For hundreds of years, prominent Christian leaders, scientists and scholars have described how God speaks to us through two “books” – creation and scripture. Psalm 19 illustrates this clearly.
• Creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (v.1).
• Scripture: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (v.7).
Other scriptures talk about the way creation teaches us - Job 12:7–10: “Ask the animals… speak to the earth… let the fish in the sea inform you.”
Creation is God’s general revelation, and scripture is His special revelation. Together, they reveal God’s salvation and prophetic promises.
Creation Language and Prophetic Promise
God often uses creation pictures to communicate His promises:
• Jeremiah saw an almond tree as a reminder that God watches over His word (Jeremiah 1:11–12).
• Abraham was shown the stars as a sign of countless descendants (Genesis 15:5).
Creation can also speak to us today and help shape our church’s vision.
Our Overflowing Life Vision (2022–2026)
Our vision: “We see a spirit-filled movement where each person is becoming fully alive in Christ so that every city overflows with Kingdom life.”
Each year has built momentum:
• Spirit Life → Shared Life → Kingdom Life
• Next: Overflowing Life (2025–2026) → multiplying Life Groups, ministries, and congregations into 100 new locations.
God has confirmed this vision with three creation pictures:
1. Rivers of Living Water
2. A Fruitful Vine
3. A Garden City
Rivers of Living Water
Jesus said: “Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:37–39).
• Our Life Groups and ministries represent streams of the Spirit overflowing from suburb to suburb.
• Already, 93 suburbs in Melbourne have Life Groups, like waterfalls pouring from the same Spirit-filled river. Just like the Iguazu Falls which is the largest waterfall system in the wall with 275 waterfalls clustered together in one place on the Iguazu River in South America
A Fruitful Vine
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches… if you remain in me… you will bear much fruit” (John 15:5).
• Pruning and preparation seasons (like the pandemic) deepen our roots for future multiplication.
• Like the Chinese bamboo, growth may seem slow, but in time it will multiply rapidly.
• CityLife is preparing not only to multiply in Melbourne but also internationally, including partnerships in Sri Lanka.
A Garden City
Revelation 22:1–5 gives us a vision of a garden city, with rivers of life and trees bringing healing to the nations.
• Melbourne has been called a “garden city,” and God can make it so spiritually.
• New congregations in places like Beveridge are just the beginning.
• God is tending His garden, preparing His people for multiplication and transformation.
Next Steps
Missionary William Carey said: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.”
Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us: “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
As we pray, let’s see our city covered with rivers of life, fruitful vines, and overflowing garden cities. And like Isaiah, may we say: “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Discussion Questions
1. Psalm 19 shows us God speaks through creation and scripture. Which of these do you find speaks most deeply to you, and why?
2. Looking at Jeremiah’s almond tree or Abraham’s stars, what creation picture has God used in your life to remind you of His promises?
3. How do the three creation images—rivers of living water, fruitful vine, garden city—encourage or challenge you personally in your faith journey?
4. CityLife’s vision includes multiplication into new communities. How can you personally be part of this vision—through prayer, serving, or leading?
5. William Carey spoke of expecting and attempting great things for God. What is one “faith step” you can take this week to align with God’s overflowing life vision?
