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Dictionary says: A change in character or condition
"The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy….; and you will be changed into a different person." 1 Samuel 10:6 "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 How Does This Transformation Take Place? "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 Two Great Biblical Examples Of Transformation: Saul of Tarsus "At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him (Stephen), dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." Acts 7:57-58 "And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. " "Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison." Acts 8:1-3 "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Acts 9:3-6 "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." [18] Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized." Acts 9:17-18 "But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. [16] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15-16 The Man From Gerasenes "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. [3] This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. [4] For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. [5] Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones." Mark 5:2-5 Demons Are No Match For Jesus "When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid." Mark 5:15 Modern Story of Transformation Josh Hamilton -#1 Draft pick of MLB -high school kid - record signing bonus of more than US$3.5 million in 1999. -Three year fog of drug and alcohol abuse. -Banned from baseball -Spent all of the $3.5 million -26 tattoos all while high on drugs -Tattoo of the devil on his forearm -Prayed that God would end his life -"You're going to be back playing baseball, because there's a bigger plan for you." -Given a chance - made 2008 All Star Game -Hit 28 home runs in contest 4 more than the record -In front of some 70,000 fans and over 9 million TV viewers said: "I want to thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ". "Baseball is third in my life right now, behind my relationship with God and my family. Without the first two, baseball isn't even in the picture" Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Don't ask me to explain for you how one could start again How hardened hearts can soften like a child Don't ask me how to reason out the mysteries of life Or how to face its problems with a smile Go Ask Go ask the man who's found the Way To take the roads back home to stay When all communications were destroyed. Go ask the child who's walking now Who once was crippled; then, somehow, Her useless legs were made to jump for joy Go ask the one who's burned out mind Has been restored; I think you'll find The question's not important as before Don't ask me if He's good or bad I only know the guilt I had is gone And I can't tell you any more Don't ask me how to prove to you Why I know God is there Or how I know that He would care for you Don't ask me why Someone so great Would chose to walk with me and trade My broken life for one that's new Go ask the child who's got a dad to love away the hurt he had before this man called Jesus touched their lives Go ask the one whose fears have fled Whose churning heart was quieted When Someone whispered peace to all her strife Go ask the man to tell you more Whose life was just a raging war Inside himself until the savior came I don't pretend to be so wise, I only know He touched my eyes And nothing else will ever be the same. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1 |
