The Four Movements of Transformation in Christ

A teaching by Chris Berglund with notes by Leah Ramirez

If you’re looking for a church in Colorado Springs where the message centers on union with Christ, transformation, and the finished work of Jesus, this week’s teaching at The Gathering offers a powerful invitation.

Watch the full message here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/lnzkqlN5tQQ?si=GwjuUN08Po1SM4n1

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A Movement, Not a Moment

There are seasons where God invites us into something deeper—not by striving, but by surrender.

This past Sunday, Chris Berglund shared a message that traced a progression seen in Scripture, dreams, and the life of Christ:

Stone → River → Star → Throne

This is not a formula.
It is a movement of transformation—a journey from self to union, from resistance to rest.

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The Renewal of the Mind: Where It Begins

Chris began with something both practical and profound: our thoughts matter.

He referenced the idea of neuroplasticity—how repeated thoughts form pathways in the brain. Over time:

• Thoughts become patterns
• Patterns become responses
• Responses shape who we are

What Scripture has always said, science is now catching up to.

When we live in:

• criticism
• judgment
• suspicion

we form inner pathways that resist the flow of love.

But when we begin to think in alignment with Christ—seeing people as He sees them—we create space for the river of life to flow freely within us.

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The River: A Picture of Surrender

Chris shared a dream of people standing in a river—some ankle-deep, some waist-deep, and some fully submerged.

No matter how far they went, many kept returning to where they started.

Why?

Because they were still in control.

This mirrors the vision in Ezekiel 47:

• Ankle-deep → minimal surrender
• Knee-deep → partial yielding
• Waist-deep → growing fruitfulness
• Fully immersed → carried by the Spirit

The invitation is not just to step into the river—but to lose control within it.

“If you don’t lose your life, you cannot be my disciple.”

This is not a harsh command.
It is a loving invitation.

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The Stone: Christ as the Foundation

The first movement is the stone.

In the book of Daniel, a stone not cut by human hands crushes the kingdoms of the world and fills the earth.

This stone is Christ.

But more than that—it is Christ in us.

• The rock Moses hid in
• The stone Jacob laid his head upon
• The foundation upon which the Church is built

Transformation begins when we are placed into Christ, when our identity is no longer formed by self-effort, but by union.

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The Star: The Measure of Glory

From the river, we move into the star.

Scripture says:

• “Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars”
• “Stars differ in glory”

This speaks of varying degrees of surrender and expression.

• The moon reflects light
• The stars radiate light
• The sun embodies light

As Christ rises within us—what Scripture calls the morning star—our lives begin to shine with His presence.

Not as imitation.
But as participation.

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The Throne: The Place of Rest

The final movement is the throne.

Not a distant place in heaven—but the reality of Christ fully seated in us.

When Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up,” the temple was filled with His glory.

Now, we are that temple.

The throne is:

• a heart fully yielded
• a life without resistance
• a person resting in union with God

This is where transformation completes its cycle:

Not striving to become like Christ
But allowing Christ to live fully within us

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A Holy Interruption: The Power of Love

During the message, Susan stood and shared something that brought the room into clarity.

The invitation is not just theological—it is deeply practical.

It shows up in how we:

• see people
• speak to people
• respond to people

She shared a personal moment of hesitation toward a homeless man—and recognized:

“That was my thought life hindering the river.”

Transformation is not abstract.

It is revealed in love.

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The Invitation: John 17 Fulfilled

At the center of this message is the prayer of Jesus:

John 17
“That the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

This is the goal.

Not behavior modification.
Not religious performance.

But participation in the love of the Trinity.

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Who Is the Bride?

Susan pointed us to Song of Songs:

• “Fair as the moon”
• “Clear as the sun”
• “Awesome as an army with banners”

This is the Bride fully transformed.

And in one of the most striking lines in Scripture:

“Turn your eyes from me, for they have overcome me.”

A people so filled with Christ
that even heaven marvels at the expression.

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What This Means for Us

This message is not about trying harder.

It is about saying yes.

Yes to:

• renewed thinking
• surrendered living
• union with Christ
• the river of life within

It is about becoming a people who:

• live from rest
• love without resistance
• carry His presence into the world

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Join Us in Colorado Springs

If you’re searching for a church in Colorado Springs rooted in the Gospel, grounded in Scripture, and centered on union with Christ—we would love to have you with us.

The Gathering
Sundays at 10:00 AM
720 Elkton Dr, Colorado Springs

Learn more: https://the-gathering.us

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Go Deeper with Company 318

This message is part of a larger movement—people across the nation saying yes to a life of prayer, union, and covenant friendship.

Join us on Substack:
https://company318.substack.com

• Weekly teachings
• Monthly mentoring calls
• A growing national community

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A Final Word

There is a holy invitation before us.

Not to become something new
but to awaken to what has already been given in Christ.

From stone
to river
to star
to throne

The journey is not upward.
It is inward.

And it begins with a simple yes.