Exodus 34:29-35, Luke 9:28-36

Exodus 34:29-35

Luke 9:28-36

February 18, 2007

Chosen To Be Changed

Part 8 of 8 part Hopewell sermon series on “Who  are we?”

Transfiguration Sunday

 For the past 7 weeks we have been focusing on different aspects of 2 questions that are important for us as individual Christians – and as a Church.

 The first question is:

Who are we?

Who are we as Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

Who are we?

And the second question is:

What are we supposed to be doing?

What are we supposed to be doing as Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church?  

Who are we?

What are we supposed to be doing?

Who are we as individual Christians?

What are we supposed to be doing as individual Christians?

Who are we as a Church?

What are we supposed to be doing as a Church? 

We are concluding our look at answers to these questions today.

Remember that we noted that we can’t attempt to truly answer these questions by gathering our opinions of who we are as Christians – or who we are as a Church –

or what we should be doing as Christians – or what we should be doing as a Church. 

It’s not really our opinions that matter here – what matters is who God calls us to be – and what God calls us to be doing.

We have to start – not within ourselves – but with God.

So – here are the important questions for us to consider —

Who does God think we are – as individuals and as a Church –

and

What does God call us to be doing – as individuals and as a Church?

To really find answers to these questions we have to look to God – to God’s word – and see what God’s idea is.

 

We’ve been using the passage in 1 Peter 2:9 as a “springboard” — so to speak — to look at various aspects of who we are as God’s people – how we can be the Christians – the people – and the Church God has called us to be – and how we can do what God calls us to be doing.

 

In 1 Peter 2:9 we read: 

 

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

            As we have looked at this passage, we have seen that it gives us an answer to the questions:

 

Who are we?

and

What are we supposed to be doing?

 

Who are we?

 

We are God’s people – Peter writes –

 

What are we to be doing?

 

Peter writes that we have been chosen to declare the praises of God. 

 

Another way to put it is that we are:

 The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 

That’s who we are – and what we are to be doing.

 

But – what does that mean?

 

It’s the specifics of what that might mean that we’ve been considering for the past 7 weeks.  

 

What does it means that we are:

The glorious people of God –

Chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

 

So far we have:

Looked at the first chapter of John – and seen that it means that we are chosen to walk in the light of God – the light of Christ – instead of the darkness of sin.

Looked at Luke’s version of the Baptism of Jesus – and seen that it means that we are chosen for ministry.

Looked at John 2:1-11 – the story of the miracle at the Cana wedding feast – and seen that it means that we are chosen to be the best. 

Looked at Nehemiah 8 – where the Law of God is read as it is placed in the rebuilt and rededicated Temple following the Babylonian captivity – and seen that it means that we are chosen to worship.

Looked at Jeremiah 12 – and seen that it means that we are chosen to be triumphant.

Looked at Luke’s version of the calling of Peter, James and John in Luke 5:1-11 – and seen that it means that we are chosen to be obedient. 

And looked at Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 that call us to be different from others in the world – as well as make a difference for God’s glory in the world. 

 

Chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Chosen for ministry

Chosen to be the best

Chosen to worship

Chosen to be triumphant 

Chosen to be obedient

Chosen to be different – and make a difference

 

7 things that being the glorious people of God – chosen to show to the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — can mean for us.

I want to add one last thing to this list today.

As we look at 2 passages of scripture – Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-38 – we will see that we are chosen to be changed.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

 

Read Scripture

 

Psychiatrists tell us that it is a part of our nature to let things we are continually exposed to make a difference in how we live.  More times than not, we are not even aware of the differences these things are making in our lives.  It is usually someone who has known us a long time and observed us carefully who will point out to us that there is a difference in us. 

            An example of this is speech.

            After several years in a certain part of the country, we may begin to speak with an accent that is typical to others who live in that area — or we may use phrases that others in that area typically use.  Many who move to this area originally laugh at our accent or figures of speech that we may use — and yet — guess what?  Before long they may be talking with a little bit of a South Carolina accent — and using the same expressions they laughed at not long before. 

            Certain programs on TV — or even certain TV characters — can sometimes get into our patterns of behavior simply because we spend so much time watching.

            It is even suggested that married couples begin to look like each other as the years roll by. 

An exaggerated truth — yes — but the point behind it is obvious. 

 

            Today is Transfiguration Sunday – the day when the Church historically celebrates the event that happened to Jesus when He was transformed – changed in His appearance – before the eyes of Peter, James, and John – the story Luke relates in our Gospel Lesson for today.  

 

            In our Old Testament lesson for this Transfiguration Sunday Moses is changed after he spent time with God on Mount Sinai.

 

            Moses had been on Mount Sinai for 40 days receiving and learning the law from God, and  came back to the camp of the Israelites with a face shining with God’s glory – a face so radiant with God’s glory that he had to veil his face when he was not with God.  The glory of God rubbed off on him – so to speak — and those who saw him knew it and were afraid.

 

            Moses was changed by God – and the people could tell it!

 

            Moses literally shone with the glory of God as he came down from Mount Sinai.   He had spent time with God — time that had changed his life — his very appearance.  He had spent time with God — experienced God — and the people could obviously tell it.  The people could tell the difference the glory of God made in Moses’ life. 

           

Moses was changed by God – and the people could tell it!

 

            In our Gospel lesson from Luke Jesus — on the Mount of Transfiguration — was changed and reflected the glory of God in a powerful way — just as powerful as Moses had.  Peter — James — and John could certainly tell the difference in Jesus as He reflected the glory of God.

 

            Jesus was changed by spending time with God – and Peter, James and John could tell it. They could tell us how Jesus reflected the glory of God — and the difference it made.

 

            Later in his life Peter would write:

 

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Part of what that means is that we are chosen for ministry

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be the best

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to worship

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be triumphant 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be obedient

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be different – and make a difference – in the world for Christ.

 

And part of what that means is that we are chosen to be changed.

 

            Eight days before the event of the Transfiguration Jesus had been talking with the disciples — asking them who men said that He was. 

He then asked them who they thought He was. 

Peter — in one of those rare moments of inspiration — proclaims:

 

“The Christ of God!”

            Jesus then began explaining what that meant — how He would have to go to Jerusalem — be crucified — yet rise again.

 

            Now — eight days later — Jesus took Peter — James — and John to a mountain with Him.  Jesus went to pray — to get strength for what lay ahead of Him –strength for the cross and all that it would entail.

            While in prayer, Jesus underwent a profound experience of God’s glory.  He was transfigured.  God’s glory came upon Him – - and Moses and Elijah ministered to Him.

            What a profound — glorious — and powerful moment this must have been for Jesus.

            And Peter — James — and John could tell the difference this experience made for Jesus. 

Peter was so moved that he wanted to stay at this beautiful — magnificent spot — and just bask in the glory he was seeing and experiencing.  He could tell the difference this event made for Christ — and for him, too.  He wanted to build tents for them all so they could just stay in this glorious event forever.   

            And to top it all off — they heard a voice from heaven saying that Jesus is God’s Son — His chosen one — and to listen to Him.

 

            Wow.

What a difference Moses’ experience of God on Mount Sinai made to him — a difference others could easily tell just by looking at him.

Wow.

What a difference Jesus’ experience on the Mount of Transfiguration made to Him — a difference the disciples could easily tell by looking at Him.

 

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Part of what that means is that we are chosen for ministry

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be the best

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to worship

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be triumphant 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be obedient

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be different – and make a difference – in the world for Christ.

And part of what that means is that we are chosen to be changed.

 

We are chosen to be people who have a special, life changing relationship with God – show God to the world – and who people can tell have had our lives changed by God.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

 

Jesus received strength from this glorious experience on the Mount of Transfiguration — and was ready to go and minister to the world.  Jesus did not keep His transfigured glory or stay on the mountaintop — but went back into the world to minister to the world.

 

He had needed strength for the upcoming cross and resurrection – and He had come to God — had experienced God in a powerful way — and now He was ready to go back into the world — taking with Him the strength this encounter with God had given Him — and even sharing something of the glory of God He had experienced as He ministered to others.

            Others could certainly tell the difference this experience made to Jesus – the change that came about Jesus because of this experience.

 

            Moses received strength from his glorious experience with God on Mount Sinai – and was ready to lead the people through the desert towards the land God had promised.

            Others could certainly tell the difference Moses’ experience with God on Mount Sinai made in his life. 

 

Jesus was changed.

Moses had an encounter with God – and was changed.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

 

            In Arthur Miller’s play “All My Sons” one of the characters says to another:

“Chris, a man can’t be Jesus

in this world.”

            I strongly disagree with this – and here’s why.

 

            We can “be Jesus” in the world — and reflect the glory of God to the world — in just as powerful ways as did Moses — even in such a powerful way as did  Jesus.

We can be changed by Jesus — minister to the world in Jesus’ name – minister to the world with Jesus’ strength — and reflect Jesus’ glory.  We can show Jesus to the world in such a real way that others can tell the difference Jesus has made in our lives. 

 

            The question is – has Jesus changed us?

            The question is – has Jesus changed you?

 

            Can others look at you — the way you live — the things you do — the way you serve others — and tell that Jesus has made a difference in your life?

            Can others look at you — the way you live — the things you do — the way you serve others — and tell that you have been changed by Jesus?

 

            Do you let Jesus touch your life in a powerful way?

            Do you let Jesus change your life – in a way others can easily see — experience — and notice as you relate to them?

 

            We are chosen to be changed.

We are chosen to be changed. 

 

            This is pretty strong stuff — isn’t it?

 

            Maybe you’ve just tuned me out by now because you know you’ll never be able to live in such a way that people can easily and readily see Christ in you. 

            Maybe you don’t think you can ever be changed in this dramatic way.

            Maybe you don’t want to be changed in this dramatic way.

 

But here’s the truth – we are chosen – to be changed.

You are chosen – to be changed.

 

            Maybe — just maybe — some of you are intrigued by this concept of letting Christ change your life – make a difference in your life that others can readily see — a change that is so powerful that others can readily see Christ in you. 

 

            You may be intrigued by this idea – but you may be wondering

            How?

 

            Well — that’s a good question.

            How?

 

            How can we be changed by Christ in such a dramatic way? 

            How can you be changed by Christ is such a dramatic way?

 

            How can we reflect Jesus to the world in such a way that they can see the change Jesus has made in our lives — and even begin to see the change Jesus can make in their lives?

 

            The only way we can do it is if each of us — like Moses and Jesus – take time to experience the glory of God and let Him strengthen us for ministry in the world. 

            The only way you can do it is for you — like Moses and Jesus – to take time to experience the glory of God and let Him strengthen you for ministry in the world. 

            There are no shortcuts — no other way around it — you  must experience the glory of God for yourself — as did Moses on Sinai and Jesus on the Mount Transfiguration — so that you can reflect the glory of God to the world. You must let God change your life — so that others can tell the change God has made in your life. 

 

            Friends — God can change your life.

            God can change your life in a profound way.

            God can change your life in a way that others can see the change – and see that God can change their lives, also.

 

            We are chosen to be changed.

            You are chosen to be changed. 

           

We can be changed.

            You can be changed.

 

            God can change us.

            God can change you.

              

            I know this beyond the shadow of a doubt. I know God can change us – I know God can change you – because I’ve experienced God’s change in my life time and time again – and I’ve seen God change others – time and time again.

 

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to walk in the light of Christ

Part of what that means is that we are chosen for ministry

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be the best

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to worship

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be triumphant 

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be obedient

Part of what that means is that we are chosen to be different – and make a difference – in the world for Christ.

And part of what that means is that we are chosen to be changed.

 

One way God can change your life is through prayer — spending time with God every day — experiencing God’s glory every day — and knowing God is with you in a powerful way. 

            If you want God to touch you and change you, you are going to have to develop an active prayer life where you spend time — daily — in prayer with God.

            If God is going to change your life  in a profound way – a way that strengthens you to “be Jesus” to the world – it’s going to have to start with prayer.

 

            We are chosen to be changed.

 

Another way God can change your life is through your studying His s word – spending time every day letting God speak to you in His word – and striving to live by His word.

If you want God to touch you and change you, you are going to have to develop the habit of daily spending time in God’s word. .

            If God is going to change your life in a profound way – a way that strengthens you to “be Jesus” to the world – you’re going to have to spend time every day in His word.

 

            We are chosen to be changed.

 

            Worship is another time and place where God can profoundly change your life.

            Worship is a powerful — beautiful experience as you gather with fellow Christians — give praise to God – and open yourself up to God.

            If God is going to change your life in a profound way – a way that strengthens you to “be Jesus” to the world – you’re going to have to spend time with other Christians worshipping God.

 

            We are chosen to be changed.

 

            Fellowship with other Christians is another way God can profoundly change your life. The more you fellowship with other Christians the more you experience Christ in them — and share Christ that is in you with them.

            If God is going to change your life in a profound way – a way that strengthens you to “be Jesus” to the world – you’re going to have to spend time in fellowship with other Christians.

             

            We are chosen to be changed.

 

            Spend time with God.

            Spend time – daily — in prayer.

            Spend time – daily — in God’s word.

            Spend time in worship.

            Spend time in fellowship with other Christians.

           

These are some of the ways God uses to bless and strengthen you.  These are some of the things God uses to change you.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

           

            Spend time with God.

            Spend time in prayer.

            Spend time in God’s word. 

            It is the moments you spend in prayer and study of scripture that shape your life and fill you with God’s glory — a glory that can change you – just as it changed Moses.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

 

            Spend time in worship.

            It is in worship that we praise God for all He has done for us — and this is where you can meet God in new ways and experience God’s glory in life changing ways.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

 

            Spend time in fellowship.

            It is in times of fellowship that you experience God in a new way — a life changing way — by sharing His love with others and letting others share His love with you.

 

We are chosen to be changed.

We are chosen to be changed.

 

            The Season of Lent begins Wednesday.  This will be an excellent time for you to recommit yourself to the things that can open you up to God — so God can touch you and change your life.

 

We are all going to have an opportunity to spend some special time with God every day – and come together every week to share it as we have the study of the book The Purpose Driven Life.  

 

Let this season of Lent be a time of recommitment for you.

Let this season of Lent be a time of change for you. 

 

As we conclude this series of sermons on who we are and what we are to be doing, let’s look again at the questions that have been before us:  

 

Who are we – as Christians?

What are we to be doing – as Christians?

 

Who are we – as a Church?

What are we to be doing – as a Church?

 

We have seen that Peter writes:

 

you are a chosen people,  a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,  that you may declare the praises of Him  who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light

 

            So who are we?

We are God’s chosen people.

What are we to be doing?

We are chosen to show the world the glories of Christ.

 

What does this mean?

 

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen to walk in the light of Christ

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen for ministry

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen to be the best

We’ve seen that it means that we are to worship

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen to be triumphant 

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen to be obedient

We’ve seen that it means that we are chosen to be different – and make a difference – in the world for Christ

And we’ve seen that it means that that we are chosen to be changed 

 

Walking in the light of Christ

Doing ministry.

Using the gifts God has given us to the best of our ability

Worshipping God.

Being triumphant

Being obedient to God

Letting God make a difference in our lives – and making a difference for God in the world.

Letting God change us for His glory

 

These are some of the things that being God’s people – chosen to show Christ to the world – means.

 

Let’s do it!

Let’s walk in the light of Christ

Let’s do ministry.

Let’s use the gifts God has given us to the best of our ability

Let’s worshipping God.

Let’s be triumphant

Let’s be obedient to God

Let’s let God make a difference in our lives – and make a difference for God in the world.

Let’s let God change us for His glory

 

Let’s be the glorious people of God – chosen to show the world the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

 

 

Amen