Long Obedience in the Same Direction:
Happy Labor Day weekend! This Sunday, we gather as a church family to consider where God is leading us and who He is calling us to become. Vision is more than good ideas or wishful thinking—it is God-inspired imagination, seeing what God sees when He looks at our future.
Our vision as the Manchester Church of Christ is this: “To be a family of faith in Manchester, transformed by the gospel, equipping His people for Christ, and sharing God’s love through service and disciple-making at home and abroad.”
This vision matters because it roots us in God’s calling and reminds us that the Christian life is not a sprint but, as Eugene Peterson said, “a long obedience in the same direction.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
To help us live out this vision, we hold to five values: gospel-centered worship, biblical growth, relational discipleship, missional living, and generous hearts. These aren’t abstract ideals—they are trail markers for our journey of faith together. They shape who we are becoming as individuals and as a family of believers.
The road ahead is not always easy, but the promise is sure: in the Lord, our labor is not in vain. May we commit ourselves to this long obedience, trusting that God is building something eternal through us.
Dinner Table Conversations:
Adult & Teen Table Talk:
- What is the difference between human ambition and divine calling? How can we recognize God’s vision rather than just our own goals?
- Which of the five core values (worship, growth, discipleship, mission, generosity) is your strongest? Which do you most need to grow in?
Little Learners’ Table Talk:
- How has Jesus shown His love to you?
Sermon Title: Long Obedience in the Same Direction
Sermon Series: Vision 2025
Sermon Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
Closing Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2
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