Grace empowers us to be transformed!

Y'all have heard me say it plenty of times.  Here it is again:

We'll never learn to live like Christians, until we first learn to THINK like Christians.

Romans 12:2  "Do not conform 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."

Unfortunately, we were all born in this sin-tainted world, and we've been home-schooled in the wrong home! We've learned to think for ourselves, live for ourselves, plan for ourselves, and look out only for Number 1.  But did you know there's a better way?  Jesus called us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  That means we need to take the focus off ourselves.  How do we do that, exactly?

Grace both enables us and inspires us to stop thinking the way the world taught us, and instead to demonstrate love for God and others.  God created us to live inside us.  That means every thought, every action, and every plan should be to seek Him first.  God will take care of our every need, as He has promised.  Could you imagine how awesome this world would be, if everyone looked after the needs of others instead of themselves?

The Bible says that Love seeks not its own.  That means that real love looks to benefit others before ourselves.  The world has taught us that no one has our back; we have to defend ourselves.  But Jesus taught us a different way.  He showed us what real love looks like.  Jesus had every opportunity to back out of God's plan of redemption for His people.  Jesus could have harshly criticized His disciples for turning their backs on Him.  Jesus could have acted like the world acts, but He didn't.  He cared so much for us that He suffered death on a cross, so that we could be right with God forever.  God the Father requires justice be served for a life of sin, and Jesus' sacrifice paid that price for all who believe.

Do you know Jesus personally?  You likely know this verse by heart, but do you know Jesus?

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

If you've never turned to God and repented of your sins, do so today.  God offers salvation not through your good deeds, but by His grace through faith.  The one and only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ.

If you've just called out to God for the first time and asked Him to save you, let me know!  Send me a text at (304) 610-0382.  If you'd like prayer, let me know and I'll be happy to serve you.

Thanks!

Pastor Matt :0)