Vision Sunday
East Gate exists to ELEVATE and EMPOWER, sons and daughters, to be the place where Heaven touches Earth. This means that we are committed to teaching people how to hear God’s voice, connect with Him daily, and walk with Him in obedience.
I. 2023 is the Year of Aggressive Expansion
a. We are building upon last year’s word; Established as the House of His Glory (2022)
Matthew 11:12 GOD’S WORD Translation
12 From the time of John the Baptizer until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful people have been seizing it.
b. The vision of East Gate is our greatest vehicle of Aggressive Expansion
c. We will allow the kingdom and glory of God to expand aggressively from this House of His Glory (and our households) into the world around us
d. January testimonies of Aggressive Expansion
i. Households becoming Ground Zero
ii. Prodigals returning home
iii. Aggressive Expansion of families
iv. This past Sunday’s experience
II. Vision is Holy Spirit’s revelation of God’s will for the future
Proverbs 29:18 Amplified Bible
18 Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].
a. Vision is acquired though DAILY SECRET PLACE
b. Vision is ACCOUNTABILITY
i. Unrestrained – para (H6544) – to act as leader and abandon (self) control
c. Vision is FULFILLMENT
Habakkuk 2:2-3 Amplified Bible
2 Then the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision And engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets So that the one who reads it will run. 3 “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay.
d. Vision is DIRECTION
e. Vision is PASSION
f. Vision is HOPE
g. Vision is LONGEVITY
III. The Vehicles of Aggressive Expansion 2023
a. Family has always been a vehicle of Aggressive Expansion
Genesis 1:27-28 New King James Version
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [a]moves on the earth.”
i. This world needs godly parents to raise godly children
Psalm 127:4-5 New King James Version
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
ii. The Lord thinks generationally
Deuteronomy 7:9 New King James Version
9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;
iii. The Lord desires to encounter our children
Mark 10:13-16 New King James Version
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
iv. We ALL have a responsibility to the children of East Gate
Proverbs 22:6 New King James Version
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, [a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.
v. Prophetic words over East Gate regarding our children and youth
1. Young Men’s Training Center
2. We would always be surrounded by young people
3. Do NOT leave your children behind
4. Teach and train your children to recognize the presence of God and to become carriers of His glory
b. East Gate Kids
i. Encounter Nights: setting apart Wednesdays for our children to encounter Holy Spirit
ii. Launches Wednesday, April 12th from 6-8pm @ East Gate
iii. First interest meeting will take place this Wednesday, February 1st at 7pm
iv. If you are interested in attending and/or serving email kids@weareeastgate.com
c. Youth Ministries
i. Encounter 2023 Youth Retreat: Friday – Saturday, July 14th –16th @ Blue Mountain
ii. Encounter Nights: Friday evenings from 7-9pm @ East Gate
iii. If you are interested in serving email youth@weareeastgate.com
iv. More information to come
d. Heart for East Gate:
Exodus 25:1-2 New King James Version
25 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an [a]offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
8 And let them make Me a sanctuary,[a] that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.
i. Holy Spirit wants East Gate to take up and give Him an offering
ii. From those who have a Heart for East Gate – any who gives willingly with their heart (thoughts, feelings, and desires)
iii. Holy Spirit is inviting East Gate to build Him two sanctuaries, by His design where He may encounter us in NEW WAYS
1. Stewarding faithful 1417 Marvine St
2. In faith believing for a larger miracle building that we will renovate and furnish
iv. More information to come in February
IV. Aggressive Expansion Requires Prayerful and Intentional Change
a. As we have been fasting for 40 days Holy Spirit has clearly called East Gate to make some changes
b. Tuesday Evening Intercessory Prayer will come to an end in February as we set apart Tuesday Evenings for leadership development
c. Wednesday Night Bible Study will come to an end as we set apart Wednesday Evenings for East Gate Kids Encounter Nights and the training/prep of the Serve Teams
d. Friday evenings will be set apart for the East Gate Youth Encounter Nights
e. It’s time for all of us to step up and pray together, serve together, give together, and partner together in faith, as we ALL contend for more during this Year of Aggressive Expansion
f. As we near the end of our 40 day fast, we challenge you to ask the Lord, “What part do I play in Aggressive Expansion? How can I serve at East Gate Kids or Youth?”
