More on Being God's Masterpiece

YOU are God's Original Masterpiece. On January 1 we explored Ephesians 2:10 which declares us to be God's "workmanship". The word means masterpiece, a unique composition. We learned that God does this work in us, but we must cooperate, and that it is a long journey. We are spending the month of January learning ways we can cooperate with God in this process of transformation, so that we will become His perfect Masterpiece. 

The message on January 8 dealt with "Transformation Through the Word" using several different scriptures, but primarily focused on Hebrews 4:12. The Word of God is the primary tool He uses in the work of transformation. As we saw in the video from January 1, God cuts away everything that does not look like Jesus. This verse tells us that God's Word cuts through and reveals the thoughts and intents of our hearts. It shows us what is not like God, and how we are to remove those things. It is spiritual surgery, and any surgery is painful. But the results are well worth the pain of the process!

Are you joining us on the journey to become God's Masterpiece? Here are the Bible challenges we are taking:

• Read the Bible every day. Yearly Bible reading plans are available at church, or there are literally thousands available free on the internet. I personally use one through www.youversion.com. It is free, and sends reminders to me daily in my email, and I can even get reminders and read it on my smart phone with a YouVersion app. Check it out.
• Use Sunday School material to supplement your daily Bible reading. The free material we provide is an excellent resource to guide you, and provide additional understanding as you read. If you don't take one home, start this week.
• Memorize Scripture. Memorizing Scripture allows you to carry more tools in your toolbox for the Holy Spirit to use as He seeks to help you each day. We have begun memorizing a verse or passage every month. For January, let's seek to memorize the key verse for the Transformation message series:

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Remember to read with a pencil and paper nearby. Make notes about what you read, do not understand, or when God speaks to you. Seek to understand what you read. And when you understand it, ask yourself, "so what?" What do you need to do with what you have read? How do you need to respond? How will you begin and when? with whom do you need to share what you have learned? 

Set aside time each day and get to know God's Word. Before you know it, you will experience transformation!

God's Masterpiece

YOU are God's original Masterpiece. The main verse from Sunday's message was Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV): "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." The Greek word for 'workmanship' means something intricately created, woven, or composed. We get our English word poem from it. Just as God masterfully created the heavens and the earth, He also created you. And not just physically; His desire is to weave you into the greatest masterpiece of all: the image of His Son Jesus.

But it is a long process, not unlike a marathon. God does the work over time as we discipline ourselves to cooperate with Him. There is work for us to do, that God will use to transform us into His masterpiece. I will write about some of the basic steps this month. For now, review the video below that was shown in our January 1 worship service. There are more comments below.

So, are you tired of "doing the dance to get the hug"? Are you ready to surrender total control to God? Why not take a moment right now to breathe a prayer to God and express to Him your total surrender? Tell Him that you want to become all the He desires for you, and that you are willing to embark on the journey. Commit to Him, and to yourself, to cooperate in every way with His transforming work. Now, share your commitment with a friend and ask them to hold you accountable. I would love to know of your commitment also. Please write to me at pastor@araratbaptistchurch.com and let me know of your decision. I would love to pray for you and offer any assistance I can. May God bless you as you begin this journey!