KEYS TO COMMUNICATING CHANGE AS SHOWN BY CHRIST
A. Jesus prayed and relied on the Holy Spirit for every change. Lk.5:15,16
B. Jesus said, ``I have come not to do my own will, but the will of Him who has sent me.’’ Jn.6:38
C. Jesus told the Pharisees, ``You error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God.’’ Mt.22:29
D. Jesus said ``You put new wine in new wineskins.’’ Mt.9:17 Jesus emphasized that change must be both internal and external (Both in form and in function)
E. Jesus involved people in change by giving them responsibilities in the ministry. Lk. 10:1-23
F. Jesus built relationships with people and challenged them to change on the basis of their love for Him. Jn.21:15-17.
G. Jesus emphasized the balance of the letter of the law and the Spirit of the law in His changes. Mk. 2:25
H. Jesus gave people hope, encouragement, inspiration, and love. Mt. 11:28-30.
I. Jesus taught others to avoid hypocritical changes and criticism by saying, ``Before you take the speck out of your brothers eye, first remove the log from your own eye.’’ Mt. 7:1-5
J. Jesus used POSITIVE authority in producing change. Mt. 7:29
K. Jesus realized that His job was not to change everything in society, politics, and education, but to accomplished a particular purpose. Jn.17:4
L. Jesus emphasized obedience in producing innovations. Jn.14:21
M. Jesus emphasized right behavior in change. Lk.6:47-49
N. Jesus believed in getting people committed to Him and His will before getting them to change outwardly. Jn.12:24-26.
O. Jesus watched the timing of His changes. ``Woman my time is not yet at hand. Jn.2:4
P. Jesus asked others to pray for Him and consulted them allowing them to be involved in the change process. Mt. 26:40
Q. Jesus realized that most changes would take time. If at first He did not see change He would try again. Jn.21:15-20.
R. Jesus would sometimes delay change in order to secure acceptance. Jn.14:26.
S. Jesus declared Himself to be the key to all effective changes. Jn.14:6 and Col. 2:3
T. Jesus knew that if His changes were to continue and progress, the key would be through His disciples. Jn.17:6-21.
U. Jesus is the key change agent through the person of the Holy Spirit, ``I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.’’ Mt. 16:18
