Amen. Thank you for tuning us in. I'm Daryl Bailey. Service for Christ, for we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the Lord, and ourselves, your servants for Jesus' sake. Thank you. As we look at a message that the Lord laid on my heart, as I was praying a prayer for some of my loved ones this past week, the Lord began to give me this message upon my heart. Also, I want to make an announcement that as you look at Our date right in here, I definitely was looking at the calendar on the wrong date and had been putting some of the wrong dates on my Hebrew calendars. Just want to make that known. Hey, even I make mistakes, especially when I was looking at October for September. And so my apologies on some of my calendars if you'll read it because we haven't got to Rosh Hashanah yet. But I was looking at October instead of September. And I thought, hey, you know what? When I when I do that, I can really mess up. So forgive me for that mistake. I've got my calendar back where the 19th of the 5784 until we get on into officially October. Amen. I take your Bibles with us over to second Corinthians and Romans chapter two. These two different areas will have the scripture that will be up in front of us here. But every one of us, as we get ready to go into the Word of God, I want to talk to you about a journey into his image. You know, as a young woman named Sarah found herself in a very difficult season of life, she was struggling with anxiety and feelings of inadequacy, and she stumbled upon an old family mirror in the attic. As she cleaned it, she saw her reflection clearly for the very first time in years. And instead of focusing on her flaws, she began to see the potential and the beauty that had always been there. This moment ignited a journey of transformation. And as she learned to embrace who she was meant to be, Just like Sarah, we too can be transformed by beholding the glory of the Lord. And so, you know, when we look at all the journeys that the Lord has been on, the Bible doesn't provide an exact mileage for Jesus's journeys. But scholars have estimated on some of the locations in the Gospels of rough breakdown of the tribals from birth to death, from Bethlehem to Egypt and Nazareth in the early years. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and then his family fled to Egypt, likely to avoid King Herod, later returning to Nazareth. And so in that time frame, in this area, as we look from Bethlehem, when it starts from the early years from number one, going all the way to 65 of all the scriptures, that if you was to look at this and burn it out, you will see the estimated distances of the journey of Jesus. Bethlehem to Egypt, 300 miles round trip. Egypt to Nazareth, 400 miles. Ministry around Galilee, three years of public ministry. Jesus spent most of his ministry in around the region of Galilee, particularly traveling between cities like Capernaum, Nazareth, and other nearby towns, such as Bethsaida, Chorazin, and Canaan. Estimated distance, he likely traveled several thousand miles on foot during the years as he repetitively visited different towns. Conservative estimates, suggest around 3,000 miles during his ministry. Journeys to Jerusalem. Jesus made several trips to Jerusalem for the festivities during the Passover. The journey from Nazareth, his home base, to Jerusalem is about 80, 90 miles each way. He likely made this trip at least once a year. So for three years of his ministry, 480 to 540 miles. in his final journey to Jerusalem of the Paschal week of Easter and his hanging on the cross of Calvary. His final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem for Passover, where he was crucified, the distance was about 80-90 miles. Total estimate adding up, these distances include smaller trips within the Galilee region, and major journeys from Nazareth to Jerusalem and back. A total could range from 3,000 to 3,500 miles or more throughout his lifetime. And so this is just an estimate. I wonder as we look at our lives today and we know that all of us, as we travel, I remember I used to commute to, all the way to Atlanta for many years when I got out of the military. And so each one of us have a lot of journeys each week that we go through. And so, but we're talking about a journey into his image. And we take this from Romans chapter 12, verse two and second Corinthians chapter three, verse 18. When we look, the Word of God says, and be not conformed to this world, but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. In 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18, the Bible says, But we all with open face beholden as in the glass of the glory of the Lord are changed in the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. So we see the word transformed and we see the word changed. And when we look at this, it's a figurative sense, meaning transform or change both. Because when we look at these, we're reminded of how we all are on a journey to go into the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, each and every day. And so let's open up with a time of prayer. Heavenly Father, we gather to look up to you and ask you to intervene on behalf of those that the death angel has come into their homes this past week. I want to praise your name for those 25 that were saved, Lord, just this past Sunday. Lord, you are an awesome God. You are so good. You're better to us than we are our own selves. Lord, for those chaplains, Lord, for the many that had come together for the work of the Lord and to be able to hear and know of this great news of souls being transformed into the image of Christ and being baptized into the family of God for eternal life. I pray God that where that ministry is transpiring all across this world and Lord, where the great commission is being fulfilled. I pray for our own church and our pastor at Bethel Crossroads and for all of our deacons and our leaders. Lord, I pray for our church at People's Valley as well and their pastor, Michael, and for all of our pastors across this country, that you'll watch over them and keep them safe. And Lord, help us as we get closer on into another election of leadership in the White House. And Lord, I pray that you'll continue to send a revival out through these men and women of God to bring them all into the family of God before it's too late. In Jesus's marvelous mighty name. Amen. I'm glad as we look at the journey into his image, we're all reminded Amen, that in this journey, as we look into the mirror of that journey, that our images as we journey through life, whether we young, whether we old, that that image will begin to transform into him. One of the first things that we see as we was praying this prayer, this scripture begin to turn into this message. And as I was going to my second job today to Calhoun, this began to be upon my heart. One of the first things that I saw was the invitation to behold his glory because the word of God, when we approach with an unveiled face, Paul said, but we all with open face beholden as in a glass, the glory of the Lord. We are all invited to approach God without barriers, allowing his glory to fill our lives. Not only do we approach with an unveiled face, but also with the importance of intimacy. Because James 4.8 says, draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. You know, genuine relationship requires openness and vulnerability. And so I'm glad the Lord is infinitely more glorious than men see him to be. And while he prayed his face, it shined as the sun and raiment white as the light because there was a double glory that was shown out of heaven from the father that was shown out of himself as the image of the father. And the carnal eyes today cannot look and see the beauty in him. And the hidden glory of Christ, the glory of the Christian will both in one day yet be manifested because The same, the Lord, the spirit who has transfigured all of our souls will also transfigure our bodies in the coming days. And so we see through the invitation to behold his glory that we approach with an unveiled face and the importance of that intimacy. But also, Paul said in first Corinthians chapter 13, verse 12, for now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. You see, our understanding of his glory deepens as we seek him. John Elkridge, the author, Christian author, wrote one time, we become what we behold. We shape our lives around what we give our attention to. And so the new covenant brings liberty through Jesus Christ. But the Lord is identified as the Spirit, and the Lord is that Spirit. It does not mean that the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the same person. They're two different persons, but they're one in the Godhead and deity. Jesus Christ is one with the Spirit in the same way He's one with God the Father. One in mind, spirit, being, nature, and essence. And therefore, they're one in will, purpose, and work. And I'm glad John chapter 16, the Bible says, he shall glorify me for he shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you all things that the father hath are mine. Therefore said I that he shall take of mine and shall show it unto you. And so we see that the father, Christ and the Holy Spirit are all involved in showing and revealing salvation to man. This is what is meant by the saying, the Lord is that spirit. because I'm glad that the last thing that I read in 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18, even as by the spirit of the Lord. And so the Lord himself was actually the one who secured salvation and liberty for mankind. But it is the spirit who is actively involved in revealing the truth of salvation and liberty to mankind. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there's liberty. In Christ, there's liberty and freedom. Where that Spirit of the Lord is, there is that freedom, there is that liberty. Christ frees the believer from the dominion of sin. I'm glad Paul said, for sin shall not have dominion over you, for you're not under the law but under grace. And so, I'm glad Christ frees the believer from the law. And so, I'm glad that when we look and we realize that the invitation to behold his glory. Christ frees the believer from the bondage of fear. He frees the believer from the power of Satan, which is the fear of death. And so Christ frees the believer from the bondage of corruption as well. And so as we look at that invitation to behold his glory, approaching with an unveiled face, the importance of that intimacy and the reflective experience, amen, that we begin to see. In beholding Christ, believers are transformed into his image. And I'm glad the phrase we all because I'm glad it starts out it says but we all in 2 Corinthians 3 18 but we all with open face beholden as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory I'm glad that it means believers, those who have turned to Christ, who have had the veil removed from their face, who stand face to face with the glory of the Lord. When a believer receives Jesus Christ as a savior, he's given the privilege to stand face to face with Christ, simply meaning that he's given the privilege to know and understand Christ. And so that open face, praise God. I'm glad. He said, but we all with open face beholden as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, that open face. Praise God. It means that the believer is given the privilege of standing face to face with Christ, the privilege of knowing Christ personally, learning all about him. And there is no veil over the face or eyes of a believer, nothing to keep them from knowing the Lord. And so the object of the believer is to behold the glory of the Lord. meaning the Godhead, the deity, and the splendor and the brilliance, the excellence of his person and being. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who became man, and his glory refers to the glorious fact that he's the Son of God, that he did become man. But when a person understands the glory of the Lord, the incomprehensible fact that the Lord paid the supreme and the ultimate price, the unbelievable price for the salvation of man, then the believer can never grasp that full glory of the Lord because no man who is only finite in flesh could ever understand the glory of the Lord who is infinite spirit. The believer only sees and understands the glory of the Lord as in a glass or as a mirror and that is he only sees the reflection of the Lord not the full image. And so presently the believer is able to see the Lord only through the word and through the Holy Spirit. And in the future, we shall see him face to face throughout all eternity. And so that's why the many that are not in the house of God are missing out on the greatest blessing to be able to see the Lord through the word and through the Holy Spirit. And so the believers changed and transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory. But it means two things when the believer beholds and grasps and understands and studies and lays hold of the glory of the Lord. That same glory is created in him. When that believer beholds the glory of the Lord, the believer progresses and grows from one stage of glory to a higher stage. And so in this, we see the invitation to behold his glory. But secondly, the process of that transformation being changed by his presence. Because what did we read? are changed into the same image from glory to glory in 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18. As we encounter the Lord, we begin to reflect His character and attributes. And so we're being changed by His presence. and the role of the Holy Spirit because even as by the Spirit of the Lord we read in 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18, you see the Spirit empowers us to change and to grow and it shapes us from the inside out. You know, one of the greatest inventions of all time was soft-serve ice cream. Traditionally, ice cream could be hard and required significant effort to scoop out with a heavy ice cream scooper. However, someone discovered a way to make soft serve ice cream readily available with minimum effort, revolutionizing the treat. There's a simple homemade method to achieve soft serve ice cream by taking a carton out of the freezer and placing it on the kitchen counter. And the ice cream can soften. After a while, the change becomes evident as the ice cream transform into a creamy texture. And by situating in the right environment, the desired transformation occurs. In a simpler way, the reason why some Christians may feel cold, callous, and unloving is that they aren't spending time in the right atmosphere. Just as ice cream needs the right conditions to become soft and delightful, hearts can be transformed to in an environment that is filled with God's presence. God's willing to work within those who allow him, fostering change in the hearts and the minds when they're surrounded by his love. And so I'm glad in Ezekiel, he said, I will give them one heart, a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within them. Paul said, but we all with open face beholden as in the glass, the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory. And so we're being changed by his presence. Amen. The process of transformation. and the role of the Holy Spirit in that process of transformation. But thirdly, there's a continuous journey, a journey into his image. Because 2 Peter 3.18 says, but grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You see, transformation is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. And so I'm being transformed as I started out when I was eight years old till till now when I'm 60 years old. You know, Charles Stanley, one of my favorite all time preachers, and I miss him, but he's in the presence of the Lord, said transformation is not a matter of trying harder. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us, unquote. And so we see the invitation to behold his glory. Amen. And in doing so, amen, we approach with an unveiled face. We see the importance of intimacy and a reflective experience. But then the process of that transformation is being changed by his presence. A role of the Holy Spirit that does that. A continuous journey in our life long until we lay this old fleshly nature body down. But then we see thirdly as well, reflecting his image to the world. And out of this, there's manifesting his glory. Because Matthew 5.16 says, let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works. You see, our transformation should lead others to see Christ in us. You know, a butterfly flutters from flower to flower, pausing here and there, much like believers who attend services after services. They move gracefully, but they often don't engage deeply. They appear colorful and well-dressed each Sunday, hoping from one church to another, or they hop around, or from conference to conference, just fluttering about. But some Christians resemble the botanist who meticulously studies the flowers. The botanist takes copies, notes, documents, every detail, and of each type of flower. And while knowledgeable and astute, they remain unchanged by their feelings a lot of times. Similarly, they're Bible college students. There's those that go to seminary who can quote scripture in Greek and Hebrew. They can dissect sentences and all the grammatical nuances and the diagram of every element of a passage and yet, Despite their extensive knowledge, they walk away untransformed, lacking the deeper impact of their studies. Then there's the bee. The bee interacts with a flower in a unique way, extracting nectar, participating in the process of life. It does more than just flutter around. It takes what it needs and leaves with a fullness that benefits the world around it. It gathers nectar, and it also pollinates ensuring that life continues to flourish. And so we see the butterfly, we see the bee. And though all of this, when we look, it raises the question, are individuals butterfly Christians merely from one service to another for a sense of fulfillment? Or are they a botanist Christian accumulating knowledge without transformation? Or are they a bee Christian the bumblebee Christian, ready to receive the truth of God's word and actively participate in his work. Every one of us, as we go through life, we begin to look and realize that this story serves as a reflection on all of Christian life, that it leads, invites everyone to consider how that they engage with their faith, encouraged to seek transformation through participation in God's work. And so Reflecting his image to the world is manifesting his glory, but also living as new creations. Because Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5.17, therefore, if any man be in Christ, he's a new creature. Our identity in him calls us to reflect his glory. And so we manifest his glory. We live as new creations. But also, lastly and closing, of reflecting his image to the world, we see the power of testimony. Because in Revelation chapter 12, verse 11, the Bible says we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. We share our journey of transformation that can lead others to Christ because that's the power of a testimony. I thank God for those young men that are young, 19 year old in the lineman program that are already on the right track of the journey into his image. Because as we share our journey of transformation, it can lead others to Christ. And I'm glad Rick Warren said our lives should be living letters that tell the story of God's grace. When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes natural changes. As a new life grows within her, the baby connected to the mother relies entirely on her for nourishment and support. The relationship allows the baby to grow effortless, drawing everything needed for development from the mother's body. As a result, the mother's shape changes, her taste buds adjust, her body prepares for the arrival of the child. All of these transformations occur organically. Nothing is forced. But similarly, when the spirit of God begins to work within a person, spiritual transformation unfolds naturally. Just as the changes in a pregnant woman's body reflect the new life that she carries, the internal work of the Holy Spirit eventually manifest is outward. And this process reminds everyone that true spiritual growth is not a result of cohesion, but of a deep abiding connection to God. As individuals nurture their relationship with our Lord and Savior, the changes within will inevitably become evident in their lives, reflecting His image to the world. And so, as I'm close we look how we can behold the glory of the Lord and allow that encounter to transform us into his image. Like Sabra's journey in the beginning, our openness to his presence invites change. And with every glimpse of glory, we're molded and shaped, moving from one degree of glory to another. And so, on a memorable vacation day in Niagara Falls, on a family began an adventure on the Canadian side, and after checking into a hotel, they looked out at the breathtaking view of the falls captured everybody's attention. Gazing out the window, there was a sense of wonder washed over the family as the sheer magnificence of the falls came into focus. The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, the family made their way to a nearby park. This time the experience was different. They were standing closer to the falls. They could see the water rushing over and the thunderous roar that echoed all around them. The cool mist from the cascading water that developed them. that invoked them and created an exhilarating and refreshing atmosphere. The most unforgettable moment arrived when the family decided to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist, a boat that ventures into the basin of the falls. As passengers boarded, the crew handed out bright blue ponchos, preparing everyone for the adventure ahead. Once the boat approached the falls, the sheer power of the water was overwhelming. Laughter filled the air as everyone got drenched. grasping at an incredible sight of water cascading down all around. In that moment of being fully engaged in the experience made the power of the falls come alive. And just as that experience at Niagara Falls varied with the proximity, so does the depth of relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It hinges on how close one chooses to draw to him. The view from the hotel window offered beauty, but it paled in comparison to the intimacy found standing by the falls or riding the maid of the mist. You see, the impact, the transformation in Christ are directly tied. to the level of closeness that you look for. And so I'm glad it's a reminder that the intimacy with God opens the door to transformation, inviting everyone to experience his glory in profound ways. I hope you set aside some intentional time each day for prayer and reflection on the scripture, inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal God's glory to you. And I hope and pray that you can acknowledge areas in your life that needs to be changed, that you need to pray for the Spirit's guidance and empowerment in those areas. Look for opportunities to serve and encourage others and share your testimony on how God has transformed you in the coming days. Amen. And so I hope and pray that as I close out on this journey into his image, that you will begin to see because how far of a journey does it take for you to find Jesus? Huh? Well, it isn't measured in physical distance, but it is in the distance of our hearts and our willingness to seek him. Here's what the Bible says about the journey to find in Jesus. We seek him with our whole heart. Jeremiah 29, 13, and you shall seek me and find me. And when you shall search for me with all of your heart. Finding Jesus is not about a long journey across miles. It's about a heartfelt pursuit. When we genuinely seek him, he promises to be found. Come as you are. Matthew chapter 11 verse 28. Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Jesus invites us to come to him, no matter our burdens or weariness, because the journey isn't one of perfection, but of surrender. We don't have to travel far. We come as we are, trusting him. And I'm glad Jesus is near to all who call on him. In Acts chapter 17 verse 27, the Bible says that you should seek the Lord if happily they might feel after him and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. Jesus is not distance. He's close. He's accessible to those who seek him. And our journey to him begins wherever we are, physically or spiritually. Faith, not distance. Romans chapter 10, verses nine and 10. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. You see, the journey to Jesus is made by faith, not steps, not miles. It's the movement of the heart towards belief and trust in him. You see, the cross bridges the gap. In the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verse 13, but now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Jesus already made the longest and the most significant journey leaving heaven. coming to earth and going to the cross to bridge the distance between us and God. And the real journey to find Jesus is a spiritual journey, one that begins by repenting of our sins, turning away from them, believing in Jesus as the Son of God and stepping out on faith and taking him at his word and the Savior who died for our sins and rose again, accepting his grace and salvation. The journey to find Jesus isn't about traveling far. It's about opening your heart, seeking him earnestly and stepping toward him in faith. He's waiting for you right now. The path is always just one prayer away. And so will you close out with me in prayer that we'll pray together. Lord, we thank you for the gift. of transformation through your glory. As we seek your presence, allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, through us, and for those who are lost, draw them near. Help us to be vessels of your love and grace. May we become more like the Lord with all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord. And Lord transformed in that same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord. I pray, Lord, we praise you and thank you that as I look to you and worship. You would pour your spirit into us in greater dimensions so that we can become more and more like you. Take us from glory to glory. As you have said in your word, may we continuously grow in your image, reflecting your glory to the world. In Jesus's marvelous mighty name. Amen. God bless you. Thank you.