Revive Church KC Vision 2: Experience Transformation
Experience Transformation | Let God love you as you are and change you for good.
It’s important to have powerful encounters with the Lord, but we must also let him change us. We weren’t made to just gaze upon the Lord, but to also be changed in His glory.
We’re so grateful God is actively pursuing us— despite our foolishness and sin. The Bible says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV). The Lord is helping us learn the power of sonship and our new identity in Christ.
Obviously, Jesus didn’t die to leave us in our messes. He loves us too much to keep us there. The Lord’s love has come to cover us and strengthen us—positioning us for so much more.
The Apostle Paul said, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
We must come to understand that our old humanity—with all its evil tendencies—was crucified with Jesus. Old ways of thinking and behaving are exterminated, executed with Jesus. We part company with worldly principles and actions. Sin’s dominion is broken. Through Jesus, I am no longer a slave to old habits and attitudes. Paul reminds us that Jesus’ “purpose was to create in himself one new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15 NIV)
Growth and transformation come out of intentional actions and responses. An activated believer begins to let go of some things and learns to embrace others. They create an opening for their mind to become renewed. I like what Paul had to say to believers at the church in Rome.
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2 HCSB).
Most of us were born with the mindset and values of the present evil age. We bought into the selfishness, pride, and violence of the people around us. We, however, don’t have to stay in that place. By faith—through grace—it’s time to change our worldview and actions. Jesus had the following to say as He launched His ministry:
"The time has come, and the kingdom of God is near. Change the way you think and act, and believe the Good News” (Mark 1:15 GNT).
The word “repentance” means that you change your entire mindset and value system—putting Jesus at the center. You stop living as if Jesus is not on the scene.
As we are changed and transformed by the goodness of Jesus, we experience a greater measure of grace and mercy. Good things come from the “good news.” Peter preached that when we repent and turn back to the Lord, “times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence” (Acts 3:19 TPT). We could all use some refreshing.
Application
Those who have encountered the Lord and experienced His grace are in an excellent position to be transformed. The Lord is in the business of changing people. Yet, what does that look like practically?
Openness and a desire to change.
If people don’t want to be transformed, they usually won’t be.
Listen to the testimonies and stories of others’ changes.
Talk to people at church.
Read stories others have posted.
Leave the Past Behind.
Don’t dredge up what’s been reconciled and covered by the blood.
Your past doesn’t necessarily define your future.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to help you repent and forgive everyone.
Clean up all your messes—as much as you are able.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill in the “cracks” of your life.
Consider yourself free and truly a child of God.
“Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin” (Romans 6:11 NKJV)
Give yourself time.
Every change will not happen overnight.
