Sermon at the Haynes Street church of Christ on August 31, 2014. Topic: "Spiritual Alchemy" Preacher: James Caldwell

1. Spiritual Alchemy
Definitions from Mirriam Webster's online dictionary:
1. a science used in the Middle Ages with the goal of
changing ordinary metals into gold
2. a power or process of transforming something
common into something useful
3. an inexplicable or mysterious transmuting

2. How are we transformed from something
common to something useful?
 Obeying the gospel
Romans 6:4-7 The old man of sin is put to death
We are raised to walk in newness of life
Galations 3:26-29 We are all made one flesh in Christ
 By renewing our minds & our spirit
Romans 12:1 & 2 We sacrifice ourselves & are
transformed by renewing our minds
 Titus 3:4-7 The power of the Holy Spirit

3.  We allow God to mold us
Isaiah 64:8 God is the potter we are the clay
Isaiah 45:9 & 10 Warnings against resisting
 How are we different than inanimate objects?
Genesis 1:26 We are made in the image of God
Matthew 7:13 & 14 Two paths to follow
 We don't always choose correctly
Deut. 32:4 & 5 Contrast between Israel & God
Isaiah 55:9 God's ways are higher than man's

4. God's Methods
 Hebrews 1:1 & 2 God used various methods in the
past
 Old Testament examples: God spoke directly
 Patriarchs:
Genesis 3: God spoke directly to Adam & Eve
Genesis 6: God instructed Noah to build the ark
Genesis 28: God instructed Jacob in a dream

5.  Mosaic Age
Exodus - Deuteronomy: God calls Moses to lead
Israel, Priesthood to lead people spiritually
Joshua: God calls Joshua to conquer Canaan
The prophets: Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, & Jeremiah
God speaks to them directly to deliver messages to His
people to call them back to Him

6.  Christian age
The Gospels: Jesus used miracles to prove that he was
the Son of God
Acts 1: The Comforter or the Holy Spirit continued to
help the apostles show God's power
Revelation 17:8 The devil was also allowed to walk
the earth and use deception before men
Matthew 8:28-33 Demon possession ~ men acting
against their own will
Acts 19:13-17 The fate of those who tried to use the
power of Jesus without authority

7.  The role of the Holy Spirit has changed
I Corinthians 13:8-10 “gifts of the spirit” will cease
when that which is perfect has come
II Timothy 3:16 & 17 the scriptures make us
completely equipped
Galatians 1:6-12 There is only one Gospel, delivered
by the Son of God

8. Increasing our Spiritual Worth
 How can we increase our usefulness in God's
kingdom?
I Peter 2:2 The desire & ability to grow
Hebrews 5:12-14 Danger of stagnation
Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing: new converts
& experienced Christians
Luke 22:31 & 32 Satan wants to test us
I Corinthians 10:12 & 13 Self evaluation
II Timothy 2:19 & 20 Knowing our roles

9. The Plan of Salvation
 Hear God's Word Romans 10:14
 Believe God's Word Romans 10:17
 Repent Luke 13:3, 5
 Confess Jesus is the Christ Romans 10:10
 Be Baptized Acts 2:38, Matt. 28:18 &19
 Live faithfully Increase our value unto the Lord
Revelation 2:10b Revelation 3:15 & 16

10. The Plan of Salvation
 Hear God's Word Romans 10:14
 Believe God's Word Romans 10:17
 Repent Luke 13:3, 5
 Confess Jesus is the Christ Romans 10:10
 Be Baptized Acts 2:38, Matt. 28:18 &19
 Live faithfully Increase our value unto the Lord
Revelation 2:10b Revelation 3:15 & 16