Change
https://incmedia.org/what-is-real-change/
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Brother Mark Vasquez: There are many that wish this world to change. For some, they desire change, because they believe this world is getting worse. And all the things that they can see around them is just appalling.
The condition of the world is made worse by the problems that many are already suffering. So others think that the change that needs to happen, are the leaders or the system of government.
Do you think we need change? See what some people have to say.
Interviewer: What kind of change would you like to see?
Female interviewee 1: Well, I would like to see people just be more open, more willing to listen to others and just care about the people that are around them and be more willing to compromise, less polarized, less hateful, and just open their hearts a little bit.
Interviewer: How do you think we can make this change happen?
Female interviewee 1: Talking to each other. Setting an example and being willing to listen, instead of shouting at other people down. Discussing different points of view.
Male Interviewee 1: I think maybe a change in the education system would be something very good. I know a lot of people are pushing for it. And you know, giving people equal opportunities would be something nice to see.
Female interviewee 2: A change in how we run our healthcare system in this country would definitely be good.
Male Interviewee 1: Of course, I’d like to see change happen, [inaudible] like less prejudice, and probably people helping with a cleaner environment.
Female interviewee 3: I think that we need to bring people together. And the best way to do that is maybe community events, events for people to get together and share their opinions so that we can recognize different points of view.
Brother Mark Vasquez: Many want change, but we are witnesses to the fact that whatever people try their hardest to do, the change that they thought they wanted can’t be achieved. It’s possible, though, that the many people who have been desiring something new, had been chasing after the wrong kind of change all along. What change should we want the most and how can this true change be achieved? We’ll answer all that but before we do we need to know, when does true change begin? We’ll read that together. In II Corinthians, we’ll read [Chapter 5 verse 17.]
Therefore, if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new being! His old life has passed away; a new life has begun!
[II Corinthians 5:17 Twentieth Century New Testament]
Brother Mark Vasquez: When does true change begin? If anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new being. This is the true change that we should aim for.
Some of our friends joining us today may claim that they already have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, others say, “I’m in union with Christ, I already have a personal relationship with him.” Let’s ask the Bible, how can we be in union with the Lord Christ? How would we have a true relationship with him?
Well read that in Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 31, also 32 and 23.
That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one. This is a great mystery. (I’m talking about Christ’s relationship to the church.) The husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. It is his body, and he is its Savior.
[Ephesians 5:31-32 & 23 God’s Word]
Brother Mark Vasquez: How could we have a true relationship with Christ? Through the Church. The Apostle Paul said, “I’m talking about Christ’s relationship to the church.” The Church is very important. How important is the Church and the verse that we just read, it states, Christ is the head of the church. It is his body and he is its Savior.
In as much as others may want to claim that they have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The only true relationship he has is the relationship with his Church, the Church that belongs to Christ was referred to by the Apostles, as the Church Of Christ, which was made clear by the Apostles in Romans 16:16, Acts 20:28 and Ephesians 4:12.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
[Romans 16:16 New King James Version]
Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you overseers, to feed the church of Christ which he has purchased with his blood.
[Acts 20:28 Lamsa Translation]
The common object of their labor was to bring the Christians maturity, to prepare them for Christian service and the building up of the Church of Christ …
[Ephesians 4:12 Norlie’s Simplified New Testament]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What should we do to begin true change then? We need to join the Church Of Christ, for true change to begin in our lives. For those who have already joined the Church, there’s still something that needs to be seen in us for true change to actually happen.
What kind of change needs to be seen in us, after joining the Church Of Christ, we’ll read that together in Romans chapter 12 and the verse is 2. This is what it says,
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
[Romans 12:2 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What kind of change needs to be seen in us after joining the Church Of Christ? The Bible said that we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind. How is it that our mind should change? We shouldn’t be conformed to or comply with the standards of this world. And think that we can do things simply because it’s socially acceptable.
Because we have union and a true relationship with Christ, we must live differently from the ways of this world. What are the ways of this world that the Christians before left behind that we also need to leave behind so we can experience true change? Well read that in I Peter chapter 4, verse 3, and 4.
You have spent enough time in the past doing what the heathen like to do. Your lives were spent in indecency, lust, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and the disgusting worship of idols. And now the heathen are surprised when you do not join them in the same wild and reckless living. And so they insult you.
[I Peter 4:3-4 Today’s English Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What are the ways of the world that true Christians need to leave behind? The Apostles described in the verses that we just read, the kind of life that was left behind by early Christians, their lives were filled with wild and reckless choices that would have led them to destruction.
What was eventually seen in the early Christians, that also needs to be seen in us? Change. The Christians before began to change. When they started the real union with Christ by becoming a part of the church. They left all evil things behind and this also should be seen in us. Instead of getting distracted by the things around us, what do those in union with Christ pursue in life? Let’s read that in I Timothy, chapter 6, verses 11 and 12.
But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
[I Timothy 6:11-12 New International Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What do those in union with Christ pursue? Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Did you notice how different this is from the sin that those without Christ and without the church are getting themselves involved with? Let’s make a change. Take hold of the eternal life, to which we were called.
We read earlier that this change that should be seen in us is possible only if we renew our mind. So how is it that we should renew our mind? We’ll read that in Philippians chapter 2, verse 5.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
[Philippians 2:5 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: How should we renew our mind? We should have the same thinking of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what mind is it that’s in the Lord Jesus Christ? We read Philippians 2:5. Now we’ll read verse 8, it says this.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
[Philippians 2:8 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: What is the mind that’s in the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ humbled himself and became obedient. He obeyed the will of God, even to the extent of making the greatest sacrifice, death.
Why was Christ able to obey however great the sacrifice he had to make? Let’s read that in John 5:30.
… I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
[John 5:30 New King James Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: Why was Christ able to obey however great the sacrifice he had to make? He always put God’s will first in his life. Although Christ had his own will that he wanted to do yet he put it aside and what he allowed to be fulfilled in him was the will of the Father.
What kind of thinking should be found in us now, we should think of the commandments of God, the same way the Lord Jesus Christ did. If before we thought the commandments of God weren’t important, we need to do our best now to follow his words. When should we follow the commands of God? We’ll read that in Philippians 1:27 and 28.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, that you will be saved-and that by God.
[Philippians 1:27-28 New International Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: When should we be found following the commandments of God? All the time. The Apostles told us whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Whatever we do, wherever we go, and in anything that we plan to do, we need to make sure that it is in accordance with the gospel. Let’s never do anything that is against the teachings we received, so that we could prove to God our obedience, and faithfulness to him.
Some people think that they’re missing out if they try their best to live like Christ. Others may feel like they won’t fit in because they’re not living the way how others are. Would we be at a loss if we endure resisting our own personal desires, for the sake of following God? We’ll read that together in Revelations, we’ll read chapter 3, verse 10. This is what is written in the Bible.
Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you safe from the time of trouble which is coming upon the world to test all the people on earth.
[Revelations 3:10 Today’s English Version]
Brother Mark Vasquez: Would we be at a loss if we endure resisting our own personal desires, for the sake of following God’s commands? No, we are not at a loss. Instead, we have everything to gain. God will keep us safe, and we will be saved on the Day of Judgment. Isn’t this what we ultimately want in the end?
There may be people who are not happy with their current life situation and desire change. However, the change that we should seek the most is the change that is in union with the Lord Jesus Christ. We should be a part of the church that he will save, the Church Of Christ, and live in a way that pleases Him, the Father in heaven.
If we become members of the Church Of Christ, and are able to think the same way the Lord Jesus Christ did, we will have the solution for all of our problems. The solution for all of our problems is being saved and the day that the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
I would like to invite all of the viewers who are joining us in this program, to join us and our worship services in the Church Of Christ. Learn more about the teachings we believe in and see the wonderful change that could happen in your lives.
Thank you for joining us. We’ll see you next time.
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