Embracing Transformation: Living Out Our Mission in Christ
Summary
Embracing a new year and a new day means more than just turning a page on the calendar—it’s about opening our hearts to the transforming work of God and stepping boldly into the mission He’s given us. As I reflected on John chapter 3, God pressed on me the importance of not just reading His Word, but letting it read us, shape us, and call us to action. The story of Nicodemus reminds us that religion, power, position, and pride will never satisfy the soul. True fulfillment comes only through a genuine relationship with Jesus, being born again by the Spirit, and living out that new life with courage and surrender.
Being born again is not about checking religious boxes or maintaining appearances. It’s about a supernatural transformation that changes our desires, our priorities, and our purpose. If we are what we always were, then we haven’t truly encountered Christ. The call is to embrace biblical truth, needed change, hard decisions, gospel boldness, and daily Christlikeness. Each of these requires something from us—time, honesty, humility, courage, and surrender. But the reward is a life that reflects Jesus and a church that is alive with His mission.
Our mission is clear: glorify God and make His name known. This isn’t about our comfort or preferences, but about laying down our lives for the sake of the gospel. The world doesn’t need more religious activity; it needs people who are so transformed by Christ that they can’t help but share what He’s done. We are called to be witnesses, to speak boldly, and to love radically. If we’re too busy for God’s mission, then we’re simply too busy.
The story of the man in Assam, India, who lost everything for his faith, challenges us to ask: what would happen in our community if we embraced the call of Christ with that kind of resolve? If we put Jesus on our calendars, loved our neighbors, and refused to be silent, God would move in ways we can’t imagine. Let’s not let anyone fall through the cracks. Let’s walk forward together, embracing God’s call, no turning back.
Key Takeaways
- Religion, Power, and Pride Cannot Satisfy the Soul
Nicodemus had status, knowledge, and influence, yet he came to Jesus at night, still searching for what his position could not provide. Our hearts will always be restless if we seek fulfillment in anything other than Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency are subtle traps that keep us from the transforming grace of God. True satisfaction is found only in humble surrender to Jesus. [38:06]
- True Salvation Contradicts Lifeless Religion
Being born again is not about external rituals or moral achievements; it is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings real change. If our lives look no different after encountering Christ, we must ask if we have truly been born from above. The evidence of new birth is a growing love for God, a hatred for sin, and a life that bears spiritual fruit. Mere church attendance or good deeds cannot substitute for genuine spiritual transformation. [40:31]
- The New Birth Calls Us to Radical Surrender
Jesus makes it clear: following Him is not about our preferences, comfort, or opinions. The call is to lay aside every idol, every excuse, and follow Him regardless of the cost. Anything that comes between us and Christ must be willingly surrendered, for only then can we reflect His character and fulfill His mission. A faith we’re not willing to die for will never be a faith we’re willing to truly live for. [45:34]
- Our Mission Is to Glorify God and Make His Name Known
The purpose of our lives and our church is not our own happiness or comfort, but to glorify God and proclaim His name. This mission will often be uncomfortable and require us to step out in faith, but it is the very reason we exist. When we align our priorities with God’s, He blesses our efforts and uses us to impact our community in ways we could never accomplish on our own. [49:56]
- Complacency and Fear Are Not Options for the Born Again
God’s love and grace compel us to action; we cannot remain silent about what we have seen and heard. If we are too busy for the gospel, we are simply too busy. The world needs our stories of God’s faithfulness, our acts of love, and our willingness to step into the lives of those around us. Let’s put Jesus on our calendars, love our neighbors, and refuse to let anyone fall through the cracks. [56:46]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[25:05] - Opening Stories and Humor
[26:09] - Embracing Challenges and Change
[28:27] - God’s Word for the Year: Embrace
[30:04] - Five Calls to Embrace
[38:06] - Religion, Power, and Pride Cannot Satisfy
[39:42] - True Salvation vs. Lifeless Religion
[41:26] - Evidence of New Birth
[44:34] - Radical Surrender to Christ
[49:12] - Our Mission: Glorify God and Make Him Known
[51:02] - The Simplicity of the Mission
[52:17] - The Urgency of Gospel Boldness
[55:39] - Making Space for Mission in Our Lives
[57:34] - Loving Our Community Practically
[59:36] - The Story Behind “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
[01:02:12] - What Could Happen If We Embrace the Call
[01:04:17] - Invitation to Respond
[01:10:53] - Final Prayer and Blessing
[01:12:23] - Closing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Embracing God’s Call – No Turning Back
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### Bible Reading
- John 3:1-18 (The story of Nicodemus and Jesus’ teaching on being born again)
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### Observation Questions
1. What reasons did Nicodemus have for coming to Jesus at night, and what does this reveal about his heart and situation? ([38:06])
2. According to Jesus in John 3, what does it mean to be “born again”? How does He explain the difference between being born of the flesh and being born of the Spirit? ([39:42])
3. What does Jesus say is the purpose of His coming into the world, according to John 3:16-17?
4. In the sermon, what were some specific things the pastor said we must “embrace” if we want to see God move in our church? ([30:04])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do religion, power, and pride fail to satisfy the soul, even for someone as respected as Nicodemus? How can these things become traps for us today? ([38:06])
2. The pastor said, “If you are what you were, then you’re not.” What does this mean about the evidence of true salvation and spiritual transformation? ([40:31])
3. What does it look like to “lay aside every idol, every excuse, and follow [Jesus] regardless of the cost”? Why is this kind of surrender so difficult? ([45:34])
4. The sermon said, “If we’re too busy for God’s mission, then we’re simply too busy.” What are some ways busyness can keep us from living out our faith and sharing the gospel? ([56:46])
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### Application Questions
1. The story of the man in Assam, India, who lost everything for his faith, was shared as a challenge. What would it look like for you to embrace Christ’s call with that kind of resolve in your own life? Is there something you need to surrender or risk for Jesus? ([59:36])
2. The pastor challenged us to “put Jesus on our calendars.” What is one practical way you can intentionally make space for God’s mission in your weekly schedule? ([55:39])
3. Are there areas in your life where pride, comfort, or religious routine have taken the place of a real relationship with Jesus? How can you move from routine to genuine transformation? ([38:06])
4. The sermon said, “A faith we’re not willing to die for will never be a faith we’re willing to truly live for.” What does this statement mean to you personally? How might it change the way you approach your faith? ([45:34])
5. The pastor encouraged us to love our neighbors and not let anyone “fall through the cracks.” Who is one person in your life or community you can reach out to this week with the love of Christ? ([57:34])
6. The message emphasized that our mission is to glorify God and make His name known, not just to be comfortable. What is one step you can take this month to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of the gospel? ([49:56])
7. The pastor asked us to make a list of ways God has blessed us and to share those stories with others. What is one story of God’s faithfulness in your life that you can share with someone this week? ([52:17])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for courage to embrace His call, for humility to surrender pride and routine, and for boldness to love and witness to those around you—no turning back.
Devotional
Day 1: When Status and Pride Leave the Soul Empty
True satisfaction cannot be found in religion, power, or pride. Nicodemus, despite his high status and knowledge, came to Jesus in the night searching for something deeper than what his position could offer. This restlessness in the heart is a sign that anything less than a humble surrender to Christ will leave us unfulfilled. Pride and self-sufficiency are subtle barriers that prevent the transforming grace of God from taking root in our lives. When we let go of these idols, we open ourselves to the true peace and satisfaction that only Jesus can provide.
Recognizing this emptiness is the first step toward embracing a new life that is shaped by God’s grace rather than human achievement or status. It is a call to examine where we have been placing our hope and to redirect our hearts toward the only source of true fulfillment. [38:06]
“Blessed is the one whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.” — Psalm 94:12-13
Reflection: What areas of pride or self-sufficiency are you holding onto that keep you from fully surrendering to Jesus today? How can you begin to release them in prayer and trust?
Day 2: New Birth Is a Living Transformation, Not Ritual
Being born again is not about external religious rituals or moral accomplishments; it is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that brings genuine change from within. If your life looks the same as before you encountered Christ, it is important to ask whether you have truly been born from above. The evidence of this new birth is a growing love for God, a hatred for sin, and a life that produces spiritual fruit. Mere attendance at church or performing good deeds cannot replace the deep transformation that the Spirit brings.
This transformation reshapes desires, priorities, and purpose, calling believers to live in a way that reflects the heart of God. It is a daily process of renewal that requires honesty and humility, but it leads to a vibrant faith that impacts every area of life. [40:31]
“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” — 1 Peter 1:23
Reflection: In what ways has your life visibly changed since encountering Christ? What is one specific fruit of the Spirit you can ask God to cultivate more deeply in your life right now?
Day 3: Radical Surrender Is the Mark of True Discipleship
Following Jesus demands more than casual commitment; it requires laying aside every idol, excuse, and personal preference to follow Him wholeheartedly. Anything that stands between you and Christ must be willingly surrendered, no matter the cost. A faith that is not worth dying for will never be a faith worth truly living for. This radical surrender is not easy—it calls for courage, humility, and daily decisions to choose Christ above comfort or convenience.
This surrender shapes character and empowers believers to reflect Jesus in their lives and fulfill His mission. It is a call to die to self so that Christ may live through us, transforming not only our hearts but also the world around us. [45:34]
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” — Luke 14:27
Reflection: What is one idol or excuse you need to surrender fully to Jesus today? How can you practically demonstrate this surrender in your daily routine?
Day 4: Our Purpose Is to Glorify God and Proclaim His Name
The mission of every believer and every church is not personal comfort or happiness but to glorify God and make His name known. This mission often requires stepping out in faith and embracing discomfort, but it is the very reason for our existence. When our priorities align with God’s, He blesses our efforts and uses us to impact our communities in ways beyond our own abilities.
Living with this purpose means embracing a life that is outward-focused, seeking to reveal God’s glory through words and actions. It is a call to live with intentionality, knowing that our lives are part of a greater story that points others to Jesus. [49:56]
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” — Psalm 96:3
Reflection: How can you intentionally align your daily priorities with the mission to glorify God and make His name known? What is one step you can take this week to live out this purpose more boldly?
Day 5: Complacency and Fear Have No Place in the Spirit-Filled Life
God’s love and grace compel believers to action; silence and complacency are not options for those born again. If we find ourselves too busy for the gospel, it is a sign that we need to reevaluate our schedules and priorities. The world desperately needs stories of God’s faithfulness, acts of love, and people willing to step into the lives of others with courage and compassion.
Putting Jesus on our calendars, loving neighbors practically, and refusing to let anyone fall through the cracks are tangible ways to live out this calling. This urgency is not about pressure but about responding to the Spirit’s prompting to be witnesses who speak boldly and love radically. [56:46]
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19
Reflection: What is one practical way you can make space in your schedule this week to share God’s love or story with someone who needs to hear it? How can you prepare your heart to respond boldly to the Spirit’s leading?
Quotes
``Reminds me of something I tell my students all the time A faith you're not willing to die for will never be a faith you're willing to live for You want to know what's happening in North America? We've taken that out of Christianity Acts chapter 1 you will be my witnesses the word there for witnesses martyr My martyrs My martyrs Jesus knew he was giving his disciples a death sentence And ultimately by about the year 100 Every one of the disciples died hideous deaths They were beheaded Peter was crucified upside down John died on the island of Patmos Under hideous death A faith that we're not willing to die for To put our fears aside To go and do whatever it is Even if it doesn't feel comfortable A faith that we're not willing to die for Would never be a faith we're willing to live for Look at me guys Because when we're willing to die for our faith Everything we have becomes God's He owns it He runs it He rules it [00:46:41] (80 seconds)
Keep in mind that if we're born again, there will always be substantive change. Listen to this. If you are what you were, then you're not. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5, 17 says, he is a new creation. We talked about that last week. Old things have been passed away. Behold, all things have become new. If you are what you were, then you're not. Say that with me. If you are what you were, then you're not. Say it one more time. If you are what you were, then you're not. Are we born again? [00:40:49] (46 seconds)
Guys, we've taken this whole Bible and what it means to be a Christian and we've somehow put it down at the bottom of this little funnel and what drips out is I go to church. And guys, again, I've said this before, you could just going to church will no more make you a Christian than sitting in a garage will make you a car or sitting in a hen house will make you sprout wings and fly around and lay eggs. [00:43:17] (25 seconds)
It was never about exalting you. It's always about exalting the Father. David, before we move on from this real simple passage, I need to know, this is God speaking to me. So I wrote this down of what it was. This is what I wrote, real simple. David, again, put your name in the front of that. Debbie, Kara, whatever. This is what God said to me. David, I, Jesus, called you unto salvation by my Spirit. Therefore, it is not about you. It is not about your preferences. It is not about your fears. It is not about your opinions. It is not about your comfort. It is not about your humanity. It is not about your vocation. This calling as a Christian is a holy and supernatural pursuit. [00:44:42] (52 seconds)
Your only response David should be to lay aside your fears and excuses and follow me regardless of the cost otherwise, David Again speaking to me. How can you be my child? If you don't resemble me in all that you do Remember that anything you allow to come between me and you is an idol and must be willingly Willingly destroyed through repentance resulting in spiritual transformation Regardless of how long you have been a Christian David You never outgrow my humble challenge to sacrifice self for the greater call of the gospel be honest with yourself daily Only hold on to what I desire Everything else is self-destructive and will distract you from my mission of redemption Be all in or all out David No games There's too much in the line on the line to play religious games Wow [00:45:33] (64 seconds)
If money was going to heal all of our problems, then Hollywood, California would be the most happy place on the planet. There's more, you know, rehab places within 20 miles of Hollywood than probably any place on the planet. So church, religion, power, position, and pride will never satisfy us. It will not. It always leaves us wanting more. Number two, this is what he was speaking to me. True salvation, that is to be born again, contradicts lifeless religion. [00:38:59] (37 seconds)
To be born again or to be experienced in a new birth is a phrase that refers to a regeneration of the human spirit. In contrast to one's physical birth, being born again is distinctly and separately caused by the operation of the Holy Spirit drawing us to himself. And it occurs when one surrenders their life fully to Christ. It is a core doctrine of all Christian faith. In some English translations, they translate it born again and is rendered born from above. Born from above. In other words, has the Holy Spirit drawn you to himself? [00:39:52] (37 seconds)
And then he said I too want to taste that faith. In a spontaneous confession of faith he declared I too now belong to Jesus. When the crowd heard this from the mouth of their chief the whole village accepted Christ as the Lord and Savior. What's going to happen in Rustburg if one man can make that kind of a different change, if one family can touch a whole community and we're talking about this literally hundreds of years later? [01:03:08] (34 seconds)
What could happen in Rustburg, what could happen in Lynchburg, what could happen in Evington, what could happen in our communities if we would simply say no turning back, I have decided to follow Jesus, though none go with me, yet I will follow, no turning back. That was the call God gave me in January. I had no clue I would end up being here, but today I give you that same call. Why don't we embrace his call together as a church? [01:03:32] (36 seconds)
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