message of God’s love and salvation with others.

Accepting All

Embracing diversity within our church makes us richer. God desires us to welcome individuals from all walks of life. By fostering an inclusive environment, marked by genuine friendships and service to others, we strengthen our community’s heartbeat—a true reflection of Jesus’ love.

Conclusion: Living the Dream Together

In envisioning a vibrant church community, we commit to fulfilling God's calling. We recognize that dreams formed in unity can inspire extraordinary realities. Working together, engaging with God’s Word, and living out the love Christ exemplified can lead to monumental changes in our lives and the world around us. As we navigate the complexities of community and relationship, let us collectively seek God’s direction, stepping forward in faith to fulfill the dreams He has placed in our hearts.

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I Have A Dream, Part 2

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A “Last Days” Church