BELIEVE BELONG BECOME BUILD

Sermon Notes

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Mike encourages us to embrace change and overcome resistance as a new year approaches. He emphasizes that true and lasting transformation comes not from sheer willpower but from pursuing godliness, having a close relationship with God, and implementing practical systems. The talks contrast the "old ways" of comfort, conformity, and time-wasting with the "new ways" of a renewed mind and a purpose-driven life in Christ. The church's mission (MCBC: Meet Jesus, Connect, Become, Commit) is presented as a framework for growth. Mike acknowledges that change is a difficult and messy process involving resistance from the world, the flesh, and the devil, but assures listeners that with God's power and consistent, planned effort, they can overcome these struggles and achieve their goals. A time management matrix is introduced as a key tool to help individuals focus on important, non-urgent tasks (preparation and planning) to proactively build a better life.

Opening Call: A Call to More

The pastor opens by calling the congregation to “more” — beyond habitual sin, hurts, and unhealthy patterns.
Recognizes the common resignation (“this is just who I am”), and insists genuine change is possible through God’s power, not mere willpower.
Cultural note: New Year resolutions (diet, exercise) are often superficial without being anchored in God.
Personal anecdote: A humorous “Sunday cheat day” shows how indulgence and inconsistent habits shape the week; the point is that consistency matters and strategies must fit the person.
Observation: Comfort and routine can mask destructive choices; change is difficult but necessary.

Theology of Change: Who God Is and What He Wants

God’s character is unchanging; He is for His people—“the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
God calls believers to godliness, not mere self-improvement; transformation is the work of the Spirit and the Word reshaping the mind and heart.

Scripture: Examination, Identity, and Renewal

Highlight: Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God, and know my heart… see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
- Context: David invites God’s searching light to expose and direct his heart.
- Application: Begin the new year in humility, asking God to reveal and correct hidden patterns; stop hiding behind personality excuses.
Highlight: Jeremiah 29:11 — “I know the thoughts that I think toward you….”
- Context: God’s promise to exiles in Babylon, assuring His sovereign plans for their future.
- Application: Trust God’s heart for your growth and good; align ambitions with His purposes rather than self-help goals.
Highlight: 1 Timothy 4:8 — “Bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable unto all things….”
- Context: Paul instructs Timothy to prioritize spiritual training over physical training.
- Application: Exercise and diet have some benefit, but prioritize godliness—it benefits all areas of life now and eternally.
Highlight: 2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
- Context: New creation realities in Christ through reconciliation.
- Application: The Christian life is a continual process of the old passing away and the new emerging; actively participate with the Spirit.
Highlight: Romans 12:1–2 — “Present your bodies a living sacrifice… be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- Context: Paul’s call to worshipful living and mental renewal.
- Application: Change requires sacrifice; habits are often bodily, but true transformation flows from renewing the mind with God’s truth.
Highlight: Ephesians 4 / Colossians (general emphasis) — Put off the old man, put on the new.
- Application: Deliberately shed old patterns and adopt new Christlike ones in daily life.
Highlight: Colossians 3:1–2 — “Seek those things which are above… set your affection on things above.”
- Application: Aim desires and emotions at Christ and His Kingdom to avoid deflated, worldly living.
Highlight: Isaiah 43:19 — “Remember not the former things… behold, I will do a new thing.”
- Context: God’s promise of a new work for Israel.
- Application: Stop replaying the past; focus on God’s new work in you.
Highlight: Hebrews 9:16 — The testament is enacted by the death of the testator.
- Context: The New Covenant inaugurated by Christ’s death.
- Application: Our pattern mirrors Christ—death to old ways, resurrection into new life; real change follows this death-to-life pathway.
Highlight: 1 Thessalonians 2:18 — “Satan hindered us.”
- Context: Paul’s ministry opposition.
- Application: Expect spiritual resistance when pursuing change.
Highlight: Luke 22 (Peter sifted) — Satan desires to sift believers.
- Application: Trials refine faith; stand firm in Christ.
Highlight: Mark 4 (Parable of the Sower) — The enemy steals the seed.
- Application: Guard the Word in your heart; nurture it to bear fruit.
Highlight: James 4:7 — “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
- Application: Resistance is decisive; victory is Christ’s strength in you.
Highlight: 1 Peter 5:8–9 — “Be sober… resist him, firm in the faith.”
- Application: Stay vigilant; resist the enemy steadfastly.

MCBC Mission: Meet, Connect, Become, Commit

M — Meet Jesus
- Evangelism is essential; no one reaches Heaven without Jesus.
C — Connect with the Church
- Christians cannot thrive in isolation; belonging to a local body is vital for growth and accountability.
B — Become a Disciple
- Discipleship is prioritized through lessons and relationships; follow those further along.
C — Commit to Ministry
- Serving solidifies growth and channels purpose outward.