|
 |
| |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
What
do you think of this article? - share here |
|
|
Remember
transformers? Those mechanical-type toys with
lots of nuts and bolts? They were great. You
could be playing with a normal looking car
or plane and in a second, it could transform
into some sort of robot or mechanical character.
Starting with one thing and transforming it
into something else is Gods speciality. Take
a look at you own walk with Jesus and think
about the transformation he has started in
you. St Paul illuminates the role of transformation
in Romans 12:2 ‘Do
not conform any longer to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind.’
God wants to bring transformation to our lives
and also involve us with his transforming
action in the world. Too mind-boggling a thought?
Well here’s a few thoughts to help us
consider what it means to be transformed and
live a life of transformation.
Transformation is integral
to the Christian life. The book of
Acts tells us that about 120 believers were
around at Pentecost, but it was the Holy Spirit’s
impact on them that made all the difference.
Three thousand were added, not because they
were eloquent but because God wanted to transform
lives. You and I are the ongoing fall-out
of that day and because of it, the world has
not been the same since. Transformation has
become a way of life for believers through
history and it is our generation’s time
to step up and blaze a trail for the next.
Things don’t change
by themselves – we need to bring transformation.
As Christians we are called to be involved,
to bring reconciliation, peace and unity;
to serve others and fight for justice. However,
there are a so many complex issues and injustices
that affect our world, it’s hard to
know where to start. Even though it’s
not always easy, we should nevertheless seek
after ways to get stuck in and be proactive
in helping transform the world around us.
Moaning about an issue that affects our community
is about as much good as a chocolate teapot
unless we’re prepared to try and tackle
the situation.
Transformation is a Biblical mandate.
When you identify yourself as a Christian
you are saying that you are a follower of
Christ. That means Jesus business is your
business and that is the business of transformation.
Salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) is often
quoted, but it is not just to be rolled off
the tongue it is to be lived out. We are to
ask for Heaven’s values here on earth,
the kingdom is shown through it subjects (Matthew
18:18-20) and we are more than mere subjects
(1John 3:1). Jesus began his own ministry
with scripture that shouted a new world order
and transformation (Luke 4:18-19).
When something is transformed, it becomes
something that it was not before. What
we see and what God sees can be radically
different. Our job is to begin to recognise
an eternal and heavenly perspective. Do not
write off what you think is impossible and
do not ignore someone who appears to be beyond
help. Be in the business of transformation.
The ultimate transformation
is that brought about by God because of his
passion towards us. |
|
|
|
Check
out these Transformations:
Moses
Exodus 4:11-14
Exodus 34:29-35
Gideon
Judges 6:14-15
Judges 7:15-21
Transformation at
Pentecost
Acts Chapter 2
Paul
Acts 9:1-18
The Jailer of Paul
and Silas
Acts 16:16-40 |
|
|
|
Read
The Provocative Church by Graham Tomlin ISBN
0281054762 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Youthwork -
The Partnership ...
ALOVE,
Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and
Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church
for effective youth work and ministry. |
 |
|
|
|
|
