Captured By The Heavenly Vision
Dana begins by sharing his personal testimony of being "caught" by a heavenly vision, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering God's plan. He draws parallels between Paul's transformation and the potential for the Church to be captivated by a corporate heavenly vision, one that moves beyond individual salvation to a collective understanding of God's purpose. Dana highlights the Church's current state of being stuck in shadows, clinging to forms and traditions without true revelation. He argues that just as Paul, blinded by his rigid understanding of Judaism, needed a radical encounter with Christ, the Church today needs a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to break free from its self-imposed limitations and embrace a dynamic, living faith. He emphasizes the essential characteristics of a life touched by heavenly vision: redirection by the cross, a liberating joy found in God's presence despite difficulties, and the unshakeable assurance of God's constant presence. Dana concludes by outlining four types of individuals who are often recipients of heavenly vision: those touched by the Holy Spirit, those who have faithfully served, those who love and study God's Word, and those who hunger for authentic spiritual reality.
Outline of Main Points
Introduction: Dana's personal experience and the theme of "heavenly vision."
The Nature of Heavenly Vision
Not just for personal salvation, but for a prophetic Church
Critique of lifeless forms in the Church
Paul's transformation: disorienting and liberating
Effects of Heavenly Vision
Redirection of life by the work of the cross
Liberation and joy despite trials
Living by resurrection life
Sensing life's purpose
Knowing God is for you
Characteristics of Those Captured by Heavenly Vision
Experience of the Holy Spirit
Faithful service
Love for God's Word
Hunger for authentic community
Conclusion: Call to pursue heavenly vision and its transformative power.
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
