How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 1)
Personal transformation, at its core, means that I take on the character of Christ. How that happens and what I become is already
specified within the pages of God’s Word. In fact, we can use the pages of the Bible to guide our spiritual journey and to evaluate
our spiritual growth and character. Paul writes about this when he directs us on this matter … more
Personal transformation, at its core, means that I take on the character of Christ. How that happens and what I become is already
specified within the pages of God’s Word. In fact, we can use the pages of the Bible to guide our spiritual journey and to evaluate
our spiritual growth and character. Paul writes about this when he directs us on this matter … more
How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 2)
Taking on the character of Christ – the essence of personal transformation – reaches its apex when we take on “the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ.” As we work within the body of Christ (previous issue), we constantly need more equipping by our
pastors so that we can work with and through the pain and agony of others. Each new encounter with one of God’s people, as we
serve them, allows us fresh opportunities to achieve Christ-likeness. What is God trying to accomplish in our hearts and souls?
Paul describes these transformational changes when he writes... more
Taking on the character of Christ – the essence of personal transformation – reaches its apex when we take on “the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ.” As we work within the body of Christ (previous issue), we constantly need more equipping by our
pastors so that we can work with and through the pain and agony of others. Each new encounter with one of God’s people, as we
serve them, allows us fresh opportunities to achieve Christ-likeness. What is God trying to accomplish in our hearts and souls?
Paul describes these transformational changes when he writes... more
| Why is Transformation Necessary? (Part 1) TRANSFORMATION NEEDED! There is within us – within our humanity – a natural leaning away from a constant conversation with God. Let’s face it, having a relationship with God is work. Any relationship takes a lot of energy. Yet, one with God takes even more, for He is Spirit. Maintaining a relationship with God takes time – time alone in His Word, time alone with Him in prayer, time with His people, time to share His love with others – and this can be very difficult for the lazy or not-so serious person. more |
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| 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." - Rom. 12:2 |
What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed?
What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed? (Part 1)
If church-wide transformation proves the will of God for their community, allows it to
execute the will of God for their community and accomplish that will, why don’t more
churches become transformed? As mentioned when answering “What is
transformation?”, maintaining an intimate relationship with God is a labor-intensive
procedure. It is simpler to rely on established traditions, personal inclinations and the
recycling of past actions to maintain both personal and corporate faith and ministry.
Most American churches have defaulted to this later strategy. more
If church-wide transformation proves the will of God for their community, allows it to
execute the will of God for their community and accomplish that will, why don’t more
churches become transformed? As mentioned when answering “What is
transformation?”, maintaining an intimate relationship with God is a labor-intensive
procedure. It is simpler to rely on established traditions, personal inclinations and the
recycling of past actions to maintain both personal and corporate faith and ministry.
Most American churches have defaulted to this later strategy. more
What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed? (Part 2)
As we explore the deep-seated issues encircling churches which refuse to transform,
we discover some surprising things. One of the most amazing things is that churches
that refuse to be transformed do so because they think there is nothing they need.
These churches feel like everything is going well and God is pleased with them. They
are doing many of the right things, they just miss the most essential item. The second
characteristic (and another surprising one) of churches which refuse to be transformed
is… more
As we explore the deep-seated issues encircling churches which refuse to transform,
we discover some surprising things. One of the most amazing things is that churches
that refuse to be transformed do so because they think there is nothing they need.
These churches feel like everything is going well and God is pleased with them. They
are doing many of the right things, they just miss the most essential item. The second
characteristic (and another surprising one) of churches which refuse to be transformed
is… more
What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed? (Part 3)
As our study of American churches continues, we see where the key to the lack of
transformation originates. Jesus now brings into light the crux of His complaint and the
core of our lesson. He is jealous over the way we have allowed ministry and our
defense of the faith to push Him out of our lives. In His indictment, He convicts many of
the churches we are part of. more
As our study of American churches continues, we see where the key to the lack of
transformation originates. Jesus now brings into light the crux of His complaint and the
core of our lesson. He is jealous over the way we have allowed ministry and our
defense of the faith to push Him out of our lives. In His indictment, He convicts many of
the churches we are part of. more
What is Transformation?
Transformation is a Biblical
concept drawn from the New
Testament. In essence,
transformation is the process of
renewing one’s mind in order to
discover and prove the fresh, current
and innovative will of God. The basis
for the transformation process can
be found in Romans 12.1-2:
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I
plead with you to give your bodies to
God. Let them be a living and holy
sacrifice—the kind he will accept.
When you think of what he has done
for you, is this too much to ask? Don't
copy the behavior and customs of
this world, but let God transform you
into a new person by changing the
way you think. Then you will know
what God wants you to do, and you
will know how good and pleasing
and perfect his will really is. Romans
12:1-2 (NLT) more
Transformation is a Biblical
concept drawn from the New
Testament. In essence,
transformation is the process of
renewing one’s mind in order to
discover and prove the fresh, current
and innovative will of God. The basis
for the transformation process can
be found in Romans 12.1-2:
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I
plead with you to give your bodies to
God. Let them be a living and holy
sacrifice—the kind he will accept.
When you think of what he has done
for you, is this too much to ask? Don't
copy the behavior and customs of
this world, but let God transform you
into a new person by changing the
way you think. Then you will know
what God wants you to do, and you
will know how good and pleasing
and perfect his will really is. Romans
12:1-2 (NLT) more
What Keeps a Church From Being Transformed? (Part 4)
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that
we are witnessing the results of this passage before our very eyes. morewe are
witnessing the results of this passage before our very eyes. more more
moremore
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that
American congregation’s current condition with that, we are chilled at the possibility that
we are witnessing the results of this passage before our very eyes. morewe are
witnessing the results of this passage before our very eyes. more more
moremore
How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 3)
How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 4)
As we jettison our childish nature of selfishness in exchange for the character of Jesus, we find the days may pass slowly unless
we find the strength to persevere and enjoy the greater evidences of being like Jesus! In the process of becoming more Christ-like,
having our eyes on the prize is what provides us with the motivation to reach out and become like Christ. How we become like
Jesus is described by Paul when he says... more
As we jettison our childish nature of selfishness in exchange for the character of Jesus, we find the days may pass slowly unless
we find the strength to persevere and enjoy the greater evidences of being like Jesus! In the process of becoming more Christ-like,
having our eyes on the prize is what provides us with the motivation to reach out and become like Christ. How we become like
Jesus is described by Paul when he says... more
How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 5)
Growing up is often a difficult process, but the benefits are always worth the pain. Personal transformation yields incredible fruit.
Paul explains some of what we can come to expect when he says … more
Growing up is often a difficult process, but the benefits are always worth the pain. Personal transformation yields incredible fruit.
Paul explains some of what we can come to expect when he says … more
How Does God Bring About Personal Transformation in the Local Church? (Part 1)
The American Church is in trouble. By almost every indicator the vast majority of churches are dying. While congregations
blame pastors and pastors look for new programs, God waits for their return to Him. When we come to the place where we
understand that the local church is a body – totally and completely dependent upon the Head, Jesus Christ – much begins to
change. more
How Does God Bring About Personal Transformation in the Local Church? (Part 2)
The Body of Jesus Christ exists to bring the Good News of God’s love to everyone who resides within our local community! As
members of that body, we are to individually and corporately experience God’s transforming power so that we can work
together to accomplish the will and heart of Jesus Himself. more
The American Church is in trouble. By almost every indicator the vast majority of churches are dying. While congregations
blame pastors and pastors look for new programs, God waits for their return to Him. When we come to the place where we
understand that the local church is a body – totally and completely dependent upon the Head, Jesus Christ – much begins to
change. more
How Does God Bring About Personal Transformation in the Local Church? (Part 2)
The Body of Jesus Christ exists to bring the Good News of God’s love to everyone who resides within our local community! As
members of that body, we are to individually and corporately experience God’s transforming power so that we can work
together to accomplish the will and heart of Jesus Himself. more
| Why is Transformation Necessary? (Part 3) ACCEPTING GOD’S GIFT OF SOUL PROSPERITY Transformation means “Turning Back to God!” The true follower of Jesus needs constant nourishment. God wishes to fill that need by being our sustainer. There are several gifts in God’s fruit basket which He wants to give to us! In actuality they are a fruit basket of spirituality! more |
| Why is Transformation Necessary? (Part 2) ESSENTIALS FOR SOUL PROSPERITY 1 Kings 8: 54-61 When individuals and churches fail to seek God’s fresh, innovative direction by faith, they revert to past traditions, personal inclinations and recycled repetition. As they do this, the individual or church veers farther and farther away from the heart, the will and the activities of God in the present! The only hope for the individual or church is our turning back to God and allowing our souls to prosper. more |