Rebirth | Sermon Series Intro & Overview | Formation, Transformation, Transmutation & Transfiguration (12/29/24)

Rebirth | Formation, Transformation, Transmutation, Transfiguration
By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky

Invocation:

Oh my God, leader of holiness.  Thank you for the blood of the Lamb.  The atoning sacrifice that empowers victory over sin.  We welcome the imputed sanctification you have to offer us in 2025.  May we receive your grace & mercy today.  As we gather in this building to worship our God in truth & in spirit.  May our praises be a pleasing aroma to you.  The Lord of Lords & King of kings.  Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace.

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

Hymns of Glorious Praise Scripture Reading 36: New Birth Jn 3:1-8; 2 Cor 5:17-19 pg. 499 (Cite 1)

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:  The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him.  How can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:  so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."  (Cite 1)

Let’s worship the God who provides us the ministry of reconciliation!

Formation & Transformation comes by the spirit through reconciliation & the renewal of your mind.

Intro:

In this new sermon series overview & introduction I submit to you today:

I aim to help you examine Formation, Transformation, Transmutation & Transfiguration.  My intentionality as your Pastor is to provide you tools for godly living & a healthy soul. 

According to the Bible, life & death are supernatural theologically speaking.  Life & death don’t simply happen (Dt. 30:19, Mt. 10:27-31).  Neither does godly living.  To live a good life.  To live a godly life.  To reach the end of life and finish well.  We must be intentional.  Choosing to seek godliness is up to you!

Just as the challenges of survival for an infant in the physical sense require great intention to support life.  Infancy is precious & fragile in the beginning of a newborn baby.  So too is the preciousness of the born-again child of God.  Each new birth, physical & spiritual represents a time of grave danger that we ought to consider.

Born into the harsh reality of this planet we call Earth.  We’re forced to learn to live through the immediate loss of comforts experienced in our mother’s womb.  Immediately we suffer the loss of heat within minutes of being born, if we survived incubation thus far.  At this stage of birth if we do not get the basic nurture needed to grow through natural adversity our chances of mortality are highly probable.  According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Every Child Alive report in 2018.  The odds are 

“3.7:1,000” in America.  Meaning for every 1,000 children born, nearly 4 don’t survive the first 28 days.  Furthermore, with a world population of 8.2 billion people worldwide, according to UNICEF’s report, the risk of dying as a newborn varies enormously depending on where a baby is born.  Babies born in Japan stand the best chance of surviving, with just 1 in 1,000 dying during the first 28 days.2 Children born in Pakistan face the worst odds: Of every 1,000 babies born, 46 die before the end of their first month – almost 1 in 20.” (Cite 2) 

That shared life itself is a precious gift from the Creator.  In 2019 the COVID-19 Pandemic caused people who normally take for granted the breath in their lungs to cherish normal respiration.

Genesis 2:7 'Then the Lord God formed a man.  He made him out of the dust of the ground.  God breathed the breath of life into him.  And the man became a living person.’  (NIrV) (Cite 3)

Job 33:4 'The Spirit of God has made me.  The breath of the Mighty One gives me life.’  (NIrV) (Cite 4)

The phrase "Breath of life", "breath" in the Hebrew:

נְשָׁמָה nᵉshâmâh, nesh-aw-maw'; from H5395; a puff, i.e. wind, angry or vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect. or (concretely) an animal:—blast, (that) breath(-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit. (Cite 5)

Respiration is something that basically is automatic in that we don’t really think about our breath until it’s gone.  We know that life as we know it will end if we stop breathing.  When does life begin?  The answer can be found in God’s Word.

1. God’s Word is life (Jn 1).

Protecting the life of unborn children, sadly, is an ongoing conflict in our society.  Regarding new life, Dr. Tommy Mitchell shared a compelling Article Titled “When Does Life Begin?”  He shares various viewpoints & states that “Life begins at conception,” He gives credit to the Creator in that the physical body is formed by God’s Works within our mother’s womb.  We can see evidence of the eternal God’s Word.

According to the Psalmist of 139:13-16,

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” [Psa 139:13-16 NIV] (Cite 6)

"Here we read about God knowing the Psalmist while he was “yet unformed,” while he was being “made in secret,” in a place invisible to human eyes.  The uses of the personal pronouns in these verses indicate that there was, indeed, a person present before birth.  R.C. Sproul notes, “Scripture does assume a continuity of life from before the time of birth to after the time of birth.  The same language and the same personal pronouns are used indiscriminately for both stages.”11 Dr. Tommy Mitchell (DTM Cite 7)

God has preordained your existence.  Hear a word from the Prophet Jeremiah 1:4-5,

“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [5] Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”  [Jer 1:4-5 KJV]

Like Jeremiah, God has a plan for your life here on earth just as He has a plan for you in heaven.  

“Science can give us better understanding of the world God created, and what we see in God’s world, [His works] will agree with the truth we read in God’s Word.”  DTM (Emphasis mine, cite 7)

If God’s Word is life, then I find it reasonable to deduct that,

2.  God’s Word is fundamental to formation, transformation, transmutation & transfiguration.

Having made it clear that virtue isn’t hereditary in the message American Thanksgiving, you might agree that righteousness is something we learn.  Just as the scientific & art processes are learned by us for thriving in our world’s habitat.  So is the Word of God learned to help us grow in virtue and moral aptitude.  

Personally, I’m very excited to get into our weekly study about Creation Science starting January 12th.  What has the church learned about God’s Word & His works thus far?  According to the Assemblies of God Doctrine of Creation (AG Position Paper).

“The discoveries of science have frequently been utilized by skeptics to question the accuracy of the biblical accounts.  In response, believing scientists & biblical scholars consider no fundamental conflict to exist between God’s Word and His works.  The theories of scientists are routinely modified with the introduction of new evidence.  But the Scriptures, properly interpreted, are always the final, unchanging authority for Christian faith" (Cite 8)

Additionally, 

“In studying the biblical doctrine of creation, it should be understood that the Bible makes no claim to be a scientific textbook. Nor should the Bible, which is intended to communicate to people throughout the ages, be expected to utilize modern scientific terminology.” AG Doctrine of Creation (Cite 8)

If you agree that the arts & sciences, we have available for use to thrive are learned then you should agree that the Word of God is another area of important knowledge that must be learned too.  Without the knowledge of God’s Word, we won’t be able to practice morality accurately to promote permanence.  Without knowing God’s moral standard of living.  You will fail to live up to absolute morality described in the Bible.  

To this day science continues to develop knowledge in the laws of nature that are understood as absolute.  Yet in many areas of scientific practices, to this day some of our methods haven’t achieved this idea of perfection.  Gravity & other concepts have yet to be fully understood.  Many phenomena exist amid scientific advances.  Hence the theories in practice are ever changing.  I believe in the immutability of our God.  Scientific method may change, our understanding & perspective of who God is may change, but God will never change.

3.  God’s Word is essential to life & understanding His Works.

Like the breath in our lungs, heat in our body, the food that sustains us and the water that makes up 60% of our body, God’s Word is fundamental to life.

As an Assemblies of God affiliated church, we believe that the “Scriptures [are] Inspired.  [This fundamental truth defines] the Scriptures, both the Old & New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:21 (Cite 8)

In Paul’s Final Charge he writes to his protégé Timothy,

“and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  [2Ti 3:15-17 NIV]

“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” [1Th 2:13 NIV] (cf. Acts 17:1-9)

 “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” [2Pe 1:21 NIV]

"[The Apostle Paul to the church in Rome [1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service.  [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  (Rom 12:1-2 NKJV)

:2 Transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

How do we become acceptable to God & renew our mind as Paul describes in Rom. 12:1-2?

The Apostle Paul, a mentor to Titus in Titus 3:5 encourages Godly Living.

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:5

:5 He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

How are we regenerated & renewed of the Holy Spirit described to the protégé’ Titus?  In Titus 3:5.

The answers to these questions are what I seek to explain in this sermon series about Formation, Transformation, Transmutation & Transfiguration.

[1] For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. ... [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward." [Psa 19:1-2, 7-11 NIV]

Conclusion:

Depending upon the Word of God is critical to your formation & personal development (see Dt. 8:3, Mt. 4:4, Lk 4:4 Bread of Life; Jn 4:10 - 11 & 7:38 Living Water.  YHWH Breath of Life Gen. 2:7).

The Bible has much to say about posterity, inheritance, living & dying.  This library bound together has much to teach us regarding formation, Transformation, Transmutation & Transfiguration.  You can inherit material from your ancestors, and they can give you a Bible.  But the Bible does you no good if you never listen to the message from within.  There is an eternal inheritance that comes by adoption into the spiritual.  Everyone is adopted into the family of God via the Spirit.  If you are going to achieve personal development that is spiritually ready for the will of God.  Then you must subscribe to God’s Word.  These ideas of transformation come by the spirit through the ministry of reconciliation & the renewal of your mind.

Exhortation:

The church in Philadelphia appears to have been commended for their commitment to God’s Word and they received encouragement to keep hold of the faith they’ve exercised to retain the promised crown of life.  Almost as if to say, “You’re almost finished, keep on going, you got this!” 

[7] "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. [8] I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. [9] I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. [10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth."  [Rev 3:7-10 NIV] 

(Rev. 3:7 Commentary from Donald C. Stamps, “Philadelphia was a faithful church that lived by Christ’s Word and did not deny him.  They had endured opposition from society and resisted conforming to the ungodly trends of other churches…One of the ways that churches can continue toward their goal of faithfulness is to follow the example of the Philadelphian church by asking themselves:  Are we inwardly focused on ourselves or are we focused on Christ and his purposes?  Are we following Christ through open doors of ministry in our city and in the world?) (See note Cite 11)

Altar Call to Action/Suggested Response:

To have a good New Year you need the Word of God.  Join us in reading the Bible daily.  Make room for God’s Word in your heart to promote the formation & transformation of your spiritual life.  Stick around to examine these biblical ideas about Rebirth, renewal & transformation.  Let us learn from God and prepare for the crown of life that awaits us.  Start the new year with God and begin with the end in mind.  Begin with the end of your life in mind.  Where are you going?  Where do you want to be going in the end?  Do you really believe in the afterlife?  If so, then let us develop a godly lifestyle that helps others read & receive the crown of life eternally.  Can people read you and in turn receive the good news of Salvation?

“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.” [Rev 3:12 ESV]

By show of hands (&/or likes, comments).  Who here is ready to commit to “victory”?  Who is ready to commit to becoming a “pillar” in the temple of God?  (Rev. 3:12)

Benediction:

Let us pray for the new year.  Holy Father, thank you for the closing of doors and opening of doors.  As we surrender to your will and your way, empower us with strength to be transformed for your coming glory.  Fill us with eternal hope with all joy and peace as we put our trust in your son Jesus Christ.  So that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 3:8, Ro. 15:13)

Next Week:  Communion Sunday | Rebirth 2

Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes: 

1. Hymns of Glorious Praise Scripture Reading 36: New Birth Jn 3:1-8; 2 Cor 5:17-19 Pg 499
2. Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA Every-Child-Alive-report_FINAL-1.pdf footnote 2: United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME), Levels and Trends in Child Mortality: Report 2017, Estimates developed by the UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation, United Nations Children’s Fund, New York, 2017.
3. Genesis 2:7 YouVersion Bible.com  
4. Job 33:4 YouVersion Bible.com
5. Phrase “breath of life” “breath” "H5397 - nᵊšāmâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv)." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 26 Dec, 2024. 
6. "Psalm 139 (NIV) - For you created my inmost." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 27 Dec, 2024.
7. When Does Life Begin? by Dr. Tommy Mitchell "The Beginning of Life - Study Resources." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 27 Dec, 2024. Foot note 11, R.C. Sproul, Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 1990), p. 53-54.
8. The Doctrine of Creation | AG Position Paper
9. God’s Word is fundamental | Assemblies of God (USA) Official Web Site | Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths
10. Recommended Reading:   AG Position Paper Abortion-the Sanctity of Life PDF Download HERE.
11. Note Rev. 3:7 Fire Bible, Donald C. Stamps Commentary; Full Life Study Bible pg. 1917 “Philadelphia was a faithful church that lived by Christ’s Word and did not deny him.  They had endured opposition from society and resisted conforming to the ungodly trends of other churches.  This church pleased Christ because they had remained loyal to him and the truth of the original NT message (vv.7-10).  Because of their continued faithfulness, God would open doors of opportunity and the door to his kingdom.  He also promises to rescue them from “the hour of temptation”.  They would not have to rely on their limited strength (v.8) to go through the open doors or to escape the trials to come; Christ would reward their faithfulness with his power and provision.  One of the ways that churches can continue toward their goal of faithfulness is to follow the example of the Philadelphian church by asking themselves:  Are we inwardly focused on ourselves or are we focused on Christ and his purposes?  Are we following Christ through open doors of ministry in our city and in the world?)
12. Translations:  KJV, NKJV, NIV, NIrV & ESV much thanks to the Blue Letter Bible team.

Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”