"For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

The Bible has the power to transform a person in a single, defining moment. Unlike other religions which one may become interested in and eventually join, true Christianity has the power to convert a person suddenly and without expectancy. There are testimonies where a person began their day as a practitioner of another religion only to yield to the gospel message in a moment. Even atheists have been transformed by Christ suddenly. That is the power of the Living Word of God which cannot easily be explained away. And God doesn't merely change a person's life when they receive the Gospel message, but actually exchanges their mortal corrupt life with the eternal perfect life of Jesus.

My African friend Joseph Kimani knew little of real Christianity but decided to attend an outdoor crusade because he saw a poster advertising it. What did the poster say that caught his interest? Nothing. It was the photograph of a nice looking woman which he found attractive, and he was actually entertaining the thought that he might be able to get a date with her if he could meet her at the crusade.

 But at the crusade he heard the gospel proclaimed in power and found himself broken. He received Christ and was baptized. He was filled with the spirit and transformed that day. He is now Pastor of the Apostolic Church of God Seventh Day and Bishop over many congregations in Kenya and Tanzania which he raised up personally. He sponsored 34 of our Crusades in 2001.

When Paul and Silas found themselves beaten and bloody in the darkness of a dungeon (Acts 16) they began to sing praises to God. Suddenly, the earth began to shake, the doors opened wide and their chains fell off. The jailer was amazed and wanted the light in Paul and Silas. What power gave these men the ability to cheerfully praise their God while beaten and imprisoned? The prison doors opened but the prisoners did not escape, they all ran to find Paul and Silas whom they did not know, -this must have astonished the jailer.

The jailer and his family received Jesus and were baptized. This began the church in Philippi. Paul and Silas had been going through the city preaching and after casting out a demon spirit they were beaten and arrested. But what the devil meant for evil God turned into good - there in prison the Church was birthed.

When Peter preached on Pentecost 3000 lives were spontaneously changed forever. These men went from death to life that day. After hearing the gospel preached they asked -"What must we do to be saved?" Peter said, "Repent of practicing sin, be baptized in the Name of Jesus, and receive the promise of the holy spirit. "The Word has the power to transform you into the image of God -But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image." (2 Cor.3)