1. Don’t just improve… Be transformed! January 17, 2016

4. If You Could Pick Just One Thing…  If you could pick just one area to improve in your life, what would it be?  Relationships/marriage?  Finances?  Parenting/Children?  Job/school?  Health/Physical changes – an illness, lose weight etc?

5. We want things better  New Year’s resolutions  Diet  Exercise  Reading  Improve your life in some way  We spend money and time  Gym memberships  Organic foods

6. Improvement often temporary or small  Often temporary  Failed new years resolutions  Failed diet or exercise plans  We can get some improvement  Feel better after exercise, get in shape  Paul writes to his spiritual son – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8  We still want and need more

7. Transformation  Jesus transformed me  Some other examples  Hanjun  Wun-gwi  Many others!

8. How?  God wants to help but our sin separates us from him  Anger, jealousy, hatred, lust, lying, stealing etc  Jesus paid the penalty for our sins  We just need to ask him for help

9. But I’ve Tried Religion…  This isn’t about a religion, but a relationship.  You need a relationship with Jesus  But I’m a different religion.  That’s OK! Jesus is the creator and God of the whole world! Just follow him!

10. I’ve gone to church…  Going to church won’t save you  Jesus will save and change and transform you  You need a relationship with him

11. Romans 12:1-2  Result – Be able to know God’s perfect will for you life!  God will speak to you and show you what to do!  Romans 12:1-2  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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.

12. Romans 12:1  Step 1: Surrender ALL of your life to God  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

13. Romans 12:2  Step 2: Stop letting the world shape you; Let God shape you – renew your mind  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Result: You’ll know God’s perfect will!  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

14. I’ve had a relationship before…  Recommit your life to Jesus