Do you ever read, listen, or watch the testimonies of people who have encountered Christ? It is always amazing to see how an interaction with the Lord can rapidly transform a life. Drug dealers and users repent and become zealous preachers of the word. Thieves abandon their wicked ways to evangelize Christ to unbelievers. The sick receive healing and tell everyone who will listen to what Christ did for them.
This pattern of behavior isn't new. A quick peek into the Bible reveals that even in the days of old God would touch people and they would never be the same.
In the Old Testament, Naaman, a Syrian military commander, met the God of Abraham in Israel and became a believer when his leprosy was healed. Long before him, Rahab made a deal with some Israelite spies. She didn't know their God at the time, but had heard how He'd set them free from Egypt and knew she needed to be on the winning team. She helped the spies and was able to spare her entire family and others tied to them from certain death when Jericho's city wall came down.
Apostle Paul provides a key example of how God's touch can change lives in the New Testament. He was once known as Saul and was an accuser and prosecutor of Christians. However, while on his way to find Christians and have them killed, he met Jesus. That singular interaction changed the trajectory of his life. He spent some years studying and learning anew, reemerged as 'Paul', and used the rest of his days to spread the gospel. Every Christian since then has been impacted by that encounter as most of the books in the New Testament were written by him.
And here is what he had to say about himself, 1 Timothy 1:13 - Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
That is the testimony of a man who understood the transformation he underwent. It is the statement of a man who knew that if Christ hadn't touched him, his life would have been a waste. God wants everyone to have that sort of enlightenment - to look back at the futile trajectory they were on and thank Him for the path of righteousness they now walk with Him.
Can you honestly testify the way Apostle Paul did? Can you attest to how meeting Christ changed you? Can you look at the things you did in your Before Christ (BC) days and rejoice that you are now in your After Christ (AC) era?
A true encounter with God must change a person. Abraham met God and left everything he knew for a foreign land. Jacob encountered God and walked away with a new name. The woman at the well met Christ and became a fervent follower, spreading the gospel near and far.
What about you? Has your behavior changed from your BC times now that you are in your AC days? Are there things you won't do now that you did before? If you say you are a Christian and you continue to use foul language, get drunk, be petty, gossip, and slander people, then change and the fear of God are needed. Today is the day to repent and allow the Lord to step into the driver's seat of your life. Let Him transform you for His glory and by His grace, so you can confidently point to how knowing Him is changing you.
To learn more, please consider these related messages:
From AC - AMEN!!
Touching and agreeing on all prayers shared here today. God, may Your righteous will prevail in these matters, In Jesus' Name, we declare. Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
Great and exceptional God. Thank You for Your grace that we met today. Thank You for teaching and convicting us. May no one leave the same way they came.
And over these ones I speak Hebrews 13:20-21 - Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God bless you all!
LAST 10 MINUTES
Today's message is really a call for each of us to seek the change that God wants in us. It is a reminder that we have to become a new being in Christ. An individual who steps into their After Christ (AC) era leaving the Before Christ (BC) days behind.
Yes, the transformation will take time but it requires an intentional decision on our part. And yes, letting go of the things your flesh desires seems hard but the Lord has a way of softening the process. He is the perfect craftsman - He'll mold you into the vessel of splendor He wants you to be. You just have to submit to His great work in you.
Think you're ready? Good, then let us pray...
Lord, thank You for being the God of transformation. When we meet with You, we are never the same. God, help us to submit to the changes You are bringing about in our lives. Help us to remember that Your promise for those who love You and are called to Your purpose is that theirs will be a good and expected end. Thank You for holding our hands as You beautify us for Your purpose, IJMN, Amen!
From AC - God of the impossible, hear my pleas for Your children who are in a season of waiting and are growing weary.
Please help them to remain faithful and patient and trust Your timing in all things. Help them to remain steadfast in the wilderness and keep their eyes fixed upon the things of Heaven. Reassure them that no matter their current circumstances they are secured and covered by Your wings. Remind them You are not deaf to their cries and that You are working everything together for Your glory and their good. Cast out the spirit of fear and doubt weighing down on them and consume their hearts with Your transcending peace, supernatural strength and gospel joy through the power of the Holy Ghost. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.
From M22 - Father I submit sis @FFJ to your altar. I pray that you will continue to strengthen her in her service to you. Abba Father I pray that you will increase her on all sides. I pray sy that you will bless her, her family, her loved ones and her businesses. IjMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I commit my siblings into your hands. I pray that you will continue to supernaturally deliver, restore and increase them on all sides. I pray that you will continue to transform, prune and renew them. I pray that you will continue to strengthen them as they walk with you. Help them lean on you and not on their own understanding. Shield them Abba, preserve them and meet them at the points of their needs IjMN amen.
Father, IJMN, I pray that Your people will not waste their destinies. That Your purpose and plan for them will never be thwarted, not even by their choices. You are the God who is not limited by human limitations. The God with whom all things are possible. The God who has spoken that His gifts and calling will not be revoked. Mercy, Lord.
Although satan specializes in tricking people into abandoning Your purpose and plan for them, I know You can do all things and Your purpose can not be thwarted.
Therefore, I pray, Lord, for grace upon Your children that they will align firmly with Your plans. That there shall be more Esthers who submit to Your will unafraid of the cost. That there shall be more Davids who understand the meaning of covenant and know that they in turn need to be faithful to You. More Daniels through which Your power will shine through. More Huldahs and Micaiahs who will boldly speak Your word even when it is not convenient.
That Your will for all Your people will never be derailed, no matter the weapons formed against them, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for couples seeking the fruit of the womb. Abba Father I pray that you will turn their waiting into fruitfulness. As you beautifully visited Manoah's wife. I pray that you will visit them and bless them with beautiful healthy babies that they will nourish and nurture them in your ways. Abba Father I pray that you end cycles of miscarriages, failed IVFs and difficult adoption processes IjMN amen.
From M22 - Abba Father please forgive us for grumbling and complaining because of circumstances around us and happening to us. Help us Lord to focus on you and trust you to hold our hand through the storms of life. Help us to never cease in prayers, praise, Thanksgiving, worship and our service to you IJMN amen. Father we hold on to your promise in Isaiah 40:31, 41:13 and Deuteronomy 31:8 that you will always be with us and strengthen us IjMN amen.
From AC - God of love, grace, and mercy, we give thanks for the Gospel of Christ, which is the power that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). I lift in prayer new believers, beginning their journey through this incredible adventure of freedom and salvation. Strengthen and embolden them, Lord. Give them unshakeable faith and the wisdom to discern Your truth and Your will. Grant them understanding so they can place their trust in Your power, alone. I pray that they will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and become empowered to share the good news about Jesus, for Your kingdom and Your glory. I pray this in Your Son's precious name. Amen
From M22 - Abba Father I pray for children across the world. I pray that you will continue to shield and preserve them from harm, violence, abuse, abductions and trafficking. Abba Father I pray that you will continue to guide and direct their parents and caregivers to nourish and nurture them in your ways. Father help them fulfil your purpose for their lives IJMN amen.
Merciful and mighty God, I come before You because You are the Eternal King. The God whose authority never wanes and yet You are kind and loving. To You be all the glory.
Acts 27:25 - So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Father, You see that satan wants people to believe that Your word will not come to pass. Thank You for You are the God who has said in Isaiah 46:10 - I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ You are the God who has promised to empower Your people to make it to the finish line and step into the promise if they trust and obey. Isaiah 66:9 - Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.
I lift up Your people who are waiting on You and beginning to weary, wondering whether or not Your word shall come to pass in their lives. Please Heavenly Father, reassure them. Let them know that You love them and will carry them every step of the way. Help them to remember that they are to walk by faith and not by sight, therefore when things look bleak, they need remember that You have not rejected them and are walking right by their side.
Take all the glory and put the enemy to shame in their lives, IJMN, Amen.
From M22 - Abba thank you for every single Pepper online and offline. Father I pray that you supernaturally deliver, restore and increase us on all sides. Abba Father I pray that we will never grow weary in our walk with you. Abba Father I pray that we will continue to win more souls for your kingdom. Father I pray that you will continue to move in our lives IJMN. Abba Father I pray that you settle every issues or situations bothering us. Help us enjoy your oeace in Phillipians 4:7 and help us be reminded of who you are according to your word in Romans 8:31, 38-39. Contend with those contending against us. Father Lord, when they call our names, please answer on our behalf IJMN amen.
Father, meet unbelievers where they are. Meet backsliders where they are. May they have encounters that send them running in faith to You. I pray for Saul Transformations, Lord.
And for the newcomers to the faith, shield them, Lord. Surround them with the shield of salvation that blocks the devices of the devil to distract and disappoint them. The Savior said all placed in His hand cannot be snatched away.
Thank You, God, IJMN, I pray, Amen.
From M22 - Abba Father I thank you for seeing us through the Easter week. Thank you Abba for awakening your resurrection power within us. Thank you Abba for ushering us into this new month and the 2nd quarter of the year. Abba we pray that this month of April will yield more for us in every ramifications than the last 3 months. I pray Abba that we continue to experience you in a stronger and more powerful way as we go through each day of this wonderful month IJMN amen.
From AC - Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, You are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast - Psalm 139:7–10
God-Omnipresent, God-Omnipotent, God-Omniscient there is none greater than You. Adonai El Roi , thank You for Your assurance that You are always beside me. Thank You for answered prayers. Thank You for sweet testimonies. Thank You, Thank You! I bow in worship and crown You will all honor and praise! Amen!
PRAYER TIME
Father, we turn our attention to others and their needs. Guide us to pray for people and on the issues You want us to focus on today. Take all the glory, IJMN Amen.
Guys, it pays to praise the Lord. I've been praying for something and bothering the Lord about it for a while now.
Just last night, He kept reassuring me with His word about the issue.
Why did I just hear that the issue was solved right before P&P? And in an unexpected but welcome way! I was worshiping at the time with no behavior, just filled with joy as the praise music played.
Please guys, be like David who found strength in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). Put that worship music on and dance. Don't worry about anyone else. Find strength and know that God is coming to help you. He heard you when you cried out to Him and started coming then.
The God who shows up again and again!!! I worship You, my King!!!
Hallelujah to the Lord Most High.
Father, we exalt You for all You do and all that You are.
Glory be to You, God of gods and Lord of lords.
Yahweh.
You reign forever and ever.