"As a new Christian you were like a lump of coal: unattractive, somewhat fragile and messy to work with. After time and pressure, however, coal has hardened and become beautiful. Although the original lump of coal is not a diamond, it consists of the right substance to become a diamond. Right now, you are a diamond in the rough, but given enough time and pressure, you will be like a diamond revealing the glory of God."
"Anthony Hoekema comments, "You are new creatures now! Not totally new, to be sure, but GENUINELY new. And we who are believers should see ourselves in this way: no longer as depraved and helpless slaves of sin, but as those who have been created anew in Christ." "
Hmm, i just find the way God work and speak amazing(: This particular paragraph really ministered to me in someway or another. Admittedly, we are just like coal/rocks, with many impurities(sins in our lives) in us that Jesus is constantly changing, moulding us and refining us to become more like diamond. Sometimes, it is painful, it takes tremendous effort, courage and faith because these impurities had embedded in us for such a long time that it become habitual.
On this note, reminds me of what Ps Sy Rogers preached on Sunday is so entirely true. We must really do a thorough cleansing, and ensure these impurities don't exist anymore, so they won't haunt you again in any later part of your life. His sermon has truly made a impact on me. Praise & Worship on Sunday led by Joanne was powerful to me too, all those older songs brought me back to the times when I was still rather a new Christian in HOGC last year, I know God has something to speak about.
Yeah, I really admire this great man of God, and that's what I like about people. Behind every face, there's a story to tell. And I really want to just love the people around unconditionally, and bless them, care for them and be there for them wherever and with whatever I can. I just love the feeling when people around me feel loved.
