By Chris Berglund and Leah Ramirez

Watch the message

🎥 YouTube: The Eternal Purpose: From Works to Surrender | Chris Berglund

Why the Eternal Purpose Colorado Springs matters right now

Chris opened with three passages that frame our moment as a church family:

• 1 Corinthians 3:16 — You (plural) are God’s temple.
• John 14:20 — I am in the Father, you in Me, and I in you.
• Galatians 4:19 — …in anguish until Christ is formed in you.

All plural. God’s dwelling isn’t a building; we are His temple—together. This is the Eternal Purpose Colorado Springs needs: Christ formed in a people who carry His life as one.

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When first love fades, religion rushes in

From Revelation 2, Jesus commends Ephesus for hard work and discernment—then says, “I have this against you: you’ve left your first love.”
Chris warned: it’s possible to do all the right things yet miss the increase of Christ Himself. When first love leaks, activity replaces intimacy, and the lampstand (His manifest presence) dims.

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Isaiah 11 & seeing like Jesus

Isaiah 11 describes the Sevenfold Spirit resting on Jesus: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord. Jesus doesn’t judge by appearances—He looks to the heart (think Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalene).

Invitation: ask the Spirit to re-train your sight. In a city of hot takes and quick labels, we choose the Eternal Purpose Colorado Springs—seeing through Christ’s eyes.

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Words that agree with heaven (two-edged “mouth”)

Chris noted the “two-edged sword” image points to a two-edged mouth—what’s spoken in heaven, echoed on earth. Jesus’ warfare flowed through His voice. Our mouths align with our hearts; thanksgiving and declaration implement what the cross already won. Stop begging for what He’s given—declare it.

Practical: this week, replace “I’m worn out” with “His strength is working in me.” Replace “it’ll never change” with “grace, grace to this mountain.”

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Unity of the Spirit vs. unity of the faith

Ephesians shows a progression:

• Unity of the Spirit — we belong to Jesus (one family).
• Unity of the Faith — we mature into a corporate expression of one new man, Christ formed among us.

Chris’s point: many churches stop at family identity; Jesus longs for mature agreement where His life flows through a people with no rivalry, no pretense, no hiddenness.

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From works to surrender: covenant changed—morality didn’t

Old Covenant to New: morality doesn’t change, but how obedience works does. In Christ, obedience shifts from work to surrender—from self-effort to yielded love. First love becomes the engine of holiness. This is the Eternal Purpose Colorado Springs: a surrendered people carrying the presence of Jesus.

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The inward battles that change a city

Like David fought most battles inside the land, our key wars are within—tearing down internal strongholds so there’s no agreement with darkness. As Christ forms His life in us, authority over regions follows. Reform outside starts with renewal inside.

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A simple corporate “yes”

How do we return to first love? Chris’s call was simple: friendship with Jesus—daily beholding, communion, silence, Scripture, and shared life. Start small, grow your “yes,” and let Him form His life within you.

Ways to say yes this week:

• Watch the message and take notes →
• Join a Small Group (Session 1: Jan–Apr) →
• Come on Sunday (10 AM | 720 Elkton Dr) →

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Key Scriptures referenced

1 Cor. 3:16; John 14:20; Gal. 4:19; Isa. 6; Isa. 11; Rev. 2–3; Eph. 1–4; Zech. 4

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Reflection questions

1. Where have good works replaced first love?
2. What phrase will you stop saying, and what truth will you declare instead?
3. What’s one step this week toward unity of the faith (confession, reconciliation, serving)?
4. Where is Jesus retraining your sight to look beyond appearances?

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Visit & connect (Colorado Springs)

• Sundays at 10 AM — 720 Elkton Dr, Colorado Springs
• Sabbath Altars — contemplative worship & prayer (Sign up for info)https://form.jotform.com/The_Gathering_COS/lets-get-connected
• Small Groups (Session 1: Jan–Apr) — sign up to grow in community
• Company 318 — national prayer/communion family: company318.com