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Are We Ready for Change?

Article by Bill Onisick

Change, particularly in the realm of the mind, is a profound necessity for those seeking to align with God's will. The biggest change required is a transformation of the heart and mind, a shift from the old man to the new man as described in Ephesians 4:22-24. This change is not merely superficial but demands a deep, internal renewal against the resistance of our carnal nature, which clings to familiar habits and behaviors. Our minds have been shaped by personal histories, forming entrenched patterns that resist alteration. These patterns, like a rubber tire, snap back to their original form despite efforts to change, illustrating the internal struggle against our human nature that prefers comfort over transformation. The apostle Paul captures this conflict in Romans 7:15, expressing the difficulty of doing what is desired while being pulled back by unwanted habits. To effect this change of mind, one must recognize and be convicted of the need for transformation, evaluating oneself against God's righteousness and holiness. It requires categorizing necessary changes into actions such as start, do more, stop, or do less, and understanding the reasons behind them. Envisioning the differences that will emerge in oneself and relationships upon successful change is crucial. The process of changing the mind is gradual and demands endurance, as it takes time to overcome weaknesses and develop new habits. The inward man is renewed day by day, as Paul encourages in II Corinthians 4:16-18, emphasizing the need to stay focused on eternal goals despite temporary afflictions. This renewal produces an exceeding and eternal glory, far outweighing the trials of change. Maintaining faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ is essential, as They provide the strength to overcome the carnal mind's resistance. Through constant contact with God and reliance on His Holy Spirit, one can keep focused on positive change amidst trials. Paul declares in Philippians 4:13 that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens, underscoring the necessity of divine help in this transformative journey. Ultimately, God has called us to this process of spiritual preparation, requiring a change of mind and heart to develop new attitudes and behaviors modeled after His holy character. This transformation, though uncomfortable for our carnal minds, is a requirement for becoming a new creation, united with Christ and reflecting His image.

The Will To Change

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

Like the fable of the scorpion who stings the frog carrying him, our carnal nature is set, causing us to act in destructive ways. Repentance begins with changed thinking.

The Thinking Mind

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In the current toxic culture, we have been warned not to be conformed to the world, but to become transformed into the glorious likeness of Christ.

What True Repentance Is

Sermonette by Clyde Finklea

Repentance doesn't just involve the negative aspect of removing sin and bad actions but turning towards righteousness and willful good actions.

Consider the Butterfly

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Creation teaches the orderly mind of God. The butterfly provides valuable analogies to illustrate our conversion and transformation from mortal to immortal.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 2)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Mechanically keeping the law is only the beginning of righteousness. By emphasizing principle, Christ came to magnify, not to destroy God's law.

Teaching Us To Think (Part Three): Proving God's Will

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As God tests His people, He desires that they test and prove His Laws to demonstrate that they invariably work, to prove these principles by following them.

Repentance

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In mainstream Protestantism, repentance has fallen out of favor, yet it is mentioned far more in the New Testament than in the Old Testament.

Remaining Unleavened

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our carnal natures must be displaced by God's Holy Spirit, motivating us to refrain from causing offense, but freely forgiving others as God has forgiven us.

Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.

Teaching Us to Think (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God is putting His children through a demanding educational program designed to teach godly values and impart spiritual maturity. Learning is hard work.

Separation and Oneness With God

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Since the beginning, God's purpose has been to bring all things into harmony with Him, giving mankind a respite from the heaviness of a sin-laden world.

Conforming to This World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

It is far easier to conform to the world than to Christ. We must yield to God to renew our minds, living in the spirit rather than in the flesh.

True Self-Control

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Self-control is the ability to focus our attention so that our decisions will not be directed by wrong thoughts. If we change our thoughts, we change our behavior.

Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Nothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.

How to Prevent Sin

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

The way to prevent sin is to let God's Spirit fill the mind. 'Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth' (Colossians 3:2).

The Book of Joel (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When Joel describes the devastating locust plagues, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, he says things are going to get intensely worse.