Conformed to God’s Word for Transformation
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… (Rom 12:1-2)
You are warmly welcome! This year we focus on the theme: Conforming to God’s Word for Transformation.
Conforming to God’s Word is the only way to actualize the golden season of the reign of the Messiah. As a Chapel, we received this Word as we entered this Year 2024: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you” (Isaiah 60:1-2). We see in this chapter the most glowing and beautiful description of the ‘golden age’ under the reign of Christ the King, adorned with the highest ornaments of poetry; the future glory of the church is displayed under the most splendid colors, and with every variety of imagery. This good news comes to excite and encourage you about this season – and you will advance in the light of Christ to the Father’s glory. According to Rev Jaspher Oluge, “God hates stagnation. We want to see and bless the progress in your education, job, career, development, business…” – and this will come to pass in this year!
How can you really see and enjoy the glorious blessed light? ‘See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.’ In this life on earth, it is true we still have darkness and thick darkness in many places and institutions, but the promise of light is not negated or compromised at all. We can be sure to see and enjoy the glorious blessed light if we cease from being conformed to the patterns of this world, as Paul preaches: “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs]” (AMP). The way the world sees success, growth and development is different from God’s way. See how dirty pornographic videos are more popular than worship and teaching videos! See how amassing more money and wealth – without regard for and to the detriment of others – is seen by the world as being successful! See how many ‘towers of Babel’ are being constructed in the name of technological advancements! They are a big problem when God is not glorified but instead is ridiculed! Oh, the wretched patterns of this world – darkness!
Nonetheless, do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. As we focus on being conformed to the truth of God’s Word, we will truly have our minds renewed, and we will be able to see and enjoy the glorious blessed light of the Lord in this year.
Happy New Year! God bless you abundantly!