Pastor’s Page
Pastor John Lawrence
January 2025
“Transformers”
As we welcome the new year, many of us are reflecting on changes we’d like to see in our lives. Whether it’s setting resolutions, breaking old habits, or pursuing fresh goals, the start of a new year reminds us of the desire for transformation. But what does transformation look like in the life of a Jesus follower?
The Bible teaches that transformation isn’t just about improving ourselves—it’s about being renewed by God’s power. Romans 12:2 encourages us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse highlights three key truths about spiritual transformation:
Transformation Begins with God
True change comes not from our own strength but from the Holy Spirit within us. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we accept Christ, we are no longer held back by our old ways. Instead, God gives us a new heart and a new purpose.
Transformation starts when we surrender our lives to God and invite Him to mold us into His image. This isn’t a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus.
Renewal Happens in the Mind
The world is always telling us who we should be and what we should value. But God calls us to think differently. Transformation begins when we allow His Word to shape our thoughts and priorities.
Spending time in prayer and Scripture equips us to discern God’s will and align our lives with His purposes. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. As we meditate on these things, our mindset actually shifts from worldly concerns to eternal truths.
Transformation Leads to Action
When God transforms us on the inside, it impacts the way we live. Our renewed minds lead to renewed actions—serving others, loving our neighbors, and living out our faith boldly. As James 2:26 says: “Faith without works is dead.”
This year, ask yourself “How can I reflect Christ’s transformation in my daily life?” Perhaps it’s by offering forgiveness to someone, stepping out in faith to serve in a new ministry, or showing kindness in difficult situations.
As we begin this new year, I encourage you to reflect on God’s transforming power in your life. Ask Him to reveal areas where you can grow and commit to walking in His ways. Remember, transformation is not about perfection—it’s about progress. And God is faithful to complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6).
My prayer for Mount Zwingli in 2025 is for a year of renewed minds, transformed hearts, and lives that glorify our Savior. Together, let’s embrace the power of transformation and step boldly into the plans God has for us.
In Christ,
Pastor John
-Jeremiah 33:3
September 2024
Everybody sing: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” I love the Fall season. In many ways, Fall is when we “reset” as society. It’s really much more of a “new year” than January as we begin many activities such as school and church with a “fresh start” this time of the year. The summer holidays are now past where we have enjoyed renewal and recreation of our BMS (body, mind, spirit). The word “recreation” reminds us that we are doing more than merely refreshing ourselves, we are truly recreating ourselves into better humans as we take the lessons learned from the past year and apply them to our lives. Just as physical exercise is good for our complete health (BMS), we cannot ignore the negative impact of a sedentary spiritual life on our physical and mental well being.
With that in mind, you are invited to experience our September sermon series based on the gospel of John chapters 1-4 entitled, “Creation in John’s Gospel”. Sermons include “Jesus Creator”, “Jesus Commander”, “New Creation”, and “Creating a New World”. I hope you will join us!
God bless,
Pastor John
February 2023
His name was Gandhi. His given surname was Mohandas, yet he became so well respected (even revered) that he was more commonly known as Mahatma, or “Great Soul”. How does that sort of thing happen? How does a person achieve such exalted status and widespread admiration? I believe it was in the way that he followed his dream. You see, Gandhi had a dream for his homeland of India…a dream to be freed from British rule, and for all people groups within its borders to live in tolerance with each other. In the end, historians agree that he single-handedly brought the British Empire to its knees and forged a new and independent India.
Was this done through great military force? No, it was quite the opposite. His dream of a free and tolerant country was finally realized in 1947 through his now famous events of nonviolence and passive resistance. He was saddened, however, by the fact that Britain had carved out a separate Muslim nation (Pakistan) which further enforced the separation of people groups; but Gandhi’s dream was mostly realized in his lifetime.
I want a legacy like Gandhi’s. When my life is done, I want to be known as one who made a huge difference in people’s lives, a man who showed love and respect to every person he met. I want people to be in heaven because of me. I want my life to remind them of that man who forsook riches and became homeless; that same man who was the greatest leader of all, because he was a servant to all. Most of all, I want people to see the genuine love affair I have with my Lord and then to want this amazing power and peace for themselves.
For your dream to live, you must die.
That’s a bold statement, so let me explain. The “you” of today is not the same “you” of ten years ago, or even ten days ago. We all change, and the way we change is by allowing ourselves to be shaped by the patterns in our lives. Some patterns (or habits) are intentionally created by us, and some are created by others; and we choose whether or not we will participate in these patterns, and for how long. Examples of these patterns are TV shows (e.g., Seinfeld on Thursday nights), bowling on Tuesdays, and church on Sundays. While it is true that we have power over them, it is also true that these habits can come to have power over us.
To have a “Gandhi-like” impact on our world, then, we need to be focused. This means we need to be focused on our dream, which also means we need to know our dream! What gave Gandhi a powerful focus was the power of his chosen habits and patterns. He needed a regular time of dreaming and meditating, so he chose to be completely silent on Mondays. To become undistracted by illness, he found a diet that was most agreeable with his body and chose to be confined within these dietary limits. To remain focused and avoid distractions, he chose to give up sex at the age of thirty-six. Good habits are hard to establish, but they soon are in harmony with the other parts of our lives.
What is your dream? Uncover it, for it is a gift from God. Once you have it, it is time to go to work changing the patterns of your life to be in alignment with your dream. God put that dream deep inside of you and you will never be completely in harmony with yourself until you make it happen. Reference: Philippians 3:12-14.