Vision Sunday 2016
2016: Possessing Our Possessions. This is the theme of the year for our church that Senior Pastor Joseph Prince unveiled on Sunday, 3 January 2016.
In the Old Testament, the promised land of Canaan was a place where God's people could live in houses they did not build and drink from wells they did not dig (ref: Deuteronomy 6:11). In his message, Pastor Prince expounded on the importance of entering into God’s rest — where we cease from our own works, lean hard on God and receive all that Christ Jesus has given us through the cross. He also exhorted us to not fear the difficulties we may face in the year ahead, but to look to God to bring us into the land “which flows with milk and honey” (ref: Numbers 14:6–9).
This emphasis of looking to Jesus recurred throughout the service, starting from the get-go with the opening item “Royal Colours”, a multimedia dance that depicted how Jesus came to break us out of a world of sin, shame and fear into His righteousness and glorious light.
The dance segued seamlessly into praise and worship as neon-decked youth dancers filled the aisles at The Star Performing Arts Centre and Marina Bay Sands Ballrooms, encouraging the congregation to clap and move in sync and rhythm. Neon wristbands which were distributed before services also added to the fun as congregation members wore and waved them in the air. Together, it symbolised how we want to let His colours and light shine forth in us.
A special item consisting of an original song “Speak To Mountains” by New Creation Worship reiterated the importance of looking to Jesus, who is more than able to see us through any storm we may face in life. The performers sang, danced and played a gamut of instruments, from the guitar, mandolin and drums to the accordion and electric violin.
The sermon climaxed with an animation that speaks of how Jesus’ finished work on the cross has redeemed us and paved the way for us to enter into the promised land — a lush, verdant land flowing with His goodness. Indeed, we shall possess our possessions in 2016!
In closing, Pastor Prince prayed for us to walk with God and, through Him, possess all that Jesus died to give us. He also prayed for God’s protection over us and that we will not be affected by the storms of life.
This year’s theme visual can be downloaded as wallpapers here.
