The Christian And His Conversion

12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

2 Cor. 5:17 If any on is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.

Eph. 4:22-24 ".... put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its evil desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Co.l 3:9 Lie not to another, since you have put off your old self with its practices, and have put on the new self ...

Listen....... This message is for you. some of you here need to be converted.... you need to start over. This has not been your all-time, spiritually high - plateau year. In fact, as you sit there this morning you can better identify with the prophet Jonah than perhaps any other biblical character.

You've been running away from God.... doing your own thing, living your own way. And you have not been happy. Life has not been roses and caviar.... in fact, it has been more like thorns and rotten eggs. Jonah got swallowed by a fish and you have been swallowed up by guilt, and your circumstances. Like Jonah, you are tired of running.... exhausted. You feel oppressed, guilty, over-used and under-developed, burned out, used up, and put out.

It was in the belly of that fish that Jonah found hope. And right now, today, in the midst of your circumstances and hopelessness, you can find hope. If Jonah could get his head together in the digestive tract of a fish... you can certainly do it here.

What a place to start over! Slopping around in the seaweed and juices inside that monster, fishing for a match to find his way out. Jonah took a long, honest look at this short, dishonest life. For the first time in a long time, the prophet brushed up on his prayer life. He promised the Lord that he would keep his promise and get back on target.

The best things about this day is that it is a time to start over.... Refresh yourself.... change directions.... Begin anew.

That requires taking the long, honest look.... knowing where you are. Taking time to honestly admit your present situation.... facing the music.... coming to terms with the things that need attention.

Our enemy, Satan, is whispering in your ear... "You are finished, through, burned out.."

But that is a lie... the truth is what Joel wrote to all the Jonahs... "I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten."

If God can take a disobedient Prophet, turn him around, and set him on fire spiritually, HE CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOU.

He is a specialist at making something useful and beautiful out of something broken and confused.

WHERE ARE YOU??????? START THERE!!!!!!!

Openly and honestly declare your need to the One who cares so deeply for you. Don't hide a thing. Show God all those fish bites. He is ready to heal every one

He will meet you right here today... He will begin the process of converting you into a new creature

Won't you come?????