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VISION by Phyllis York
Have you ever taken a before and after picture? You know, the ones that show a difference in hairstyle or color. Other photos show the contrast in your complexion after using a particular product. And the biggie is the one showing weight loss (or gain). These examples demonstrate the difference after someone or something intervened. Ephesians 2 reminds the believer of our before and after picture when God intervened with His grace. In verses 1-3, Paul describes our pre-conversion condition. We were spiritually dead, missing the mark of God’s standard. Disobedient conduct characterized our lives. And God was angry with us like He was with everyone else. But God intervened with His rich mercy (compassion when in distress) and great love (deliberately choosing to love us), providing the way to become His child. God made us alive in Christ, or He regenerated us. He made it possible for us to have a relationship with Him. He made us positionally a resident of Heaven, which will be a reality one day. This is one before and after picture that excites me! How about you? If you haven’t experienced this transformation, find someone who can explain how to have the best before and after picture you will ever take. About the writer: Phyllis York is the interim director for WNAC and lives in Smyrna, Tennessee, with her husband, Tim. She has been a leader in Free Will Baptist Women's Ministries since 1992. In 2010, Phyllis began working for WNAC as administrative assistant to Director Elizabeth Hodges. Spending time with her three grandboys is her favorite thing to do. APR-JUN 2022
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