[Season 1] Episode 5: Changing
The desire to change is not unique to the Christian. But some of us struggle to see true gospel transformation in our lives. What are those barriers that keep us from changing and what’s truly good about the gospel of Jesus Christ to affect change in our lives? Listen as guest Sarah Laguna and Kelly Pong-Der talk about how individual change happens and the role of the local church community in that process.
GUESTS
Sarah Laguna is a natural born rebel saved by grace, journeying to love and follow Jesus. Born to Korean immigrants and raised in Chicagoland, she considers San Francisco home for the last 7 years and loves any excuse to visit the ocean. Change is a constant in her current life stage as a pastor’s wife, mother of 3 and HR tech professional trying to disciple bi-cultural kids in an increasingly challenging climate. When she’s not dragging her family on hikes, or watching cooking videos, she’s searching for the best fried chicken sandwich, street tacos and Korean soups.
Kelly Pong-Der is a 4th generation SF native with roots in Southern China, Japan, and Hawaii. She considers herself a soft-spoken extrovert who loves to listen and help others to reflect deeply to find meaning, purpose, and value at one’s core and gets to utilize her passions at work as a Marriage & Family Therapist. During the pandemic she has picked up new hobbies such as growing to like sourdough bread that her husband makes and eating lots of it, making homemade jams to go with said bread, and baking with her daughter. Her comfort food is a bowl of noodle soup.
INTERVIEW: SARAH LAGUNA
[01:36-09:22] External circumstances helping to expose the need for inner change
[10:34-14:00] Lessons and realizations through change
[15:26-16:46] Hardship as an agent of change
[18:14-21:28] Thoughts on what keeps us from changing
[24:16-31:27] How believers in community can identify the need for change in each other
INTERVIEW: KELLY PONG-DER
[32:54-34:56] How people realize they need to change
[35:22-37:30] Where to start when realizing change needs to happen and how to know when to seek professional help
[37:49-41:09] How Christians can help each other towards change by lovingly and gently addressing each other
[42:16-44:05] Unique aspects of Christian’s ability to change
SCRIPTURE
APPLICATION
Examining our desire to change with the truth of the gospel
Understanding and giving proper recognition to the work of the Holy Spirit as unique in the life of the Christian
Attempting change within Christian community
Documenting triggers to unwanted behavior and examining core beliefs in light of the gospel
OTHER RESOURCES
“Mortification Through Joy” by Timothy Keller (sermon)
“How the Gospel Changes Us” by Tim Keller (sermon)
“Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” by Paul Tripp