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Are We Ready for Change?

Article by Bill Onisick

Change is often met with deep resistance due to the entrenched patterns and habits formed over a lifetime of experiences. These behaviors become almost involuntary, snapping back to their original shape like a stretched rubber tire when attempts are made to alter them. The harder one tries to change, the more uncomfortable it becomes, revealing an internal struggle against returning to the old, familiar ways. This resistance is rooted in human nature, a carnality that clings to comfort and opposes the transformation into the new man described in Ephesians 4. The power of longstanding habits can be overwhelming, undermining efforts to establish new ways of behaving as automatic cognitive processes drive one back to undesired patterns. This internal conflict mirrors the struggle expressed in Romans 7:15, where the desire to change is thwarted by persistent actions contrary to one's will. The only path forward is a gradual retraining of the mind to develop new habits and behaviors, recognizing that such transformation requires time and persistent effort. Overcoming resistance to change demands readiness and a conviction of the need for transformation, identifying specific areas to start, do more, stop, or do less. Change is uncomfortable and does not yield instant results, often taking time to solidify new habits. Endurance and commitment are essential to stay the course, understanding that while the outward man may weaken, the inward man is renewed day by day, as encouraged in II Corinthians 4:16-18. The trials of change, though severe, work toward a greater, eternal glory. Carnal minds provide the greatest barrier to spiritual change, making reliance on divine strength crucial. Successful change is not possible alone; it requires daily prayer for help and guidance to maintain focus on positive transformation amidst trials. As declared in Philippians 4:13, strength comes through Christ to achieve all things, emphasizing the necessity of faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ to overcome resistance and complete the process of change. God has called for this spiritual preparation, making successful change a requirement to put off the old man and put on the new, despite the vigorous opposition of carnality.

Called to Change

Sermon by Ryan McClure

We are admonished to change, becoming living sacrifices, renewing our minds from carnal to spiritual, becoming transformed into the image of our Savior.

Dealing With Change

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God deliberately places change in our lives to bring about spiritual growth toward perfection.

Resistance (Part One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The antidote to spiritual resistance is certainty and confidence in Christ to conform us into His image—a directed movement toward Christ.

Resistance (Part Two): Solutions

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Moses, Jonah, David, and Gideon demonstrated resistance to God's prompts, indicating that they initially feared men more than they feared God.

Character and Reputation (Part One)

CGG Weekly by James Beaubelle

Obedience to God's laws brings great benefits. By living within the framework of what God has revealed, we receive the reward of developing godly character.

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.

Ground Hog Day - Again?

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

If we become stiff-necked, like our ancestors at Sinai, we are not submitting to God's Holy Spirit, sabotaging our overcoming and our path to salvation.

A Time to Throw Away

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

Many of us are pack-rats, saving everything for years until we have collected a mass of—well, junk. This is like accumulated sin—and it is time to get rid of it!

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.

Where Do You Belong?

Commentary by Mark Schindler

The penchant to seek preferred area codes is like the party spirit in Corinth, in which cliques began to champion leaders and look down on other factions.

A Body in Motion (2012)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Churches are powerless to stop the legalization of perversion; the secular progressives intend to cram this immorality down everybody's throat.

Amos (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Amos severely chides Israel for exalting symbolism over substance, superstitiously trusting in locations where significant historical events occurred.

Love's Greatest Challenges

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

An irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.

Afflicting Our Souls

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus taught that fasting is an internal, spiritual good work, done in the inner self. Any other kind of fasting has little or no spiritual value.

Are You Dissipating Your Own Energy?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We need to be on guard against dissipating our energy, becoming over-immersed in activity and busyness to the point of losing overall effectiveness.