On Faith: Transformed

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• Living Waters Fellowship

George Homes, a British pastor and my homiletics instructor once said, “Nature forms us, education informs us, sin deforms us, and society tries to reform us- but only Christ can transform us.” The transforming power of Jesus Christ is evident in the lives of the billions who have been touched and changed by the Gospel.

Joan* was adopted but not loved. She developed mental illness during high school and became addicted to drugs and alcohol. She joined a gang and almost lost her life. In time she started attending a Bible study where she lived. Soon she started coming to church and eventually chose to accept God’s grace available to her through faith in Jesus Christ. Today she is drug and alcohol free. She still struggles with her mental illness but she is growing in her faith. She has come to know the love of God and the church. Most of all she knows she will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus.

Dave* also struggled with drugs and alcohol. He tried Eastern religions without satisfaction. Dave* came from a good home with a praying mom. One day when it looked as if things could not get any worse, God spoke to Dave’s* heart and he sought out a pastor. After meeting and talking he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. With Dave*, it has been a two steps forward- one step backwards experience. And slowly God is helping him, to overcome his weaknesses and to be free.

A young woman, Leena* was consumed with unrelenting guilt. She had gotten pregnant and with the encouragement of her boyfriend, had an abortion. She had not been ready for the emotions she experienced. The trauma of taking her unborn child’s life plunged her into a depression that nothing could help. One day a friend invited her to a Bible study where she encountered the unconditional love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Today her guilt is gone and she is an active member of her local church. More importantly, she is growing in Christ and sharing His love with those she meets.

His life was a train wreck. Ray* liked to sin. You name it, he did it. He had wasted his life and destroyed many others. His wife divorced him and his children did not want to have anything to do with him. One day he went to a relative’s funeral and heard a message of heaven and hell, of grace and forgiveness. That day the impossible happened- Ray* gave his life to Jesus and God changed him on the spot. If any one was ever an example of transformation it was he.

This list could go on and on. Many here in our community have experienced this same kind of transformation. I, myself, have been changed and transformed by the awesome grace of God. Recently we learned a new song here at church- Friend of God by Michael Gungor and Israel Houghton. The lyrics read in part, “Who am I that You are mindful of me? That You hear me when I call? Is it true that You are thinking of me? How You love me. It’s amazing! I am a friend of God, You call me friend!”

God’s love IS amazing! And the wonderful thing about it is that God loves YOU in this same amazing way. Talk to Him. -Tell Him your hurts and your hopes. Ask Jesus to help you. Open your heart and receive His forgiveness and His grace. Allow His amazing love to transform you today.

*Names have been changed

Tags: on faith, opinion