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…
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8 comments:
Hello Pastor Mark,
Another great blog, thank you. The daily Selah over the past few weeks have also been incredible. I have been blessed.
I am so thankful that God loved me enough not to leave me the way I was. I'm also very thankful that He is patient and gentle with me as the renewal process can be a lengthy one for someone like me!!! I'm so happy that I'm not who I used to be and that the ongoing work in my life is directed by my Lord and Savior. I can't go it alone! I just can't do it. I don't want a new leaf, they only last a season then they wither and die. A new life however, is for eternity once it's planted in the right ground. Thanx for the tools you provide that remind us and help us to stay rooted in the right ground.
Thanx Man....you're the best.
Wow How Good is God.
Pastor Mark you are sooooooooo right He Loves us so much He wants to make us better, Like Sunday’s message a Make-Over!!!
How cool was 604 on Sunday!!! To see sooooo many YOUNG people Hungry for More of whatever God wants to do in their lives… We are Blessed, and we have a GREAT CHURCH. Keep it up Holy Spirit.
One of things that is difficult for us to see especially as a young person is how good god is to us and how fortunate we are to have him in our lives, the reality of it is that the world out there is such an ugly one. i have been invited to many churches by many people, but it wasnt till a coworker of mine invited me to the sunday service it was my first time there at new life and what touched me the most is at that 604 when you asked all the young people under 23 to come up for prayer, i was one of those young people and SOMETHING HAPPENED to me i felt and still do feel a joy in my heart that i cant explain, and i want to continue to live for christ am not perfect at all many times i feel like i have failed but THANK YOU PASTOR thank you for motivating me through god and making me realise how important it is to live for jesus.
WOW WOW WOW !!!
First, PM as always, the Selahs and the Blogs have been such nourishment....I can't begin to tell you how much spiritual protein is in what you provide through the power and blessing of the Holy Spirit !! God Bless You and Thank you!!
But my WOW's are really for my "Anonymous" young sister here who made such a fantastic testimony....God Bless you....try not to be anonymous.....it's great to know who's talking and expressing....I can't say it enough, God Bless You!!! I have 2 daughters 23 and 20 and they walk with God and I can't tell you how wonderful that feeling is...my 12 year old daughter asked for a bible for the first time and is active in the church in White Plains....I'm telling you with tears. My 12 yr. old son Luke, needs a lot of work, prayers and our Father's touch. Pray for him.
All I can say as God Himself is my witness....you will always have that joy and feeling you can't explain as long as YOU STAY CLOSE TO HIM....draw near to Him daily, He WILL draw near to you....I know what it is to walk away, turn my back....DON'T DO IT, NOT FOR A MOMENT.....you are in a BLESSED state right now, angels are rejoicing...you have no idea how happy our Father and our Lord are right now because of the simple statement you have made here.
YOU are in my prayers!! God Bless you!!!!! Praise Him Always \O/
Young Blogger...#3 GOOD FOR YOU!
I remember feeling this exact same way after going to a very large youth event in MA, when I was in my early 20's. I felt this same thing......"something happened" let me encourage you, even though I have no clue who this is, we have been down a simular road my friend. Know that what you experienced at 604 sunday night, was real. We serve a real, and ALIVE God, who knows you by name, knows everything about you. he even knows about the struggles we face, EVERYDAY. He knew that you would be at that service on Sunday, and he knew that you would meet with Him! HOW COOL REALLY!!!
also know that this same God who met with you at New Life is with you right now, this very minute, and He is with you wherever you go, whatever you face, He already knows...You can call on Him at any time. He is a faithful Father, who knows all things, who's bigger than all things, and cares about the deepest desires of our heart!
Good to read an excited, new bloggers comments! You made me think of my...
"something happened moment"
Thanks for sharing your heart!
Thank you Pastor Mark for the Selahs and the Blog studies.
Since I came to this country 10 years ago, I was truly alone and without God in my life. I had none to guide me toward God.
Since I have come to New Life and Robert and I have been turning ourselves over to God, my life has turned around or transformed 180 degrees but I still have a long way to go. I was in such a dark place before, without God in my world.
I have been blessed by all the spiritual lessons you give to all of us and I am thankful God has blessed me with Pastors like you, your father and Jason.
Thank you so much for being used by God in this way.
Ana
These are amazing comments and just a validation of how AMAZING THE LORD REALLY IS! I feel very motivated this week to pray more and ASK OUT LOUD that which I need of the Lord. I'd like to ask you all to pray for a good friend, James, who received news this week that he might not be able to have a relationship with his 3 kids. He is a strong believer, but I pray that he is reminded that JESUS is SO MUCH BIGGER than any problem that we face. I've always been told by my mother - "If HE brings you to it, HE will get you through it!" Man, it's sooo true. Please pray that James will continue to walk in faith with the Lord and give Him control of the situation with his 13yo. son, Nighton.
What a GREAT night at 604. Keep the posts / comments coming! So encouraging! Love it!!
O:) Natalie
Fantastic Selah today!!
Whether you temper steel or glass, it takes HEAT....and boy does He turn it up at times. Thank God for His patience, Mercy and wonderful saving, loving, and giving GRACE
Check this song out guys....I love to listen and pray the lyrics along with the music
SING OVER ME, ....."God of the Second Chance!!!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGyj2Wp8MBE
Much better version http://www.imeem.com/eijei04/music/rFa9cUMp/lakewood-church-sing-over-me/
free sign-up with IMEEM MP3 site
Once again I'm drawing near to worship as you're drawing me
Once again You lift my head and lift my heart to heights unseen
In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear....As I hear Heaven's melody
As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance, Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance, Sing over me Once Again
Once again I'm drawing near to worship as you're drawing me
Once again You lift my head and lift my heart to heights unseen
In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear, ....As I hear Heaven's melody
As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance
Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance....Sing over me Once Again.
In Jesus Name!! Amen
Praise Him Always..\O/
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