Transformation is a process, but there are markers. The Beatitudes give us a picture of what transformation progression will look like. It all begins with the humility of coming to the end of ourselves as we submit everything to the King and thus obtain the kingdom. (Matt 5:1-9)

In Christ, we already have what we need to live a transformed life. It is not about rules and regulations but about a relationship with Jesus Christ. In order to apply what we have in Christ, we need to practice the rhythms of rest, reflection, and receiving from God. (John 5:9-14)

We all have to answer one question in our transformation: Do you want to get well? To answer yes to this means forsaking all self-salvation projects and letting go of the control we think we have. In short, it is to risk your whole self with Jesus. It is only when we do this that we can experience transformation.

To become whole, we have to come home. Repentance is returning home. Repentance involves confession of sin, sorrow for sin, and the experience of forgiving and cleansing from sin. True repentance is joyful and results in the adoration of God and the restoration of community. (1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 51)

In order to become whole, we need to walk through the healing pathway. This means acknowledging the wound, grieving the pain, forgiving the offender, experiencing the cleansing of our hearts, and letting God heal our wounds. Will you choose the path of healing and transformation? (1 John 1:5-7)

“Be angry and do not sin...and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Unforgiveness in our hearts has the potential to cause all kinds of harm towards ourselves and others. In this sermon we look at how unresolved anger (from wounds) opens the door for the enemy to wreak havoc in our lives and in the church. This is why the call to forgive is so prominent and so important.

Forgiveness is our greatest need and the greatest gift we can give. It is a demonstration of the power of the gospel. Forgiveness is hard and costly, but it is absolutely necessary for the transformation of our souls. We need to understand what forgiveness is and what it isn’t as well as how we actually go about giving and receiving forgiveness. (Matt 18:23-36)

Healing and Repentance are two of the most fundamental experiences of being a Christian. If we confuse the two, we run into problems. In order to experience transformation in our lives, we must understand both of these processes and be willing to live them out so that our joy might be complete.

Jesus transforms us. What Jesus has done for us leads to what Jesus will do in us. Isaiah 53 teaches us what Jesus has done for our wounded and sinful hearts. By his wounds we are healed and by his death we are forgiven our sin. In Christ, we are regenerated, recreated, adopted in, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, united to Christ, Justified by Christ. Understanding these aspects leads to our transformation. (Isa 52:14-53:12)

To begin our transformation process we have to identify what the real problem is. The Bible says that the real problem is Sin. Sin exists in our hearts and is both a condition and a decision we make. Living in a broken world means that we will also be sinned against. This means we have both sinful and wounded hearts at the same time. Unless God’s transformative power intervenes we will be stuck in the cycle of sin. (Eph 2:1-4)