I love those diet ads on TV and in the newspapers that feature 'before' and 'after' pictures. Sometimes they are obviously staged. The fatter 'before' person slouches and thrusts out the tummy. The leaner, meaner 'after' shows a side view, with his chest stuck out, his tummy tucked in.
In other diet ads the young woman featured [it's almost always young, very attractive women], looks like she never had a 'before'.
The Gospel makes 'before' and 'after' claims too. In 1 Timothy 1:12-16 Paul presented himself as an example. Before he was 'a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man'. After, having met Jesus and experienced the overflow of His grace, Paul became a different man.
This is what is unique about the truth of the Gospel. It isn't just a collection of true facts, or a compilation of doctrinal data. The truth of the Gospel is vital, transforming, dynamic. It is the living, active Word of God that when welcomed into our hearts works an inner alchemy.
Violence is transmuted into compassion. Blasphemy is altered to praise. Persecution is commuted into brotherly love.
Paul said, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst". You and I may not be able to pose with Paul for the 'before' picture. But let's make sure we're right there with him for the 'after.
What you were isn't as important to God or others as what you are!
In other diet ads the young woman featured [it's almost always young, very attractive women], looks like she never had a 'before'.
The Gospel makes 'before' and 'after' claims too. In 1 Timothy 1:12-16 Paul presented himself as an example. Before he was 'a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man'. After, having met Jesus and experienced the overflow of His grace, Paul became a different man.
This is what is unique about the truth of the Gospel. It isn't just a collection of true facts, or a compilation of doctrinal data. The truth of the Gospel is vital, transforming, dynamic. It is the living, active Word of God that when welcomed into our hearts works an inner alchemy.
Violence is transmuted into compassion. Blasphemy is altered to praise. Persecution is commuted into brotherly love.
Paul said, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners - of whom I am the worst". You and I may not be able to pose with Paul for the 'before' picture. But let's make sure we're right there with him for the 'after.
What you were isn't as important to God or others as what you are!
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