Rebirth | Formation & Transformation (1/5/25)

 Rebirth | Formation & Transformation
By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky

Service Invocation:

 Lord, we are honored to come before your throne today to bring you honor and praise.  I pray that you will help us to focus on you.  Use this time, Father, to renew our spirits and to bring us back to our first love.  Remove the callouses from our hearts and let us worship you with vigor & passion.  In the name above all names, Jesus Christ.  Amen.  (Cite 1)

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

Word for the year:

'So, he said to me, “A message from the Lord came to Zerubbabel.  The Lord said, ‘Your strength will not get my temple rebuilt.”  Your power will not do it either.  Only the power of my Spirit will do it,’ says the Lord who rules overall. '  Zechariah 4:6 NIrV

Four letter Word of the Year: Seed

Four letter Word of the Month: Pray

 Paul wrote to a church in Corinth instructing them correction in the attitude toward the sharing of food & beverage and the taking of the Lord’s supper.  1Co. 11:17-32 (NIrV). 

“In the following matters, I don’t praise you.  Your meetings do more harm than good.  First, here is what people are telling me.  When you come together as a church, you take sides.  And in some ways, I believe it.  Do you really think you need to take sides?  You probably think God favors one side over the other!  So, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat.  As you eat, some of you go ahead and eat your own private meals.  Because of this, one person stays hungry, and another gets drunk.  Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in?  You are shaming those in the church who have nothing. Do you think so little of God’s church that you do this?  What should I say to you?  Should I praise you?  Certainly not about the Lord’s Supper!

I passed on to you what I received from the Lord.  On the night the Lord Jesus was handed over to his enemies, he took bread.  When he had given thanks, he broke it.  He said, “This is my body.  It is given for you. Every time you eat it, do it in memory of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup.  He said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Every time you drink it, do it in memory of me.” You eat the bread and drink the cup.  When you do this, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.  1Co. 11:17-26 (NIrV).

Communion

Jesus said, 

“…do it in memory of me.” You eat the bread and drink the cup.  When you do this, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in the right way.  Don’t do it in a way that isn’t worthy of him.  If you do, you will be guilty.  You’ll be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  Everyone should take a careful look at themselves before they eat the bread and drink from the cup.  Whoever eats and drinks must recognize the body of Christ.  If they don’t, judgment will come upon them.  That is why many of you are weak and sick.  That is why a number of you have died. We should think more carefully about what we are doing. Then we would not be found guilty for this. When the Lord judges us in this way, he corrects us.  Then in the end we will not be judged along with the rest of the world. 1Co. 11:26-32 (NIrV).

Series Introduction (🔗)

Sermon

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

Intro:

Last week (in Rebirth | Sermon Series Intro & Overview | Formation, Transformation, Transmutation & Transfiguration (12/29/24) I introduced you to this topic of Spiritual Regeneration.  We examined the idea that God’s Word is life, God’s Word is fundamental to formation and God’s Word is essential to life & understanding His Works.  We briefly examined some scripture that helps us understand the formation of life.  Accordingly, God’s Word indicates that He is intrinsically involved in our life.  For many Christian believers God is the sustainer of life as we know it too. 

 

In our culture the age of majority is the threshold of legal adulthood as recognized or declared in law.  It is the moment when a person ceases to be considered a minor and assumes legal control over their person, actions, and decisions, thus terminating the control and legal responsibilities of their parents or legal guardian over them (Cite 2).  Measured by the calendar

age of a human being.  At age 18 you’re considered an adult.  The measure in age majority & age of maturity are another scope of standard rule.  But for most people & standards of measurement 18 is a reasonable age to consider someone an adult.  This threshold, although imperfect, is about the time when the age of majority & the age of maturity intersect.  This is an agreed upon objective standard rule in the law of our land & most of the world according to Wikipedia.  Personhood is a whole other rabbit hole I restrain to climb through.  This could lead to a nightmare chasing us to the surface with a deck of cards attempting to chop our head off.  Simply put, Personhood is the status of being a person.

 

Most of you would agree that children are more malleable in the formative years than when they enter adulthood.  Arguably not every minor is equally malleable, yet the formative years of a child are a time of moldability and shaping of personhood that achieves standard. 

 

What is the standard?  I won’t present to you every philosophical colorful detail that defines standard adulthood.  Yet let me make clear to you the standard.  In other words, the measure for which you are to compare your spiritual progress to.  The spiritual standard is God’s Word.  Getting ourselves to measure up to God’s perfection can appear to be impossible.  It is impossible without aligning ourselves to it.  Nothing we do will ever measure up.  Or will it?  Is there something we can do to be made righteous before God?  Can we measure up to His standard of absolute?

 

The New Testament indicates that we can,   

 

Through the Scriptures, the reconciliation, the washing regeneration, the renewal of your mind and faith in Jesus Christ.  (2 Tim. 3:15-17, Titus 3:5, Romans 12:2 & 2Co 5:19).

 

The Word of God is “…, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.” (Cite 3)

Main Topic:

Spiritual Regeneration.

Scripture Addresses: (👈click there for all scripture in one view.  Otherwise individual context view easy to reach here.)

2 Tim. 3:15-17, Titus 3:5, Romans 12:2 & 2Co 5:19.  Also, Gen 1:1-3

 (These hyperlinks above ☝are easy for your eyes.  In case the highlights below👇 are a nuisance to you, the reader.  These highlights are intentionally here for some comparative study.  Emphasis on God's spirit, power, the blood of Christ and actions on our part.  Perhaps a key is in order.  Commenting will motivate me to finish.  Sermon continues to slow cook.  Meditate on the Word of God is my encouragement.  What do you believe?  To you accept God as Creator and taking on the flesh in order to satisfy the wrath?  Just a thought. 💭) 

Scripture Emphasis

“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  [16] All Scripture [is] given by inspiration of God) and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  [2Ti 3:15-17 NKJV]

“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,” [Tit 3:5 NKJV]

“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 12:2 NKJV]

“that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” [2Co 5:19 NKJV]

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.” [Gen 1:1-3 NKJV]

1.        Change occurs by the spirit.

The Standard of God doesn’t change.  Just like the immutability of God can be trusted so too can the standard set by God be trusted.  We must adjust ourselves to meet the standards of God.  Instead of expecting God to change with us we MUST change for God. 

From the beginning God spoke (Gen. 1:3) creation into existence.  (Gen 2:1)

Jesus Christ was given by inspiration of God too (paradoxical).  

3:16, 3:5 & 12:2 given by inspiration of God.  This Greek Phrase: theopneustos, theos, pneo  θεόπνευστος theópneustos, theh-op'-nyoo-stos; from G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154; divinely breathed in:—given by inspiration of God.  Jesus the Christ was given by the Holy Spirit with the power of God.  

" 'The angel answered [Mary], “The Holy Spirit will come to you.  The power of the Most High God will cover you.  So the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God.  ' " Luke 1:35

(Who is He?  “Jesus Christ”, What did He do?  Where did He do it?  When did He do it?  Why did He do it?  Is it done for you?  Has the substitutionary work been completed within you?)

2.        Change through reconciliation.

Obedience is greater (more important to God) than sacrifice.  Before Adam & Eve’s eyes were opened to the idea of Good & Evil (Gen 3:7).  Forgiven. 2Co 5:19 NKJV.

3.       
Change renews your mind.

Knowledge is perishable.  Repentance is key to changing your future.  The battle for your mind (psyche, soul & attention).

4.        Next Week: Worship Service & Business Meeting.

Sermon Summary & Conclusion:

Change occurs by the spirit of God.  Change is available through the reconciliation work of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  Choose to change by renewing your mind in the Spirit and by Word of God.  Repentance simply put is a change of mind.  This kind of complete change only comes by the Spirit of God, and it is empowered & sustained by substitutionary work of Jesus Christ.  By resurrection power change is plausible.

Sermon Exhortation:

Spur one another on, in love!  [Jhn 3:3, 7 NKJV] [3] Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." ... [7] [to Nicodemus Jesus said,] "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

[1Pe 1:23 NKJV] [23] having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

“Unless you are born again…John 3:3, 7 & 1Pe 1:23.”

Sermon Altar Call to Action:

God is ready to move over you.  Are you ready to receive?  Are you ready to be received?  God is faithful to those who ask, seek & knock.  He’s also knocking on your door.  Will you let Jesus into your heart.  He wants to live with you, walk with you.  The LORD desires to be a father to you & you be His child.  God is jealous for you.  The Creator is protective of His creation.  God will not stand by idle allowing false God’s to be your Idol.  There is only One True God.  He desires that we be His people & He be our God.

Service Benediction:

Holy Father in Heaven.  You reign above it all.  Over the universe and over every heart.  There is no higher name, Jesus you reign above it all.  We submit to you and trust that your Word shall never return void.  Bless each of your children within ear shot of my voice.  For those who cannot hear me, LORD may they hear you on today.

Next Week:

Church Business Meeting.  Annual church Business Service Meeting.  Open to the public in person at 10:15for Business Service at 1030a (MST).  Online attendance plausible with sufficient prior notice of 72-48 hours for Members.  A link can be shared upon request in advance from the Pastor.   Collaborating to Produce the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Join us for prayer & ministry of the word of God.

Required by-law to meet as a church once per year for a business meeting.  A report & agenda will be presented & managed by Ps. Nicholas the Advisory Committee Chairman.  He will also present a message relevant to DCAG Mission, Vision, Values, Budget & the Next 600 Days:  Boots to Roots. 

Want something on the agenda?  Agenda submission deadline is 35 days prior to meeting date.  Simply email Ps. Nicholas with a description of the item, why you feel it needs to be addressed, and a list of pros and cons should the proposal be adopted.  Send Ps. Nicholas a follow-up email with two dates & a window of time that works for you, and he'll schedule a phone call to discuss what details the issue may require before it is scheduled into the agenda.    

Why the submission deadline?  This time period promotes margin to study & vet a proposal's impact points and permit space to distribute within the pre-meeting docket.  In the study of impact points, I'm looking at compatibility with church vision, needs, availability of resources, financial impact, and sustainability.

If your agenda item takes more time and it seems appropriate an additional business meeting can be called within the year otherwise it can be finished and prepared for the following year.

Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes:

 

1. Christian Minister’s Manual Dr, Guthrie Veech Published by Standard Publishing.
2. Age of majority - Wikipedia  Primary source for age of Adulthood & Personhood.  Major & Minor.  Standard measure of adulthood, womanhood, manhood, maturity, etc.
3. AG Statement Fundamental Truth 1.
4. Translations: NIrV, NKJV.
5.  Sources of Scripture & research: Blue Letter Bible & YouVersion Bible.

 

Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”