Beech Tree News Network

In reading the Bible, I am impressed with how Christ changed people’s lives. For example, when Christ called men to be His apostles, He told the fishermen: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19-21). He later would turn these fishermen into mountain-climbers (Matt. 17:1)! In addition to this, we could take note of the fact that when Christ went to a funeral, He would raise the dead (Lk. 7:11-16; Mk. 5:41-42; Jn. 11:43-44; etc.)! Yes, there was a definite change in those folks!
 
    In the first century, we see people who changed when they heard and obeyed the words of Christ. For example, we read that the some among the Corinthian Christians had been “fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners” (I Cor. 6:9-10). What happened to these folks? They heard the gospel message, they believed it and obeyed it (Acts 18:1-8; I Cor. 6:11)! Christ changed them! In the book of Acts, we also read about the conversion of the Ephesians (19:1-7). They were changed from “dead” to “living” (Eph. 2:1)! This change came about as because of Christ.
 
    In truth, change is the very essence of repentance (A change of mind that results in a change of life)! When we read the Bible, we see that the entire Bible has the message of repentance or change in it! Christ called for men to repent (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 13:3). The apostles also taught that men need to repent (Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30,  19:19, 26:20). Regardless of their background, they needed to repent when they came in contact with the words of Christ.
 
    It is no different today. When we are willing to follow the word of Christ, it will change us as well. The question is whether or not we wish to be changed! Some people do not want to be changed and come out of sin. They want to remain where they are. This is a grave error if we are satisfied to stay in our sin and never change.
 
    Yet, if we will be Christ’s, He demands that we change! We must repent of our sins in order to be saved (Acts 2:38). We must continue to change, grow, and mold ourselves into the image of Christ. The apostle Paul wrote to the Roman Christians, and his words apply to us as well: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …” (Rom. 12:2).
 
    Change can be difficult for those who are “set in their ways.” Yet, Christ changes us, and it is a change for the better! We will be better in many areas of life when we accept what the Lord has said and follow Him (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11) instead of following our own ideas as to how best to run our lives.
 
    Dear friend, consider your life and where it is headed. Isn’t it time for a change? Repent of past wrongs, and turn and live for the Lord! Let Him change you for the better and see the blessings that come as a result of being a child of God (Mk. 16:16; Acts 3:19; Eph. 1:3; I Pet. 1:3-4)! There is no better feeling and no greater blessing than when we change our lives and live for the Lord daily (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10b).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167