05 Jan Building a House of Love

“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak it will not lie. Though it tarries wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

                        Habakkuk 2v2-3

It is important for a Church to have a vision as it gives a direction to run toward and a picture of the future we hope to see realized. Vision Sunday for me is one of the most important meetings of the year as it is a time to take stock and remember what God has done and what He has promised to do. It is my prayer that faith arises in you and that in 2018 you will run with what you have both heard and read.

In 2006 God spoke to me about “Building a House of Love” here in Bridgend. Our desire to see a Church that truly loves God, one another and our neighbour remains at the forefront of all that we do. Whilst the vision is constantly evolving, because as we obey God He unfolds more of His purposes and brings more clarity to the vision, the heart of the vision has not changed and the purposes God had in bringing together a handful of people 35 years ago remains the same. God has brought His people together at the Vine not only to impact Bridgend, but also the nation of Wales and the world. We are already starting to see nations across the world touched by the ministry flowing out of this Church and this will only continue as the Church grows. However we must never rest on our achievements but be ready to continue to follow the voice of God in order to see this vision realized. As a leader I am promising you something that I cannot deliver to you. However all things are possible to God and if we simply obey His voice and follow Him we will see the vision unfold before our very eyes.

Any Church is only as strong as its component parts. I want to encourage you to put your energies, time, finances and gifting into building this Church. God has not called us to remain where we are but to cross over into all that He wants us to become. Every one of us, no matter what our involvement, is an important part of the whole. Whenever someone decides to stand on the side-lines we all suffer because we all lack.

“Those members which seem to be weaker are necessary” – 1 Cor 12 v 22

When St Paul’s Cathedral was being built, Sir Christopher Wren, the architect, was walking around site one day and came upon a young apprentice carrying a load. Wren asked the boy what he was doing “I’m just carrying bricks, sir” came the reply. “No” said Wren, “you are building a cathedral.” The great architect understood the importance of believing that the job a person does makes a difference.

Wherever you serve in the Church always remember that you are not just carrying bricks but building the “Kingdom of God.” When we all play our part we will see the Kingdom extended and the vision realised. I look forward to “Building a House of Love” with you in 2018.

God Bless you

Alex