Prepper Church: February 25, 2024

God Changes Us

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Gathering 

Take time to gather informally and preview the service outline.  If you'd like to participate in communion, please be prepared to do so.  

Service

I.  Opening

Welcome and Introduction:  Welcome, fellow preppers, to our service today!  Last week we discussed the idea that “Culture Changes but God Doesn’t” and today we look into the many different ways that God does change people.  As we learn to overcome the challenges of preparing for uncertain times, let us also prepare our hearts for the arrival of the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.

Opening Prayer:  Lord, today we are yours and we surrender ourselves to you.  Let your Truth and Promises take us and change us:  the words that we use, the actions that we take, and the visions that we see.    For your Glory with the authority of Christ Jesus and the blessings of the Holy Spirit we welcome your change in us.

Scripture:  2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

II.  Worship and Praise

Let's enter into a time of worship, reflecting on the importance of taking action and responding to God’s call.  This song really isn't so much of a "worship or praise" song as it is a lesson for us about change and transformation--and the change we make can then become our worship.

Video Link:  VAN HALEN - Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) (Lyric Video) - YouTube

Change the words:  Consider these alternate lyrics and have some fun!

Well, back in the day of Jerusalem’s hall,
Lived a Pharisee known as Saul,
The Scriptures tell us
He'd take out Christians of his day

He'd go out and make them pay,
When he passed by they all ran away
He’s a zealous man so they say
But then Jesus struck him blind
And then Saul fell on his behind...

The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now,
Christ’s love knocked him down and he did vow!
He was the man the Sanhedrin cheer,
Now they're all baffled by how he’s so dear,
Mightier than Goliath, I reckon,
‘Til Jesus called, and his heart did beckon!

The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now, (Oh, yes, he is)
Writing letters, spreading the Word so proud. (That’s right)
Well, he used to hunt Christians, breathing threats and fight,
Now he's preaching Christ from morning till night,
The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now.

The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now, (Spreading the Word)
Saving souls and preaching God's full Word (Amen!)
Well, he used to hunt Christians, breathing threats and fight,
Now he's preaching Christ, from morning till night,
The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now. (Spreading the Word)
The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now. (From town to town)
The Pharisee Saul is the Disciple Paul now.

Reflection: Consider these points of reflection while enjoying the recording of Van Halen as they sing “Big Bad Bill” – and know that there is a lesson coming in transformation.

• Unexpected Transformation: The story of Big Bad Bill turning into Sweet William showcases a dramatic change. Reflect on how God's intervention in our lives can lead to unexpected transformations. How can embracing God’s love and guidance change even the toughest parts of our character?
• Impact of Relationships: Bill's transformation was sparked by his relationship with his wife. Consider how our relationships, especially those centered in Christ, can influence our personal growth and spiritual journey. Have you experienced a significant change in your life prompted by a relationship?
• From Fear to Fondness: Bill went from being feared to being endearingly referred to as "sweet papa Willie dear." How does our spiritual transformation affect how others perceive us? Discuss the importance of our spiritual identity being reflected in our relationships and reputation within the community.
• The Power of Love Over Conflict: The song humorously notes Bill's shift from seeking fights to domestic life. How does the love of Christ move us from conflict to peace, both internally and in our relationships with others?
• Sacrifice and Change: The lyrics mention, "Stronger than Samson I declare, 'Til the brown-skinned woman bobbed his hair." This line draws a parallel to the biblical story of Samson and Delilah but also highlights the theme of vulnerability and change through love. Discuss how vulnerability and sacrifice play roles in our spiritual transformation.
• The Joy in Serving: Bill's change leads him from causing trouble to "doing the dishes, mopping up that floor." How does the joy found in serving others and embracing humility reflect the transformation Christ calls us to? Share an instance where serving others brought joy and changed your perspective.
• Identity in Christ: "Big Bad Bill is Sweet William now" repeats the theme of a new identity. How does our identity in Christ lead to a life radically different from our past? Discuss the freedom and joy found in our new identity as followers of Christ.

These reflection points are designed to stimulate thoughtful discussion and personal introspection, encouraging participants to draw parallels between the humorous yet profound transformation of Big Bad Bill and their own spiritual growth and change in Christ.

III. Communion

Communion is a sacred time to remember Jesus' sacrifice, offering us forgiveness and eternal life through faith. This act is for those who have welcomed Jesus as their Savior and leader. If you're still on your journey of faith, please feel free to observe and reflect during this time. Know that you're valued and respected, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey.

For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, let's share in communion together. We'll start with the bread, symbolizing Jesus' body given for us, and then share the cup, representing His blood shed for a new covenant of grace and forgiveness.

• "Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, 'Take, eat; this is My body.'" (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22) Please partake of the bread.
• He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24) Please partake of the cup,

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we humbly thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who established this new covenant of love and forgiveness with His sacrifice. May this communion deepen our connection to You and to each other as Your family. Guide us to live out the grace we've received in our words and actions every day. Amen.

IV:  Message:  God Changes Us

Last week, we explored the concept that culture changes, but God remains constant. Today, we charge straight into uncovering how this unchanging God sparks radical transformation within us—not just on the surface, but at the very core of who we are.

In preparing this message, I encountered the prevalent belief that divine transformation begins with the heart—the seat of our desires, thoughts, and will. It's often said that God's first work is to realign our hearts with His. But upon reflection and a closer examination of Scripture, I found myself questioning this notion. Does transformation truly begin in the heart? Or is there a different starting point?

My study led me to a realization: Transformation, as initiated by God, often manifests first through our words and actions. It's these outward expressions that signal a deeper change within us—a change not just of heart but of our very identity. This process, powered by the Holy Spirit, forces us to reconsider not only what we love and how we think but also how we live out those changes visibly every day.

1. The Nature of Divine Transformation

In our journey with God, we often hear that transformation starts in the heart—the seat of our desires, thoughts, and will. But upon delving deeper into Scripture, we find a compelling narrative that suggests otherwise. While the heart's transformation is a crucial goal of God's work within us, it might not be the starting point.

Christianity isn't about self-improvement through a series of steps; it's about a complete change in who we are. It's a spiritual rebirth, a divine transformation like no other. Picture this transformation as a divine detonation within you, where the Holy Spirit's power completely obliterates our old, condemned selves, making way for new life. This transformation is not just skin-deep; it's a complete overhaul of our very essence, initiated by an encounter with the living God.

This seismic shift doesn't stay hidden; it dramatically bursts forth, first becoming visible in our words and actions. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, highlighting that our speech is one of the first indicators of this inner upheaval. Our words begin to reflect the new creation we've become, steering the ship of our lives through God's transformative waters, as illustrated by James 3:2-5. This change in our speech is a direct reflection of God's grace at work within us, echoing the transformation of our hearts.

Yet, divine transformation encompasses more than just our words; it's evident in our deeds. James 2:18 calls us to demonstrate our faith through action. Our actions bear witness to our inward metamorphosis, serving as tangible proof of our faith in motion. Ephesians 4:29 urges us to use our words to uplift others, infusing the fabric of God’s kingdom with encouragement and truth. 

Therefore, divine transformation is both an explosive moment of rebirth and a continuous journey of renewal. It reshapes our hearts, redefines our words, and redirects our actions. This holistic change, ignited by the Holy Spirit, moves us from the inside out, transforming our lives into vivid testimonies of God’s power to renew and change.

The truth is, a radical change in our heart might go unnoticed by others and even ourselves. But when we change our words and our actions, the evidence of transformation becomes undeniable to everyone, including us.

2. Examples of Transformation in Scripture

Want proof that transformation doesn't always start "in the heart" but is often visible first in words and actions? Here are some undeniable examples from Scripture.

Abram to Abraham: Called by God to leave his homeland, Abram, promised to become a great nation despite his old age, transformed into Abraham, the "father of many." This change was marked not just by a promise received in the heart but by Abraham's actual steps of obedience, moving to a new land and preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac, demonstrating profound trust in God's promises through action.

Simon to Peter: Initially just a fisherman, Simon was called by Jesus to become "Peter," the rock upon which Jesus would build His church. Peter's journey from doubt to steadfast faith, culminating in his bold proclamation of Jesus as the Christ and his leadership in the early church, symbolizes the transformative power of encountering Christ. Notice how Peter's transformation was evidenced by his actions and declarations, long before we see the full maturity of his heart.

Saul to Paul: Known for zealously persecuting Christians, Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus was marked by a literal fall to the ground and a blinding light. This encounter led to his transformation into Paul, a fervent apostle of Christ. It's Paul's subsequent actions—preaching the gospel he once tried to destroy—that showcase the radical change within him.

But we’re not just limited to three examples.  Here are many more that show transformation doesn’t start “in the heart” but in our words and actions:

• Moses went from a fugitive in Midian to the leader who confronted Pharaoh and led the Israelites out of Egypt, his transformation marked by the pivotal moment at the burning bush and the actions that followed.
• Rahab, a prostitute, demonstrated her faith by actively protecting the Israelite spies, an action that not only saved her family but also integrated her into the lineage of Christ.
• Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her decision to follow her into an unknown future exemplify transformation through action, leading to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David.
• David's transition from shepherd boy to King of Israel illustrates how God elevates and transforms those He chooses, seen in David's actions from slaying Goliath to leading a nation.
• Mary Magdalene, once demon-possessed, became a devoted follower of Jesus, her transformation manifested in her actions as the first to witness and proclaim His resurrection.
• Zacchaeus changed from a greedy tax collector to a generous host after encountering Jesus, showing repentance and transformation by reimbursing those he cheated.
• The Disciples transformed from fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary men into the founders of the early church, spreading the gospel across the world, a testament to the visible change in their lives post-encounter with Jesus.

These stories from Scripture are not just historical accounts; they are testimonials to the fact that divine transformation is visibly initiated through our words and actions, evidencing the profound work God does within us.

And then there's the transformation we see in our own lives. From the significant changes in our actions and words to the deep, ongoing work in our hearts, we embody the living proof of God's transformative power. Each step of obedience, every word of truth we speak, mirrors the biblical examples of God's unchanging promise to make us new creations. 

3. My journey of transformation

My journey of transformation didn’t start in a place you might expect. It wasn’t a grand spiritual awakening but a moment on the wrestling mat during my senior year of high school that sparked a change in me. It was a match that was tied after the end of regulation and headed into overtime.  In this moment, Coach Jeff Gimar delivered a simple message that would redefine my understanding of my capabilities: "You've got this. Look at him," he said, pointing to my exhausted opponent, "and look at yourself. You're not even breathing hard."  As I looked over, I saw my oppnent laying down and sucking air while his coach fanned him with a towel to cool him off.

Before that moment, my confidence wavered. I had always relied on my strength, but deep down, I doubted my endurance and my ability to push beyond perceived limits. It wasn't my heart or desire that changed in that instant—it was my belief. Coach Gimar's words acted as a divine detonation within me, transforming my belief about myself. Suddenly, I knew I could win, not because I had become physically stronger in that moment, but because I believed I was unstoppable.

This belief was visible instantly. My words shifted from doubt to certainty, my posture from hesitance to readiness. It was as if Coach Gimar's faith in me had ignited a fire, transforming my approach not just in that match, but in life.

Reflecting on this, I see the profound truth of Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Coach Gimar was the iron that sharpened me, teaching me that true victory comes from enduring faith in oneself and in the guiding hand of God. This encounter taught me the power of words to spark belief and action. My transformation was evident to all who watched as I won the match, not just with strength, but with the endurance and confidence that Coach Gimar’s words instilled in me.

This experience became a cornerstone of my faith journey, illustrating how God often uses others to speak life-changing truths into our lives. It reinforced the idea that our transformation in God often starts with a change in our words and actions. These outward changes can lead to a deeper, internal transformation—a shift in our very belief systems and perceptions of what is possible.

Today, I live out this transformation by embracing the endurance needed for the "long game" in both my spiritual walk and daily life. It's the small, consistent actions over time, rooted in the belief of God's power and promise, that yield the most significant changes. This story of transformation isn’t just about a wrestling match; it’s about how God can use any moment, any words, to initiate change within us, propelling us towards a life of enduring faith and victory.

So here I am:  once a fallen sinner, now transformed by grace. My journey from a fallen, short-sighted, selfish, and self-centered individual to an anointed brother in Christ who has the infinite inheritance of the Creator of the Universe is my testament to God's promise in 2 Corinthians 5:17. In Christ, I am indeed 'a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!'

4. Your Turn: Practical Next Steps for You

Today, we've journeyed through the undeniable power of divine transformation, seeing it unfold in the lives of biblical figures and in our own experiences. Now, it's your turn. Transformation isn't just a historical account or a personal anecdote; it's an invitation from God to each of us. Here are practical steps you can take to open your life to this transformative power:

• Reflect on Your Words and Actions: Begin by examining your daily speech and deeds. Ask yourself, "Do my words uplift those around me? Do my actions reflect the love and grace of Jesus?" This reflection isn't about self-critique but about recognizing where God's transformative work can begin in you.
• Seek Transformation in Prayer: Approach God in prayer with openness and honesty. Share with Him your desire for transformation. Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance to not only change your heart but to manifest that change in your words and actions.
• Immerse Yourself in Scripture: Let God's Word be the mirror that reflects what needs transformation in your life. As you read, pray for insight into how the lives and lessons of biblical figures can inspire change in your own journey.
• Commit to Small, Consistent Actions: Identify one small change you can make in your words or actions this week that aligns with the transformation you seek. It could be as simple as offering a word of encouragement to someone each day or taking a step towards reconciling a strained relationship. Remember, it's the small, consistent actions over time that lead to significant transformation.
• Record Your Journey: Keeping a journal has been a transformative practice for me, serving as a tangible record of God's work in my life. I highly recommend it as a way to reflect on your spiritual journey. But if writing isn't your thing, I encourage you to find expression that speaks to your soul. Drawing, photography, composing songs or poetry, storytelling, or building things out of wood--creative expressions can serve as milestones, reminders of where you've been and how far you've come. 
• Share Your Journey: Transformation thrives in community. Share your intention to transform with a trusted friend, family member, or church leader. Ask for their support, prayers, and accountability as you take these steps.

As we close today's message, I encourage you not to view transformation as a daunting task but as an exciting adventure with God. It's about allowing Him to work in and through us, changing us from the inside out, starting with our words and actions. Your turn has come. Embrace it with faith, knowing that in Christ, you are indeed "a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Let's step into this week with a heart open to transformation, eager to see how God will use our words and deeds to reflect His glory. 

May God bless you on this journey of transformation. Remember, you're not walking it alone.

V:  Offering

As we continue in our worship, we have the opportunity to participate in the act of giving. The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Let's bow our heads in prayer as we prepare our hearts for this act of giving. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As we bring our offerings before You today, we do so with hearts full of gratitude. May these gifts be used for the furthering of Your Kingdom and the spreading of Your love. Bless each giver abundantly, and may our cheerful giving be a reflection of Your generosity toward us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

As we collect the offering, we do want to remind everyone that this part of the service is an opportunity to give but is in no way considered a requirement.  We have the special opportunity here at Prepper Church to give all of the offering to a good cause that we choose.

Thank you for your generous hearts and faithful giving. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting the causes that we support. May God bless you abundantly as you continue to be cheerful givers. Amen.

VI:  Closing

Closing Prayer:  Lord, guide our words to mirror Your love and our actions to embody Your grace. Strengthen us to live out the transformation You have begun in us. Let our tongues speak Your truth, and our hands do Your work. In every word and deed, may we reflect Christ to the world around us. Amen.

Closing Remarks:  Take this message into your week: let your words uplift, your actions serve, and your life testify to God's transformative power. 

You are not alone on this journey. Together, as a community, we support, encourage, and uplift one another, celebrating the victories and learning from the challenges. Take heart in knowing that each small, consistent step forward is part of God's grand design for your life.

Remember, it's through what we say and what we do that we show we are truly changed. Go out, be bold, and live transformed. God bless you all.

Local Group Discussion and Fellowship

As the service concludes, consider these discussion points that align with the sermon content:

• Share a personal story of transformation, specifically focusing on how changes in your words or actions have marked your faith journey.
• In light of today's message, how does the idea that transformation starts with our words and actions reshape your understanding of personal challenges and growth in faith?
• Reflect on a time when a change in your speech or behavior had a noticeable impact on your relationships or spiritual life. What did that teach you about the power of visible transformation?
• Can you identify any words or actions in your daily life that you feel God is calling you to change? How can you start making those changes this week?
• Discuss the role of community in our transformation. How can sharing our journey of change with others encourage both personal and communal growth?
• How does the concept of recording your journey (through journaling, art, etc.) appeal to you as a tool for noticing and reflecting on transformation? What method would you choose and why?
• Think of someone who embodies the kind of transformation discussed today. What specific words or actions have you noticed in them that inspire you?
• Write down one area of your life where you seek God’s transformative power and share it with someone to provide a time of prayer where these petitions can be offered to God.