Embracing Transformation: A Year of Miracles

 

Summary

In this pivotal moment, we find ourselves at the intersection of significant national events and spiritual awakening. As we honor Martin Luther King and witness the transition of presidential power, we are reminded of our role as a church to rise and shine, demonstrating unity and unconditional love. This is a season of miracles, a time for divine breakthroughs and supernatural encounters with God. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, shining brightly as beacons of hope and faith in our community.

The theme of miracles extends into our personal lives, as we declare 2025 to be a year of transformation and divine provision. Isaiah 61 calls us to arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is upon us. This year, we anticipate unprecedented growth, not just in numbers but in our faith, love, and impact for Christ. We will witness miracles in our homes, workplaces, and community, trusting that God will fulfill His promises beyond our imagination.

As we delve into John 3, we explore the journey of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Jesus with curiosity and confusion. This reflects our own spiritual journeys, as we seek to understand Jesus and the transformation He offers. The new year brings change, and with it, the opportunity for growth. However, true growth often requires subtraction rather than addition, as God prunes us to increase our capacity.

Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus teaches us that transformation is not about self-improvement or perfection but about being born again through the Spirit. This rebirth is a work of the Spirit, not the flesh, and requires a step of faith. We are reminded that faith and confusion can coexist, and that our certainty in Jesus can anchor us amidst life's uncertainties.

In 2025, let us embrace the light of Jesus, allowing Him to illuminate our path. As we navigate the darkness, may we hold onto the truth that Jesus is the light of the world, guiding us step by step. This year, let us shine brightly, not because of our own efforts, but because of what Jesus is doing within us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unity and Reconciliation: In a time of national transition, we are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, demonstrating unity and unconditional love. This is a season for the church to rise and shine, reflecting the hope and faith found in Christ. [01:04:20]

2. Year of Miracles: 2025 is declared a year of divine breakthroughs and supernatural encounters. As we trust in God's promises, we anticipate transformation and growth in our faith, love, and impact for Christ. [01:06:18]

3. Transformation through the Spirit: True transformation is not about self-improvement but being born again through the Spirit. This rebirth requires a shift from striving to surrendering, allowing the Spirit to breathe life into us. [01:28:30]

4. Faith amidst Confusion: Faith and confusion can coexist. While we may not understand everything about life, we can be certain about Jesus. Our faith in Him anchors us amidst uncertainties. [01:42:24]

5. Illumination by Jesus: Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating our path step by step. As we navigate the darkness, let us hold onto Him, allowing His light to guide us through 2025. [01:49:21]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04:20] - Prayer for Unity and Transition
[01:06:18] - Declaring a Year of Miracles
[01:08:32] - The Three C's: Curious, Confused, Called
[01:10:14] - Seeking Answers in Jesus
[01:18:01] - Nicodemus's Night Visit
[01:19:49] - Going Public with Faith
[01:22:25] - Personal vs. Private Relationship
[01:23:33] - Welcoming the Curious and Confused
[01:25:33] - Questions in the Dark
[01:27:06] - Transformation through Rebirth
[01:28:30] - Born Again: A Work of the Spirit
[01:30:07] - The Gospel of Grace
[01:31:22] - Born of God
[01:32:45] - Faith Beyond Understanding
[01:42:24] - Certainty in Jesus
[01:47:28] - Illuminating the Path
[01:49:21] - Clinging to the Light

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 3:1-8: The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, focusing on the concept of being "born again" through the Spirit.
- Isaiah 61:1-3: A call to arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is upon us.
- Ephesians 3:20: God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nicodemus's initial reaction to Jesus's teaching about being "born again"? How did Jesus explain this concept to him? [01:06:18]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of being born again? [01:32:45]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of how God might prune us to increase our capacity for growth? [01:08:32]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus being the "light of the world" in our lives? [01:49:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "born again" challenge the idea of self-improvement and perfection? What does this mean for our spiritual journey? [01:28:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith and confusion can coexist? How can this coexistence impact our relationship with Jesus? [01:42:24]
3. How does the sermon interpret the call to "arise and shine" from Isaiah 61 in the context of 2025 being a year of miracles? [01:04:20]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of going public with our faith, and how does this relate to Nicodemus's story? [01:19:49]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt curious or confused about your faith. How did you seek answers, and what role did Jesus play in that journey? [01:18:01]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and reconciliation. How can you actively demonstrate these values in your community during this season of national transition? [01:04:20]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you are striving for self-improvement. How can you shift from striving to surrendering, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you? [01:28:30]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need a miracle or breakthrough. How can you trust in God's promises and anticipate His provision in 2025? [01:06:18]
5. Think about a person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, welcoming their questions and doubts? [01:25:33]
6. Reflect on how you can let Jesus illuminate your path in 2025. What practical steps can you take to ensure His light guides your decisions and actions? [01:49:21]
7. How can you go public with your faith in a way that reflects your personal relationship with Jesus? What steps can you take to share your testimony with others? [01:19:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity as a Beacon of Hope
In times of national transition, the call for unity and reconciliation becomes paramount. As ambassadors of reconciliation, individuals are encouraged to rise and shine, reflecting the hope and faith found in Christ. This is a season where the church is called to demonstrate unconditional love and unity, serving as a beacon of hope in the community. The intersection of significant national events and spiritual awakening presents an opportunity for believers to embody the principles of unity and reconciliation, fostering a spirit of togetherness and love. [01:04:20]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to foster unity and reconciliation? How can you demonstrate unconditional love to them?


Day 2: Embracing a Year of Miracles
The year 2025 is declared a year of divine breakthroughs and supernatural encounters. As believers trust in God's promises, they anticipate transformation and growth in their faith, love, and impact for Christ. This is a time to expect miracles in personal lives, homes, workplaces, and communities. The anticipation of unprecedented growth is not just in numbers but in the depth of faith and love. Believers are encouraged to trust that God will fulfill His promises beyond their imagination, leading to a year marked by divine provision and transformation. [01:06:18]

Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV): "Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told."

Reflection: What specific area of your life are you trusting God for a miracle in 2025? How can you actively prepare your heart and mind to receive this breakthrough?


Day 3: Transformation through Spiritual Rebirth
True transformation is not about self-improvement but about being born again through the Spirit. This rebirth requires a shift from striving to surrendering, allowing the Spirit to breathe life into individuals. The journey of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Jesus with curiosity and confusion, reflects the spiritual journey of many. Transformation is a work of the Spirit, not the flesh, and requires a step of faith. Believers are reminded that faith and confusion can coexist, and that certainty in Jesus can anchor them amidst life's uncertainties. [01:28:30]

Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you striving instead of surrendering? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead you into true transformation today?


Day 4: Faith in the Midst of Confusion
Faith and confusion can coexist, and while individuals may not understand everything about life, they can be certain about Jesus. This certainty in Jesus serves as an anchor amidst uncertainties. The journey of Nicodemus highlights the coexistence of faith and confusion, as he seeks to understand the transformation Jesus offers. Believers are encouraged to embrace the light of Jesus, allowing Him to illuminate their path. As they navigate the darkness, they are reminded to hold onto the truth that Jesus is the light of the world, guiding them step by step. [01:42:24]

Isaiah 50:10 (ESV): "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel confused or uncertain? How can you anchor your faith in Jesus amidst this uncertainty?


Day 5: Guided by the Light of Jesus
Jesus is the light of the world, illuminating the path of believers step by step. As individuals navigate the darkness, they are encouraged to hold onto Him, allowing His light to guide them through 2025. This year, believers are called to shine brightly, not because of their own efforts, but because of what Jesus is doing within them. The illumination by Jesus provides guidance and direction, helping believers to navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith. [01:49:21]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: How can you allow Jesus to illuminate your path today? What steps can you take to ensure His light guides your decisions and actions in 2025?

Quotes

Let's pray. This is an important week even today as we honor Martin Luther King. Also, Monday is our inauguration of our new president, so we want to pray for our nation. I believe this is a great opportunity for us as a church to rise up and to shine. Like never before. Father, I thank you for moments that you create moments, even your people here for such a time as this, Lord. We thank you for the miracle that we've seen in our nation of people from every tribe and tribe coming together, and it's not perfect. We've had our struggles. Lord, help us as your people to shine, to show what unity looks like, to show what unconditional love looks like, to show what it is to be an ambassador. To be an ambassador of reconciliation. [00:59:32] (48 seconds)



But growth always doesn't happen by addition. Sometimes it's by subtraction. And when God wants to bless us, he doesn't always give us something. Sometimes he takes something out of our lives. And he wants to increase our capacity. And in order to do that, he'll often remove things that are weighing us down. This could be a plan. It could be a job. It could be a person. It could even be a dream. I know there's some people you know you need to hit delete even today. Come on. Just swipe. Just delete, delete, delete. [01:08:32] (37 seconds)



God always prunes us before he produces fruit through us. Yet we pile on more commitments, more ambitions, more tasks. I want to grow. I want to become better. So we approach the new year with this mindset of improvement by creating resolutions and goals and plans. And I'm not against that. But we all know these past two weeks, the gyms have been packed. [01:10:49] (28 seconds)



The truth is people are curious about life they're looking for answers they're searching for truth they're searching for purpose that's why people do all kinds of weird and strange things these days trying to reinvent themselves they'll write manifestation journals they'll they'll go to people and try to read tarot cards they'll even burn some sage and talk to the moon thinking it's Siri hoping for breakthrough they're dabbling in all kinds of weird spiritual practices thinking it'll unlock some hidden pathway or some breakthrough in their life and I believe that curiosity isn't the problem the problem is that we often ask the right questions but we look for the wrong wrong the answers in the wrong places people are confused and here for this first month of 2025 my message is simple we're searching for stuff but why not bring that confusion that curiosity that calling to the person of Jesus Christ if we're searching for answers here's the good news Jesus is searching for you he'll take you just as you are curious and confused. [01:10:33] (80 seconds)



He doesn't shun him because he has questions and doubt. And that's the same here at Shiloh. Come as you are. Come looking for Jesus with your questions, your doubts, your curiosity. And maybe you're here today because over the holidays, you watched The Chosen or you came to Christmas at Shiloh and you're wondering what's all this Christian stuff all about. And you've got questions and you're curious, but unsure. I want to tell you, we have a God that welcomes your questions. He welcomes your curiosity. He welcomes your doubt. Maybe you're not ready to stand in the light and declare your faith. I want to let you know about a God who welcomes you in the shadow. He will meet you in the dark. Is there anyone in the house today that can testify that God met you in the dark? [01:18:31] (50 seconds)



He wants you to shine. He wants you to go public in your search for Jesus. It means that our walk with Jesus, has to be seen right it's not a hidden thing at some point you got to go public how many of you remember when facebook was cool it's going to come back now that tiktok's been canceled you don't think so no well i remember back when facebook was cool and people would put in their in their relationship status people put things like it's complicated. [01:19:49] (37 seconds)



You must be born into it. Jesus is not looking for an improved version of Nicodemus. He's not looking for an improved version of you. He wants to make a brand new creation. You are not an iPhone in 2025. This is not your year. This is the year of an update. God doesn't want to update you. He doesn't want to modify you. God wants to radically transform you. Amen. Why do we need to be born again? Because every single one of us are born into sin. And the wages of sin, Scripture says, is death. But the gift of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal life. God doesn't just want to give us an extreme makeover. He wants a complete takeover. [01:29:11] (52 seconds)



And today I want to give you an opportunity not to know everything, but to take a step of

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Transcript
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