Message: “The Need for Change: Biblical Perspectives” from Joe Summers

Title: The Need for Change: Biblical Perspectives Lesson Objective: To look at change as a positive and how to deal with the challenges of changes in our lives Scripture: - Romans 12:2 (NIV) "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." Introduction: Definition of Change: an act or process through which something becomes different: Why Change: 1) One is seeking a better outcome 2) Improving on good results to enhance efficiency What happens when there is no change: 1) First and foremost, in most cases a living thing dies if there is no changes. a. Some call this evolution. No change or adaptation leads to extinction b. A Church can spiritually die if there is no change to meet the needs of the members 2) No change can encourage competition a. The story of Henry Ford and the Model T ford Sometimes Change can be force on us by the environment a. Pandemic forced many to accept technology like Zoom and the internet b. Forced companies to encourage people to work from home c. Changed educational delivery model Scripture References for necessity for change Change as a Constant in Life Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." a. Life by definition is changes as identified in this passage b. One cannot define most things without looking at the opposite to clearly understand Changes through Renewal - Romans 12:2 (NIV) "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." - This scripture encourages us to change our way of thinking. Embracing Change with Faith - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) "For we live by faith, not by sight." - The Bible teaches us that we cannot have changes in our lives without living by faith, trusting God's plan even in the face of change. Letting Go of the Past - Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Change can be difficult when we refuse to let go of the past Sometimes we hold on to the past even when it is painful Sometimes we should remember the past so that we do not make the same mistakes The Power of Repentance - Acts 3:19 (NIV) "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." - Seeking repentance can lead to positive change and spiritual refreshment. A New Creation in Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - Change is not necessarily 180 degrees and certainly not 360 degrees but change is a new you Humility and Change - James 4:10 (NIV) "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - humility is essential in embracing change and allowing God's transformation in our lives. Embracing God's Plans - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Explore God's promise of a hopeful future, encouraging us to trust His plans during times of change. Overcoming Fear through Faith - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Faith in God's presence helps us overcome fear in times of change. We change so that we can bear fruit - John 15:1-2 (NIV) "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." God's Faithfulness in Change - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." God's faithfulness and compassion as a source of hope in times of change. Transformation through the Holy Spirit - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." The Holy Spirit works within believers to bring about transformation into Christlikeness. Embracing God's Instruction in times of change - Psalm 119:105 (NIV) "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." The importance of God's Word in guiding us through changes in life. Sometimes change means embracing the past The Parable of the Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-24 (NIV) The parable of the Prodigal Son as an example of repentance, change, and the Father's unconditional love and forgiveness. Embracing Change as a Believer - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith." Embrace change with perseverance, focusing on Christ as the ultimate example. Transforming Relationships - Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." - Biblical principles can transform our relationships and foster positive change. Conclusion - Remember that Change is necessary and expected. We must embrace change - We must embrace change with faith and trust in God's plan for Our lives. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is insanity -

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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