The change in our lives is a visible change.

I continue what I started yesterday in sharing about the major thoughts of the sermon this past Sunday (8-19-12) at CrossRoads.

Changes in a believers' life will be visible to others.

Moses experienced the very glory of God on the Mountain and his face shone to such a degree they made a veil to place over him so they could commune with him.  (Exodus 34)

John said, "The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us and we BEHELD His glory." (John 1:14)

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James and John "beheld the very glory of God" as Jesus "unzipped" Himself and revealed His glory resulting in His face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming as white as the light."  (Matthew 17:1-6)

Stephen's face shone like an angel as he talked about Jesus.  (Acts 6:15)

John 13:35 "By this all will know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another."  This is a tangible, visible expression of love that others will see and experience.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men that they may SEE your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven."

Do you receive my point - this change must be visible.

The very definition of repentance carries this thought.  I define repentance as "a change of mind resulting in a change of direction."

That change of direction is a visible, notable difference in a person's life and will eventually be evident to others.  Even a change of attitude (often considered within a person) will become evident to others.

Repentance moves you from one thought to another;  from one love to another; from one ruler to another; from one set of values to another; from one direction to another.

Jesus told the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2: 5 "Repent and DO the first works."

My point is visible changes within a believers' life is the "norm."

More tomorrow....