Every action, begins with a thought. Do you find yourself doing the same, foolish things? Falling into the same traps? Reliving the same nightmares? How can we ever change? The Bible says in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of you mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
By changing our thinking, we change our actions; and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can break free from thoughts that keep us in a cycle of defeat.
Join us October 17, 2020 as we explore how knowing the Truth can make us free, indeed!
More info on the origin of Transformed:
What exactly does it mean to be Transformed? The Cambridge dictionary says that '"transformed" means ‘to completely change the appearance and/or character of something or someone, especially with regard to the person or thing being improved.'
Think about a butterfly. It begins as a caterpillar crawling around, only able to eat, and crawl around some more, not really going anywhere. But at the appointed time, it weaves a cocoon around itself, and waits…during that time, a transformation occurs. When it is ready, the butterfly emerges from the cocoon looking, and acting much differently! It has a unique beauty that is on display when it flies. Now the butterfly is free to go further, it’s purpose clear, to glorify God with its life. Even what the butterfly eats is different. No longer grubbing around in the dark leaves, the new creation goes from flower to flower drinking the sweet nectar of its provider.
The ultimate transformation happens when we, as the pinnacle of God's creation, realize our sinful depravity in light of God’s perfect holiness, repent and submit to Lordship of Jesus Christ. God then gives us a new heart and makes us a new creation. Then we will be able to understand the things of God because the sin that was blinding us is washed away. Our spiritual eyes are opened; our hearts are given understanding.
There is another transformation that occurs after this, as we, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, renew our minds. Truly, God starts to line up our way of thinking with the way He thinks. This helps us see ourselves (and others) as He does. It is life changing. As well, we influence the world by being transformed into the image of Christ, enabling us to put more of God's glory on display. Even what WE eat is different. Instead of grubbing around on the filth that the world tries to feed us, we can now feast on the sweet nectar of our God’s very Truth. It brings freedom to our soul with every application of this good Word. No longer bound to the ways of this world, we are FREE to hope in Jesus, feed on His Truth, and give God glory by our new life in Christ!
Think about a butterfly. It begins as a caterpillar crawling around, only able to eat, and crawl around some more, not really going anywhere. But at the appointed time, it weaves a cocoon around itself, and waits…during that time, a transformation occurs. When it is ready, the butterfly emerges from the cocoon looking, and acting much differently! It has a unique beauty that is on display when it flies. Now the butterfly is free to go further, it’s purpose clear, to glorify God with its life. Even what the butterfly eats is different. No longer grubbing around in the dark leaves, the new creation goes from flower to flower drinking the sweet nectar of its provider.
The ultimate transformation happens when we, as the pinnacle of God's creation, realize our sinful depravity in light of God’s perfect holiness, repent and submit to Lordship of Jesus Christ. God then gives us a new heart and makes us a new creation. Then we will be able to understand the things of God because the sin that was blinding us is washed away. Our spiritual eyes are opened; our hearts are given understanding.
There is another transformation that occurs after this, as we, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, renew our minds. Truly, God starts to line up our way of thinking with the way He thinks. This helps us see ourselves (and others) as He does. It is life changing. As well, we influence the world by being transformed into the image of Christ, enabling us to put more of God's glory on display. Even what WE eat is different. Instead of grubbing around on the filth that the world tries to feed us, we can now feast on the sweet nectar of our God’s very Truth. It brings freedom to our soul with every application of this good Word. No longer bound to the ways of this world, we are FREE to hope in Jesus, feed on His Truth, and give God glory by our new life in Christ!
