LIFE STAGES In This series we see the dynamic movement of God’s redemption and spiritual transformation. We must recognize who we are apart from God and our utter unholiness in light of His holiness. In that awareness, God brings His forgiveness and renovation of our ruined hearts. We are changed and called out to be His presence to the world. It is the transformation of our entire being—heart, soul, body, and mind—that God awakens in order to prepare us to further His kingdom. This process is no small thing. It is a total reconstruction of our hearts, and necessary, as we often are too easily satisfied with the trivialities of life rather than God Himself. We hunger for God but quickly try to satisfy that hunger with something other than Him. The temporary indulgences of wealth, pleasure, power, and honor never fully quench our thirst for the eternal presence of God. We are awakened into a relationship of our “first love” with God through Jesus Christ that leads us to salvation.