Embracing Change: A Journey of Faith and Love

 

Summary

In this pivotal season, both for our church and the nation, we find ourselves at a crossroads of change and opportunity. As we welcome a new president, we are reminded of our calling to reflect God's love, much like Martin Luther King Jr. did. This year marks the 60th anniversary of our church's founding during the civil rights movement, a testament to our commitment to unity and diversity. Our church, Shiloh, named after the promise in Genesis 49:10, embodies the vision of all nations coming together under God's love.

As we step into the new year, we are reminded of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. Nicodemus, curious and confused, sought understanding from Jesus, who emphasized the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. This dialogue highlights the journey of faith, marked by curiosity, confusion, and ultimately, a calling. Growth in God is not about accumulating more but often involves letting go. God sometimes prunes us, removing plans or dreams, to prepare us for greater fruitfulness.

In this new year, God invites us to transform our thinking. It's not about resolutions or methods but about a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. We are called to live publicly in our faith, not hiding our relationship with Jesus but letting it shine for all to see. Our personal relationship with Christ should not be private; it should be a testament to His transformative power in our lives.

Faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in Christ amidst confusion. We can be secure in Christ even when life feels uncertain. Our faith is not in our own understanding but in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. As we navigate this year, let us embrace the light of Christ, allowing it to guide our steps and illuminate our path.

Key Takeaways:

- Reflecting God's Love: In times of national change, we are called to reflect God's love, much like Martin Luther King Jr. did. Our church's history during the civil rights movement reminds us of our commitment to unity and diversity, embodying the vision of all nations coming together under God's love. [00:00]

- The Journey of Faith: The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus highlights the journey of faith, marked by curiosity, confusion, and a calling. Growth in God often involves letting go, as God prunes us to prepare for greater fruitfulness. [48:37]

- Transformation Over Resolutions: This new year, God invites us to transform our thinking. It's not about resolutions or methods but about a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. We are called to live publicly in our faith, letting it shine for all to see. [01:12:35]

- Faith Amidst Confusion: Faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in Christ amidst confusion. We can be secure in Christ even when life feels uncertain, as our faith is in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. [01:26:51]

- Embracing the Light of Christ: As we navigate this year, let us embrace the light of Christ, allowing it to guide our steps and illuminate our path. Our personal relationship with Christ should not be private; it should be a testament to His transformative power in our lives. [01:33:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - A Season of Change
- [02:15] - Reflecting God's Love
- [05:00] - The Miracle of Shiloh
- [08:45] - Entering the New Year
- [12:30] - The Conversation with Nicodemus
- [18:00] - The Three C's: Curious, Confused, Called
- [25:00] - Growth Through Letting Go
- [32:15] - Transformative Relationship with Christ
- [40:00] - Living Publicly in Faith
- [48:37] - Faith Amidst Confusion
- [55:00] - Embracing the Light of Christ
- [01:05:00] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [01:12:35] - Transformation Over Resolutions
- [01:26:51] - Trusting in Christ
- [01:33:28] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 3:1-8: The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about being born again.
- Genesis 49:10: The prophecy about Shiloh and the gathering of nations.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nicodemus' initial reaction to Jesus' teaching about being born again, and how did Jesus respond to his confusion? [48:37]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the name "Shiloh" for the church, and what biblical promise does it relate to? [00:00]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three stages of faith mentioned, and how do they relate to Nicodemus' journey? [48:37]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "born again" challenge traditional religious practices, as seen in Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus? [48:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal transformation in Christ differs from merely making New Year's resolutions? [01:12:35]
3. How does the sermon use the example of Martin Luther King Jr. to illustrate the call to reflect God's love in times of national change? [00:00]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt curious or confused about your faith. How did you seek clarity, and what was the outcome? [48:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes living publicly in faith. What are some practical ways you can let your relationship with Christ shine in your daily life? [01:33:28]
3. Consider a plan or dream you have that might need to be "pruned" for greater fruitfulness. How can you discern if God is leading you to let go of it? [48:37]
4. How can you embrace the transformative power of Christ in your life this year, beyond just setting resolutions? [01:12:35]
5. Identify a situation in your life where you feel uncertain. How can you place your trust in Christ amidst this confusion? [01:26:51]
6. Think of a person or group in your community who might benefit from seeing God's love reflected through you. What steps can you take to reach out to them this week? [00:00]
7. How can you ensure that your personal relationship with Christ is not kept private but shared as a testament to His transformative power? [01:33:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting God's Love in Times of Change
In moments of national transition, we are reminded of our calling to reflect God's love, much like Martin Luther King Jr. did during the civil rights movement. Our church's history, founded 60 years ago, stands as a testament to our commitment to unity and diversity, embodying the vision of all nations coming together under God's love. As we welcome a new president, we are called to be beacons of love and unity, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love in our communities and beyond. This is a time to embrace our role as ambassadors of Christ, showing love and compassion to all, regardless of differences. [00:00]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to this week to show God's love in a tangible way, especially in light of recent changes or challenges they may be facing?


Day 2: The Journey of Faith: Curiosity, Confusion, and Calling
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-8 highlights the journey of faith, marked by curiosity, confusion, and a calling. Nicodemus approached Jesus with questions, seeking understanding, and Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. This journey of faith often involves letting go of our own plans and dreams, as God prunes us to prepare for greater fruitfulness. It is a process of growth that requires trust and surrender, allowing God to shape us into who He has called us to be. [48:37]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is asking you to let go and trust Him more fully? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?


Day 3: Transformation Over Resolutions
As we step into the new year, God invites us to transform our thinking. It's not about resolutions or methods but about a deep, transformative relationship with Christ. We are called to live publicly in our faith, letting it shine for all to see. Our personal relationship with Christ should not be private; it should be a testament to His transformative power in our lives. This transformation is not about external changes but an internal renewal that impacts every aspect of our being. [01:12:35]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make your relationship with Christ more visible in your daily interactions this week? What specific action can you take to let His light shine through you?


Day 4: Faith Amidst Confusion
Faith is not about having all the answers but about trusting in Christ amidst confusion. We can be secure in Christ even when life feels uncertain, as our faith is in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In times of doubt and uncertainty, we are called to lean on Him, trusting that He is guiding our steps and working all things for our good. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on His promises and His presence in our lives. [01:26:51]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are experiencing confusion or uncertainty? How can you actively choose to trust Jesus in that situation today?


Day 5: Embracing the Light of Christ
As we navigate this year, let us embrace the light of Christ, allowing it to guide our steps and illuminate our path. Our personal relationship with Christ should not be private; it should be a testament to His transformative power in our lives. By embracing His light, we become reflections of His love and truth, impacting those around us and drawing them closer to Him. This is a call to live authentically and boldly in our faith, allowing His light to shine through us in every circumstance. [01:33:28]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the light of Christ to guide your decisions and actions this week? How can you be a light to those around you, especially in challenging situations?

Quotes


It's a very important season, not just for the church, but for this nation. I don't know if you know, this Monday the new president will enter. So let's pray. We're in this time. I think it's a great opportunity for us, as the people of God, as the church, to be that people that reflects the love of God. [00:38:18]

And I ask this, Lord, and I ask, Lord, that this be a new era in our church, Shiloh, where we are going to see more people receive Christ, more people from other nations and other peoples be transformed by the love of Christ Jesus. In your name we pray, Lord. Amen and amen. [00:40:31]

And Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot, you cannot see the kingdom of God. What do you mean to say, exclaimed Nicodemus, how can a greater man return to the womb of his mother and be born again? And Jesus answered him, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God if he is not born of water and of the Spirit. [00:41:56]

And those of us who believe in God have to understand that growing in God is not just because I accumulate more information. It's not because I receive more. And it's interesting because we are in this new year. We think that to improve we need to grow. We need to grow more. But growth doesn't always occur by sum, but by rest. [00:43:36]

Sometimes we have to get rid of some things. And when God wants to bless us, He doesn't always give us something, but sometimes He takes something from our life. He can take away a plan that we have, maybe a job. A person, a dream, God takes it away because God always prunes us before producing fruit through our lives. [00:44:43]

Dios quiere más Él no quiere no más cambiarte Dios quiere transformarte en 20, 25 amén no solamente es para un update sabes en el teléfono cuando se hace update como se dice eso en español update Nadie sabe Update Así dice el niño yo y el niño estamos correctos update No es un update Dios no en 20, 25 no es para un mejor programa Dios quiere transformar todo Él quiere transformar en modo que piensas Él quiere transformar en modo que hablas Él quiere transformar en lo que declaras Él quiere que tu fe sea en Cristo Jesús y en nada más amén [00:48:37]

Puedes estar en la oscuridad de todo tu alrededor pueden ver olas puede ver viento pero tú puedes vivir en fe en Cristo Jesús viviendo agarrado de Cristo Jesús Dios no tiene temor de tus dudas Él no tiene temor de tu curiosidad Él no, Él no tiema eso Y eso es lo que me encanta de Shiloh Eso es lo que me encanta de Jesús Que Él no condena a Nicodemo por su curiosidad Él no lo echa por afuera porque tiene preguntas o dudas Y así es este lugar [00:49:33]

Él quiere que tú brilles Él quiere que tú vayas puro Público en tu buscando a Cristo Jesús Tu caminada de Jesús debe de ser vista Porque pensamos que en una relación personal Es como una relación privada Pero tenemos que ir público con nuestras relaciones ¿Cuántos se recuerdan cuando Facebook era Todo mundo estaba en Facebook Ahora dicen que Facebook es solamente para los viejitos ¿Es verdad? [00:55:00]

Y yo quiero predicarles algo hoy Que entre a sus corazones A su vida Si Dios te encontró en un lugar Oscuro Pero Él no se quiere quedar En la oscuridad de tu vida Dios no te quiere noviar En 20, 25 Él no quiere tener una relación contigo Nomás una vez a la semana Los domingos Él quiere que tú estés En una relación de pacto con Él Y Él quiere que esa ceremonia Sea pública Y que tú te pares ahí En fe declarando Yo estoy con Él Yo estoy con Cristo Cristo Jesús Él es mi Salvador Él es el que me encontró En la oscuridad Pero ahora yo camino con una luz Que ha cambiado mi vida [00:56:59]

Y es importante que entendamos para nacer Otra vez eso quiere decir transformación Dios no te quiere mejorar en 2025 Él quiere transformarte Y es importante que entendamos esto Porque esta pregunta de Nicodemo a Jesús Se trataba de mejorarse sí mismo Por eso le preguntó a Jesús qué es lo Que tenemos que ser yo quiero crecer Cuál es el próximo paso y Jesús le Responde no puedes mejorarte sí mismo Para entrar al reino de Dios tú tienes Que nacer en el reino de Dios [01:05:00]

Y aquí Jesús está declarando eso Cuando Él dijo en Juan 6 .35 Yo soy el pan de vida No te está diciendo que comas puro cabo atrás Él te está diciendo que Él es el que te sostiene Él es el que te da vida Él es el que te completa Sin Él no vas a vivir Vas a solamente sobrevivir No vas a tener vida y vida más abundante La gracia de Dios no solamente empieza la obra Sostiene la obra nuestra vida Jesús no te salvó para dejarte Para que tú solo te laberentees Por tu propio modo de pensar Él te dio el viento Él te dio el viento Él te dio el Espíritu Santo [01:12:35]

Porque si usted solamente usa 10 % de su cerebro Y no entiende sus problemas Yo no sé para usted Yo quiero un Dios en mi vida Que es más grande que mi modo de pensar Y más grande que mi confusión Más grande que mi problema Ese es mi Dios Mi Dios es más grande Él me creó a mí Y todo lo que está en este mundo Hoy tu confusión Es solamente una semilla de esperanza Porque es un recuerdo Que tú tienes que apoyarte Contra un Dios Que es más grande Y más allá Que tu entendimiento [01:26:51]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?