Oceania Convention 2016: Vision 20/20

My very first and last OC was amazing. Will share what I have learnt here.

Day 1 

Session 1: Going to the next level

Matthew 14:28-31New International Version (NIV)

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Session 2: HIM mission, MISSION HIM POSSIBLE

1. Win souls

Romans 1:16New International Version (NIV)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of Godthat brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

"Nothing changes if nothing changes"

So, sow diligently and be creative with sharing the gospel.

2. Make disciples

"When you empower others, you not only influence those you influence, but also those that they influence"

Very true. Thinking of the people who have influenced me, they have not only influenced me but also those that I influenced. It is like a domino effect.

It is an effective way to multiply others to multiply God's work and a dynamic way to mature believers to Christ-likeness.

3. Build healthy churches

Forum: Navigating change

The worst thing to do during change is being indecisive.

God uses and work through our desires.

God will guide and assure us.

Develop an Abrahamic faith- to move when you don't have details.

"God's purpose for us will not change, only the way we do it will change."

Session 3: Vision that unlocks our personal world

1) You were made to dream big

"Sometimes you have to let God override your dreams with his dreams."

Genesis 1:28New International Version (NIV)

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Romans 15:20New International Version (NIV)

20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

2) Live a purposeful life. Purpose leads to fulfilment 

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11New International Version (NIV)

9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
    I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor,
    and this was the reward for all my toil.
11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
    and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
    nothing was gained under the sun.

3) Your dreams can be different from others

1 Corinthians 12:4-6New International Version (NIV)

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

4) Boldness to fulfil your vision. Vision needs courage to be fulfilled.

Accept challenges and obey God in faith.

Joshua 1:6-9New International Version (NIV)

6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left,that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”