Transformation

A complete change, usually into something with an improved appearance or usefulness…. In theology, a change of heart in man, by which his disposition and temper are conformed to the divine image; a change from hostility to holiness and love.

But I Thought God Loves Us Just Like We Are?

The answer of course is Yes!

But He Loves Us Too Much To Leave Us Who We Are!

Christians are a “work in progress.” When people outside the Christian faith examine its major themes, they ought to consider the ongoing work of the Spirit of God, helping mature and perfect believers — in religious language, this means sanctifying believers. The power to accomplish this work is not the creative ingenuity or manpower that humans can summon — it is the Spirit of Christ himself.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. ~2Corinthians 3:18

When people call followers of Jesus “Christians,” it’s more than a name, it is also a description. We who try daily to follow him, also seek to live like him.

Scripture describes Christians as growing from babies into mature disciples. The grace of God has broken down barriers. We are drawn to him, and when we come to him, Christ cleanses our souls. God’s love given us through Jesus brings us rebirth and renewal.

Jesus provided the cleansing for our sin-filled life — and he made the pattern for our new life. He is the starting point in our transformation — our Alpha. And he is our goal — our Omega.

Note that he is the pattern; we are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” As God’s image takes shape in us, we will see God’s power as we confront & conquer sin. Our transformation begins. The Lord blesses our daily living as we make Spirit lead Bible grounded decisions. We become holier, wiser, and more loving as we seek to become more obedient and reach souls for Jesus.

People pay big money to have a new look. But sadly, few believers would ever consider a change-over. The apostle Paul, however, insists that every believer should have a lasting transformation — not by scalpel, injection, laser correction or liposuction, but through the transformational power of the Holy Spirit:

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. ~ Ephesians 4:22-24

Have you been transformed? Can the world see the love of Jesus in your life?

It’s NOT just a New Leaf ~ It’s A New Life!

Let God begin his work of transformation in you today!

Deb & I are asking God to empower us with His Spirit.

See You In Church……

Don’t forget that God specializes in the work of transformation. In fact, the Holy Spirit’s major job description is transformation.

Study Tool ….. The Work Of The Spirit…

Guidance

Many of us struggle to understand and discern God’s guidance for our lives.

We ask questions like: What job should I take? Who should I date? Should I marry or not? Should I marry this person or that person? Should I join this church or that one? Should I have another child? Which profession should I follow? Is my present line of work the one to stay in?

Does God want me to Do This or That?

Herein lies the major perplexity of knowing and doing God’s will.

Does God lead and direct in these areas? Yes.

Does He come out and overtly tell us what to do? Rarely. (Yeah, I don’t like that either but it’s still the truth.)

So how does God guide us? Consider these principles: (Think about these)

God’s Guidance Concerns Itself More With Our Steps Than Our Overall Journey.

God’s Guidance Is More Preoccupied With The Present Than With The Future.

God’s Guidance Has Less To Do With Geography And More To Do With Morality.

God’s Guidance Is More Interested In Our Character Than Our Comfort.

God’s Guidance Is Not Insider Information.

We May Seek Guidance, But God Provides Something Better—Himself.

God’s Guidance Is That We Pursue The Guide More Than Guidance.

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. ~Isaiah 58:11

In seeking God, His plan will be revealed. Learn to be Patient. Remember, Patience is the weapon that forces deception to reveal itself.

His way will lead back through his Word.

If the step is more critical than the journey, and the present is of greater consequence than the future, and the Guide more essential than the guidance, what is needed?

We need to know the right step to take. We need to know what we must do in the present. We need to know the Guide.

God Does Not Guide Us Magically; He Guides Us Relationally.

Therefore, the Bible must be studied so we may become acquainted with the ways and thoughts of God.

God’s aim is that we become his companions who walk with him. He already knows us. Now He wants us to understand and know him.

The more we understand Him, the more real our relationship will be with Him and the more likely we are to keep in step with Him in the direction He is taking us.

The Workings Of God In Our Lives Are Not Proportionate To Our Need Of Him, But Of Our Knowledge Of Him.

Deb & I are “Seeking” to KNOW HIM MORE

Won’t You Join Us?

See You In Church.

Check out this week’s “Study Tool” ~ “Access To Wisdom”

I have to hear from YOU! Just Comment Below. It’s not hard. Just need to know somebody is reading this? Comment on the Blog; the study; Anything!!

Or Answer this Question: You notice a Self-Destructive behavior pattern in a friend who is clearly unaware of it. If saying “something” could cost the friendship Would You point it out? If yes, how do you go about it?