Building The Kingdom: Vision Casting
Pastor Hunter Bingham
September 1, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Vision Casting by Leaders
Political Leaders: Former President Trump and Vice President Harris both presented their visions for America at the RNC and DNC, highlighting the importance of vision casting in leadership.
Corporate Leadership: A friend's experience with a CEO during a new job orientation, emphasizing the company's vision and the role of new hires in achieving it.
Educational Leadership: Pastor Hunter's recollection of college orientation where the institution's president shared the vision for the college and the expectations from students.
The Ultimate Vision for Christians
Primary Identity: The discussion emphasized that for Christians, the ultimate vision is not found in political, institutional, or cultural systems, but in joining Jesus in building His kingdom.
Scriptural Reference: Philippians 3:17-21 was cited to illustrate the concept of citizenship in heaven and the transformation that comes with it.
Context and History of Philippians
Historical Background: Philippi's history as a Roman colony and its significance in the Roman Empire.
Paul's Missionary Journey: Paul's experiences in Philippi, including his interactions with Lydia and the Philippian jailer, highlighting the power of the gospel.
Shifts in Identity and Allegiance
Role Models and Examples: Christians are encouraged to look to Jesus and His followers as role models rather than cultural or political elites.
Citizenship Identity: The primary identity of Christians is as citizens of Jesus' kingdom, which offers better privileges and obligations than any earthly citizenship.
Future Hope: The hope for Christians lies in the eternal kingdom of God, which surpasses any temporary earthly achievements.
Action Items
Personal Reflection: Attendees are encouraged to reflect on their primary identity and consider shifts in their allegiances and role models.
Engagement with Scripture: Participants are invited to engage with Philippians 3:17-21 and other related scriptures to deepen their understanding of their identity in Christ.
Follow-up Points
Continued Discussion: Pastor Hunter suggests ongoing reflection and discussion on the implications of being a citizen of Jesus' kingdom in daily life.
Community Engagement: Encouragement to engage with diverse communities within the church to strengthen kingdom citizenship identity.
Worship and Response
Communion: Participants are invited to take communion as a reminder of the new covenant with Jesus.
Generosity: An opportunity to practice generosity as a reflection of kingdom values.
Singing and Prayer: Engaging in worship through singing and prayer to celebrate and proclaim the kingdom of God.
Conclusion
The discussion concludes with a call to embrace the identity of a kingdom citizen, focusing on the eternal hope and privileges that come with it, and to respond in worship and community engagement.
Biblical References
Philippians 3:17-21: "Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."
Ephesians 2:19: "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."
1 Corinthians 15:19-20: "If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."
