Transformation...

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 " So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: . "

The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives brings about transformation and helps us become the new creation that we are in Christ Jesus...stripping off the old and putting on the new... just like the work of stripping old paint on this dresser and putting on a new finish...

That stripping off the old can be alot of work and take some time, but in the end it is worth it.  The work of stripping off is not something that we do alone, God's Holy Spirit, guides us and gives us the strength to do the work, but we must allow access.

It is exciting to be part of two Bible Study groups each week that are doing this work.  As we gather around the Bible, recognize the Holy Spirit's presence with us, read a passage from the Bible and engage with it, each other, and the Holy Spirit, we see the transformation happening right before our eyes.   Transformation is a process and takes time.  Old habits are hard to move out of, but we can!  Being in a group, helps because we have each other to encourage forward progress and prayerfully undergird the process.   Some really cool and beautiful stuff happens when we are open to what God wants to do in our lives!

For anyone that wants to join us in the process, Tuesday nights @ 7 p.m. at Community of Joy Ministry Center is one place.