Embodying Change: Hope and Transformation in God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Bridge family. Today, we reflect on the theme of change, inspired by Sam Cooke's song, "Change is Gonna Come." We all long for change in our lives, communities, and the world. This longing is rooted in our creation for a world without pain, violence, or division—a world of closeness with God and others. However, our current reality is far from this ideal. We experience lack, violence, fear, and broken relationships. Yet, the good news is that God is bringing change, and it involves each of us.
We turn to the book of Micah, a prophet who spoke to real people facing real issues like injustice and idolatry. Micah's message shifts from judgment to hope, declaring that in the latter days, the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the highest, drawing all nations to it. This signifies that change is coming, and it will be noticeable and desirable. God's word will become more beautiful and believable, transforming lives and communities.
Micah's vision includes a world where instruments of war are turned into tools for life, symbolizing peace and provision. This transformation is not just a future hope but a present calling for God's people to embody. We are to reflect God's love and justice, making His ways attractive to others. This involves spending time in God's word, celebrating His work in our lives, and creating spaces of hope and security.
The story of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a former Muslim and atheist who found hope in Christianity, illustrates the power of God's word when embodied by His people. Her journey shows that no one is too far gone for God's transformative power. As we embody God's kingdom, we provide hope for a world longing for change, unity, and peace.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Promise of Change: We long for change because we were created for a world without pain, violence, or division. God's promise of change is not just for the future but is already at work in our lives and communities. We must hold on to this hope and actively participate in God's transformative work. [45:42]
2. The Power of God's Word: When God's word is embodied by His people, it becomes more beautiful and believable. This transformation draws others to God, not through coercion or violence, but through the visible change in our lives. We are called to reflect God's love and justice, making His ways attractive to others. [53:41]
3. Instruments of Death to Tools for Life: Micah's vision of turning swords into plowshares symbolizes the radical transformation God brings. Instruments of death become tools for life, illustrating that God's kingdom is one of peace and provision. We are called to embody this transformation in our lives and communities. [01:02:27]
4. Creating Spaces of Hope: As God's people, we are to provide spaces where hope can flourish. This involves creating environments of security, peace, and provision, where people can experience God's love and justice. We must actively work towards a world where fear and violence are replaced by safety and abundance. [01:03:53]
5. The Call to Sacrifice: Following Jesus involves sacrifice, as illustrated in His conversation with the rich young ruler. We are called to give of what we have so that others may not experience lack. This sacrificial love reflects God's kingdom and brings about the change we long for. [01:04:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:38] - Introduction and Context
[44:19] - Longing for Change
[45:42] - God's Promise of Change
[47:06] - Micah's Message of Hope
[48:00] - Reading from Micah 4:1-5
[49:35] - Prayer for Encouragement
[50:20] - Shift from Judgment to Restoration
[51:45] - Glimpses of God's Kingdom
[53:01] - Transformation and Hope
[55:15] - Embodying God's Word
[56:40] - Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Story
[58:49] - Application: Spending Time in God's Word
[01:00:15] - Celebrating God's Work
[01:01:40] - Instruments of Death to Tools for Life
[01:03:53] - Creating Spaces of Hope
[01:04:27] - The Call to Sacrifice
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Micah 4:1-5: "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains. And it shall be lifted up above the hills and peoples shall flow to it. And many nations shall come and say, come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways, that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away. And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. But they shall sit, every man under his vine and under his fig tree. And no one shall make them afraid. For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk each in the name of its God, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Micah 4:1-5 describe about the future of the house of the Lord? ([48:00])
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the real-life issues that Micah addresses in his message? ([47:06])
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation of instruments of war in Micah's vision? ([48:48])
4. What story was shared in the sermon to illustrate the power of God's word when embodied by His people? ([56:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the mountain of the house of the Lord to be established as the highest of the mountains? How does this symbolize change? ([48:00])
2. How does the transformation of swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks reflect God's kingdom? ([48:48])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's word becomes more beautiful and believable when embodied by His people? ([53:41])
4. How does the story of Ayaan Hirsi Ali illustrate the impact of seeing God's word in action? ([56:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you longed for change in your life or community. How did you see God at work during that period? ([44:59])
2. What are some practical ways you can spend more time in God's word to make it more beautiful and believable in your life? ([58:49])
3. How can you actively participate in transforming "instruments of death" into "tools for life" in your community? ([48:48])
4. What steps can you take to create spaces of hope and security for those around you? ([01:03:53])
5. Consider the call to sacrifice as illustrated by Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler. What is one thing you can give up to help others not experience lack? ([01:04:27])
6. How can you embody God's love and justice in a way that makes His ways attractive to others? ([53:41])
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you can work towards peace and provision, reflecting Micah's vision. What actions will you take this week to move towards that goal? ([48:48])
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Promise of Change
We long for change because we were created for a world without pain, violence, or division. God's promise of change is not just for the future but is already at work in our lives and communities. We must hold on to this hope and actively participate in God's transformative work. [45:42]
In our hearts, we yearn for a world that mirrors the perfection and harmony of God's original creation. This longing is not misplaced; it is a divine imprint on our souls. Despite the brokenness we see around us—violence, fear, and fractured relationships—God's promise of change is steadfast. This change is not merely a distant hope but a present reality that God is actively bringing about in our lives and communities.
We are called to be participants in this divine transformation. By holding on to the hope that God provides, we can see glimpses of His kingdom breaking through the darkness. Our role is to actively engage in this transformative work, trusting that God's promise of change is both a present reality and a future certainty.
Micah 4:1-2 (ESV): "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you are longing for change? How can you actively participate in God's transformative work in that area today?
### Day 2: The Power of God's Word
When God's word is embodied by His people, it becomes more beautiful and believable. This transformation draws others to God, not through coercion or violence, but through the visible change in our lives. We are called to reflect God's love and justice, making His ways attractive to others. [53:41]
The power of God's word lies not just in its written form but in its embodiment by His people. When we live out the teachings of Scripture, we make God's word tangible and real to those around us. This visible transformation in our lives makes God's word more beautiful and believable, drawing others to Him not through force but through the compelling evidence of changed lives.
Our calling is to reflect God's love and justice in our daily interactions. By doing so, we make His ways attractive to others, inviting them to experience the same transformative power. This is not about perfection but about a genuine pursuit of living out God's word in a way that others can see and be inspired by.
James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: How can you embody God's word in a specific relationship or situation today? What steps can you take to make God's love and justice visible to others?
### Day 3: Instruments of Death to Tools for Life
Micah's vision of turning swords into plowshares symbolizes the radical transformation God brings. Instruments of death become tools for life, illustrating that God's kingdom is one of peace and provision. We are called to embody this transformation in our lives and communities. [01:02:27]
Micah's prophetic vision paints a powerful picture of transformation: swords, instruments of death, being turned into plowshares, tools for life. This radical change symbolizes the peace and provision that characterize God's kingdom. It is a vision of a world where violence is replaced by productivity, and destruction gives way to growth and sustenance.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this transformation in our own lives and communities. This means actively working to turn situations of conflict into opportunities for peace, and using our resources and abilities to foster life and growth rather than harm. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's transformative power and His kingdom of peace.
Isaiah 2:4 (ESV): "He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."
Reflection: What is one "sword" in your life that you can turn into a "plowshare"? How can you contribute to peace and provision in your community today?
### Day 4: Creating Spaces of Hope
As God's people, we are to provide spaces where hope can flourish. This involves creating environments of security, peace, and provision, where people can experience God's love and justice. We must actively work towards a world where fear and violence are replaced by safety and abundance. [01:03:53]
Creating spaces of hope is a vital part of our calling as God's people. These spaces are environments where individuals can experience security, peace, and provision—places where God's love and justice are palpable. In a world often marked by fear and violence, we are to be beacons of hope, actively working to replace these negative forces with safety and abundance.
This task requires intentionality and effort. It means being proactive in our communities, seeking out ways to foster environments where hope can thrive. Whether through acts of kindness, advocacy for justice, or creating safe spaces for dialogue and support, our actions can make a significant impact in bringing God's kingdom closer to reality.
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to create a space of hope in your community? How can you contribute to an environment of security, peace, and provision?
### Day 5: The Call to Sacrifice
Following Jesus involves sacrifice, as illustrated in His conversation with the rich young ruler. We are called to give of what we have so that others may not experience lack. This sacrificial love reflects God's kingdom and brings about the change we long for. [01:04:27]
The call to follow Jesus is a call to sacrifice. This is vividly illustrated in Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler, where He challenges the young man to give up his wealth for the sake of others. This sacrificial love is a hallmark of God's kingdom, where we are called to give of what we have so that others may not experience lack.
Sacrifice is not just about material possessions; it can also involve our time, energy, and talents. By willingly giving of ourselves, we reflect the selfless love of Christ and contribute to the change we long to see in the world. This kind of sacrificial living is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's kingdom.
Mark 10:21 (ESV): "And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, 'You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial love today? How can you give of what you have to help someone in need?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God is bringing change. God is bringing change and it involves you and it involves me and it is so much bigger than you and me. It happens in our lives and yet it is also bigger than us. And the truth is we long for change because we were made for a world that feels different than ours. We were made for a world without pain, without violence, without division, without injustice. We were made for closeness with God and with others." [45:42] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "No one, no place, no people are too far gone. No sin or form of suffering that you are experiencing right now is not so dark that the light of the gospel can't break through. But the Lord is able to bring life in situations where it feels like there is only death. He's able to bring change." [53:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Change looks like the people of God reflecting what they were meant to, being a tangible presence of God to others, so that people may see that following God is desirable, is beautiful, is freeing, is transformational. That there's something about following God that actually leads to the change. That's what people are longing for. That's leading to the answers about hope and purpose. That's answering questions about meaning and justice. That helps see the world in a way that makes more sense." [55:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God will bring change. And God's kingdom looks radically different. And we know that the destination looks beautiful and glorious, but we're called to embody it here and now. Because God will bring change and it will be in and through his people." [01:02:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's people are to provide space for hope. God's people are meant to embody a way of life so that people who have no hope are able to begin hoping that things could look different than what they have always known. Hope for life rather than death. Hope for provision rather than scarcity. Hope for unity rather than division. Hope for security and peace rather than fear." [01:03:15] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So what does it look like when God brings change? If we look back in the scripture, I love the picture that Micah gives. Because it says, he shall judge between many peoples. He shall decide disputes for strong nations far away. God's capable of bringing peace where there is hostility. And then I love this image that we've probably heard before that he says, they shall beat, they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Which means instruments of death become tools for life." [01:01:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what does this look like in our lives? How do we apply this? The first thing that I think we are called to do, and it can be hard to do, but it's simple. It's to spend time in God's word. And this isn't meant to shame. This isn't to say you're a bad Christian if you don't spend time in God's word. But if we long for God to be with us, if we long for God's word to become more beautiful and believable to us, it starts with the simple step of opening." [59:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We long for a world where our kids can play in their front yard without fear of gunshots. We long for a world where our African American brothers don't have to fear when the siren goes behind them and they're not afraid of gunshots. When they're pulled over and they're worried for their life. We long for and work for a world where our sisters don't have to fear walking through a parking lot alone at night or going for a run in their own..." [01:05:04] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so in this declaration of his sermon, it says, the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be the highest and peoples shall flow to it. Which means change is coming to the people of God and it will be noticeable and desirable by all those around them. And there'll be change and transformation where it seemed impossible." [53:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so God, in his word, he continues to speak of change that will come, that we will see, that we will experience, that we as God's people are meant to embody. And yet we are called to also remember that that change isn't the end of the story. That it's actually more beautiful and more glorious. Glorious than that." [52:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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