I. Introduction (Hebrews 11:13)
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:13
B. I have great memories of the past
- We had a great year as a church - 2025 was full
- Several people saved, and baptized, joined the church
- A great Men’s Camp, and Bible Club
- Bible Club, 61 children, 1 saved!
- We had 151 come to our Resurrection Play - what a great day!
- Great 31st church anniversary service
C. But I enjoy faith for the future more
- Stepping out into what God has for us ahead
- Just seeing glimpses of where we should be
- It is called having a vision of what we all should strive for in the future
D. That is what I am going to preach about this morning
II. Message
A. How to see what God sees…
1. Hear His words
- Hear God’s mind, and His heart
- Let God speak from the pages of this Book - forget dreams, voices, tarot cards, mediums - this is what Jesus called “the words that proceedeth out of the mouth of God!”
- God sees the end from the beginning - He knows what is up ahead
“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” - Isaiah 46:9,10
- What He says is what is going to happen
“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 55:10,11
2. Allow Him to lead and direct
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5,6
- This is where we fail - we resist, and argue, and fight God’s pull and push
- Fear dominates us, and the past, and pride
- The sweetest and most powerful days will be when you completely surrender to whatever God has for you each day
3. Be doing His will already
- What has God showed you to do? Are you doing that?
- NOT what someone else should be doing, but YOU!
- No matter how small or how hard
- Just be obedient to His will, and trust His leading
4. THAT is when God shows you a view ahead
B. My Job as Pastor
1. To Shepherd a flock
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” - Acts 20:28-30
- People don’t want a shepherd - just a figure-head
- But, to shepherd people means:
3. Feed you
- Not spoon feed
- Not feed you with a load of sugar and butterflies
- Not to entertain you
- But show you such rich truths in this Book
- Teach you how to READ and THINK and UNDERSTAND this Book!
- Teach you how to trust God and know God and love God
- To answer questions, and stir up more questions and deeper thoughts
4. Protect you
- From the wolves outside and from wolves within
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” - 1 Peter 5:8,9
III. Conclusion
A. Vision requires faith - seeing what is not yet visible
B. God has great things planned for those who trust Him
C. Step out in faith this year
D. What will you attempt for God in 2026?
For more information, contact Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig at www.biblebc.com