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Called to Change
Sermon by Ryan McClureChange is often a challenging aspect of life, stirring discomfort from a young age. Humans naturally resist change, finding stability in routine, as any disruption, like a missed nap for a child, can provoke stress and upset. Moving to a new home, with its unfamiliar surroundings, can similarly heighten anxiety in both children and adults. Yet, not all change is negative; a shift from wet to dry clothes after rain, or a sunny day breaking through persistent overcast weather, can be a welcome relief and mood-lifter. A job change to a better environment under a supportive boss can transform daily dread into enthusiasm. In professional settings, managing change is critical, especially when it affects large groups of employees or clients, impacting millions. Resistance to change, such as adapting to an open-concept workspace without assigned seats, can cause significant irritation and even prompt individuals to withdraw, as seen in a colleague's struggle with losing a preferred spot. This illustrates how even those who manage change professionally can find personal adaptation difficult. Change, defined as a transformation or transition, permeates daily life through varying meals, shifting attitudes, seasonal shifts, career moves, and relocations, all of which carry stress and require adjustment. God calls us to embrace change, urging a transformation of mind and character to reflect a Christlike way of living. This divine call to change is a continuous process, shaping us through life's experiences and His guidance. However, change remains difficult due to fear of the unknown, lack of motivation, comfort in routine, perceived negative impacts, and impatience with slow progress. These human tendencies often hinder the spiritual transformation God desires, as initial changes might feel burdensome or restrictive. For some, longstanding routines may dull the urgency for further change, while for others, the slow pace of spiritual growth can lead to discouragement. God's call to change demands commitment, as exemplified in various scriptural accounts where individuals faced challenges in relinquishing personal attachments or complacency to follow Him. The necessity to change is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for zeal and repentance. True change requires effort and discipline, a willingness to fight and work hard, understanding the value of God's calling. Incremental changes, even as small as one percent daily, can compound over time into significant transformation, especially when supported by prayer and reliance on His strength through Christ.
Dealing With Change
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God deliberately places change in our lives to bring about spiritual growth toward perfection.
Are We Ready for Change?
Article by Bill OnisickPaul describes the Christian life as a process of change: from the old man to the new man. However, we typically resist change because it is difficult.
Change and Constancy
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughChange, whether we consider it good or bad, produces stress, and we tend to blame stress for the discouragement or even depression that follows change.
Dealing With Change (Part One)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeNone of the heroes of faith lived a settled life. They experienced continual change to their circumstances, yet they soldiered on and emerged victorious
When Our Change Comes
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance and conversion leading to transforming into Christ's image depend on change. Christianity is a force for personal change, leading to universal change.
Dealing With Change (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeHow we react to trials and change demonstrates what our foundation is. Agitation, anxiety, or pessimism indicate that we are not doing God's sayings in some area.
Change and Responsibility
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughAt Christ's return, people will be engaging in everyday life as if it would go on without change today, tomorrow, and forever. We, however, have been warned.
Stand Fast in a Changing World
Sermon by Kim MyersWe have been warned to keep alert, watching for the return of our Savior, not living in careless ease. We should be sobered by the degenerating state of the world.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughRepentance is a first step, but it is also ongoing throughout our lives. To become a true Christian, we must repent—and then we must make it a continual practice.
The Immutability of God
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamOne of the rock solid, dependable characteristics of God for which we can take comfort is His immutability. He cannot lie or become capricious.
Patience
Sermonette by James BeaubelleBecause none of us know when Christ will return, we must ask God for patience for the changes that work to build our future in the Kingdom of God.
Unprepared
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityOnly those close to God will be able to handle the turmoil. No carnal solutions offered by survivalists will ultimately save us from these calamities.
Repentance: The Genuine Article (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughTrue repentance involves pain, particularly emotional pain. To repent is wrenching to the psyche. It really hurts because it is difficult to do.
Unity and Our Responsibilities
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughBecause of the justification that individual sins do not matter much, Israel's collective unity was destroyed. We cannot practice this self-excusing mindset.
Remember the Luddites!
Commentary by Joseph B. BaitySome accept any innovation without calculating the damage it might bring to the culture, while others find it difficult to accept any technological changes.
How to Combat Future Shock
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlvin Toffler described a phenomenon known as Future Shock, a stressful malady caused by an inability to adjust to rapid change and over-stimulation.
Mutability and Our Christlike Response
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe all change repeatedly throughout the stages of life, as do others, requiring constant adjustment as to how we evaluate and treat others.
Where Do You Belong?
Commentary by Mark SchindlerThe 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.
The Beginning of History
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles WhitakerMany believe that history is progress—that mankind, along with his nature, governments, and technology, is on an inevitable course of advancement.
Unity (Part 5): Ephesians 4 (B)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAdopting a revolutionary stance for the sake of change, variety, or relieving boredom will systematically destroy the faith once delivered.
Teaching Us to Think (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod instructs us to be living sacrifices. Too many drag this change out over decades, thereby self-limiting the process of sanctification.