Turn on the news. Pain and hurt seem to be the primary topic. Sometimes  it’s news of a catastrophic storm that left a wake of destruction, including the loss of loved ones or homes, or a story about displaced orphans. So many people are hurt and in pain, and something needs to change for the better. We need a world changer. 

Change is rarely easy, but oftentimes, it’s the catalyst we need for transforming into an even better version of ourselves. The Bible is filled with stories of redemption, change and transformation. When we make the decision to deny ourselves and follow after Christ and become a Jesus follower, we are changed. When you recognize that you’re a sinner, ask God for forgiveness and then make the decision to follow after Jesus, the Bible offers several verses that talk about the change we experience — and it’s a change for the better. Here are some of the verses.  

Bible verses about changing for the better through salvation

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

• 1 John 1:9 (ESV) — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

• Galatians 2:20 (NIV) — “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Once you accept Jesus as your Savior, there’s a new focus in your life — a desire to continue to grow and be a better person. The Bible gives us guidance on how we should live to change our lives for the better. 

How the Bible says we should live to change for the better

• Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) — “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, 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, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

• Colossians 3:17 (ESV) — “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

• 1 Timothy 5:8 (ESV) — “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

• Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) — “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

• Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

• Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

• Galatians 5:19-23 (NIV) — “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Earlier, we said we needed a world changer. But here’s the truth: We’re all world changers. God has called us to continue to change to better ourselves for God’s glory.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website. 

Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.