transformation image of Christ

The Restoration of His Image

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After Jesus returns and we see him God will complete the restoration of his image in us; we will be completed New Adams! 1 Corinthians 15:49 states: “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (ESV). Our complete Christformation will make our previous life seem like a long war. We spent many years pursuing God and his holiness. We slowly learned how to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ. We gradually purged selfishness and hedonism and unbelief. We did not set our hearts on things on this earth (Col. 3:1) and we did not make it a priority to accumulate wealth (Matt. 6:19) or fame. We looked to him to satisfy our deepest desires, which he began to do. We crucified our corruption, accepted rejection and learned to love our enemies. After Jesus Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

True Safety – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Fear of man will prove to be a snare,but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) The desire to be safe and secure is a very fundamental and powerful human drive. We make many of our decisions based on what we think will give us true safety. This can lead to many faults. We depend on ourselves and we “fear” others and depend on them for our ultimate safety. But humans do not have the power to keep themselves safe. We cannot control what others do, we cannot control circumstances and we cannot control the evil one. Only the one who trusts in the Lord is safe. He may be invisible, and more difficult to trust, but his infinite power and invisible presence are the traits that make him the one to depend on. We want good health, and God is the ultimate healer. We want Continue Reading →

two friends shapening

One Person Sharpens Another

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In a godly friendship we incorporate biblical fellowship and edifying words into our interactions with another. We go beyond encouraging and affirming one another in Christ which has a limited impact on our maturity. Since our top priority is pleasing God, we go further and consciously help each other to become like Christ. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17, NIV). Scripture instructs us to “Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives” (Col. 3:16, NLT). A “soul friend” is an advanced godly relationship in which two people are highly committed to being open to the influence and direction of each other in order to become like Christ. They practice quality biblical fellowship and develop interdependence; they are spiritual counselors for each other. Since we are secure in the friendship, we are free to direct each other to die to self. We gently Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Humility Leads To True Riches And Honor – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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The reward for humility and fear of the Lordis riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 (ESV) Your culture may not value humility much. In America, much of popular culture has embraced self-promotion, boasting, being one’s own God. Many of those who teach these lifestyles become popular, wealthy and honored. They think they have the good life. It takes courage to live in the opposite way, knowing that we may lose out on financial opportunities or lose out on honor in our community. But the paradox is that humility and proper respect for Yahweh are the true paths to riches, honor and life. God will reward all your sacrifices and decisions to embrace humility. When you are honest about your faults, God sees you and is pleased. When you are willing to express your needs, and your need for help from others, God sees you and smiles. But when do Continue Reading →

speak the truth in love

Speaking The Truth In Love

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Our “tongue-control” determines much of how our lives impact others. Consider how much our parents’ words shaped our lives. Consider how much the right words from a friend have encouraged us. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Pro. 16:24, NIV). Consider how much the words of Scripture radically transform our lives. This impact from words is the reason it is so important to master our tongues; our words have the power to encourage and bless others. When we consider how little effort it takes, it is quite amazing that a few well-chosen words can infuse comfort or confidence into someone else’s heart. That is why Ephesians 4:15 states: “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV). Words are essential to the kinds of relationships God wants to see Continue Reading →