Transformed

Transformed

Challenging Myths About The Power-Filled Life
by Christy Wimber

Lion Hudson IP Limited

Monarch Books
Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 21 Apr 2017 

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Transformed through the publisher and Netgalley:

This book reminds us that just because someone has fame does not mean they have a picture perfect life.  Wealth and fame do not necessarily mean they are without problems.

This book also reminds us the danger of putting to much focus on the outward.

We are reminded too that we will face seasons in our life and we need to get through those seasons.  This book also reminds us too that we all have a call to minister to us.

We are reminded too that God will reveal things to us.

This book points out that being Transformed is a journey not a destination.  The author reminds us too that faithfulness is not possible without Grace.

I give Transformed five out of five stars.

Happy Reading...

I first heard Christy Wimber speak at the Vineyard National Conference in Costa Rica last year. And quite a bit of what Transformed covered was what she shared with us there. She is passionate about people becoming free in their relationship with the Lord-- submitting everything to Him. I could hear her voice throughout the entire book.

Being transformed is a process and what we are living in is that process. Surrendering our everything to the Lord is that process. Becoming more like Him is that process. Reflecting Him is also a part of that process. Transformed is about our relationship with the Lord--our submitting to Him as a result of His love for us.

Everything that was covered in this book touched on something that I have been experiencing in this season of my life. That there are seasons of joy and not so joyousness an how God is still in control in each. That He is working something out in me through each. I appreciated the portions related to mercy and judgement--not to give away everything... you do need to read it, but she talked about how as God leads each person though these seasons, pulling parts of them in turn to be examined and transformed, that we shouldn't push that person to change more than what God is working on in that moment. well Yes, there might be more that needs to be done in that person, but God is the on that brings about that change... not us, no matter how well meaning we may feel.

I also appreciated that she reiterated that God is the one doing the work. That transformation isn't something that we can do--we don't have to add to the list of "things I have to do to..." and sometimes that is hard to remember when reading books about a relationship with the Lord.

I already cannot wait to purchase this book for some family and friends for Christmas, if I can wait that long!

“The word ‘transformation’ here means metamorphosis. It literally means to be change from the inside out.”

In this book Christy Wimber takes us through a journey of looking at what the Christians life ought to look like if living it fully in God’s plans. It discusses how God wants to transform every part of our lives, both the good and the bad. It is a call to arms for the church to better serve the people within the church and the people in the world who are desperate for God whether they know it or not. 

Transformed is not an easy book to read. It is not, for example, the sort of book you read a chapter at a time before drifting off to sleep kind of piece. Rather it is a challenging book that dares you personally in many areas of your life. It is a book to read with an open spirit, ready to learn, grow and change. 

Wimber is willing to tackle topics that are far from easy, often shied away from because of their difficulty and yet are pressing issues facing the church and the world today.

Mental illness is one of the greatest issues that the church faces today in our modern world. So many people are suffering and the church is failing to be a safe place for the hurting to come and ask for healing and support. 
“But mental illness is not popular; with mental illness we find shame and stigma.”
“Suffering, especially those who suffer with chronic illnesses, is not a popular topic within charismatic circles. Often we don’t mind you having the condition, but if you're still suffering after we have prayed for you, then where is your faith lacking?”
Confronting words, and yet all too real an issue.

Another serious topic that Wimber talks about is the place of women in head leadership of the church. It has the potential to rip the church as an entity and as a group of people who meet every week apart because believers on either side of the divide are passionate about their point of view.  She is careful to walk the line and speak with respect for those who firmly believe women should not be in leadership and testifies to her calling and place in leadership as a pastor. 
“Whether or not you and your church leadership believe in women in head leadership, you need to be aware of the culture around you. The younger generations have no problem with who’s leading, whether male or female. …..because the younger generations do not care much about our church structures, but they do want to serve and to change the world.”

 Wimber teaches that our whole lives are to be an act of worship and not just the funky music we play once a week before the sermon is preached. Everything we do and say is to be an act of worship. 
“Worship is more than a musical expression; it is an indicator of what your life is all about.”
She teaches that there is a battle over our lives when it comes to worship, as satan himself was the worship leader who wanted all the worship for himself.  
“The battle with worship in your own life is over who will get your attention, your affections and the glory from your life.”

This is a really terrific read. It is balanced and it never ever forgets its primary goal is for us to worship God more fully with our lives. It challenges and teaches us, it encourages and warns.

The key to true transformation in the Christian life is absolute surrender and open transparency. As an experienced pastor and leader, Christy Wimber has walked this out in her own life, perhaps not perfectly, but with enough insight and self-awareness to be able to share practical steps towards the goal of being transformed into the likeness of Christ. This is a book I could come back to again and again; there are portions I already know I'll want to reread. For this reason, I would recommend purchasing the paperback rather than the Kindle edition. The chapters are somewhat disjointed and repetitive; this may be because each chapter could stand alone as a separate teaching. Nevertheless, this book is well worth reading and rereading.