Colossians 1:12-14
A GLORIOUS CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Intro: Some people fear change! I mean when anything deviates from the normal in their lives, they just can’t handle it.  Some changes are negative in nature. Events like death, aging, illness, etc are examples of negative changes. But, some changes are positive. Marriage, the birth of a child, buying a new home, getting a new job, are all examples of changes that can be beneficial and positive.
Paul mentions some changes that a priceless.   I want to share with you the priceless changes that Paul mentioned in these three short verses. I want you to understand that when the Lord saved your soul, He changed you and He changed some things in you and for you. These changes are priceless, precious and profound.

I. v. 12 OUR STATION IN LIFE HAS BEEN CHANGED
A. We Are A Prepared People – We are told that the Father “hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” The phrase “made us meet” simply means that we “have been qualified” by God to participate in His inheritance with those saints who have already been promoted to glory.
At the instant a lost sinner trusts Jesus for his soul’s salvation, that sinner becomes a saint of God. He is literally a “new creature”. He is “born again.” He receives a fresh start. Everything changes! 
B. We Are A Privileged People – The Bible mentions an “inheritance.” Because we are now in the family of God, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  Paul said it this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,” Eph. 1:3. 

II. v. 13a OUR STATUS IN LIFE HAS BEEN CHANGED
A. The Reality Of Our Lost Condition – In man’s lost condition, he is under “the power of darkness.”  The word “power” has the idea of “authority or jurisdiction.”   Lost men and women are not in control of their own destinies, but are in the "juristiction of the Devil!  They are trapped in their sins and they carry out the will of their master the devil.
B. The Reality Of Our Liberated Condition – Against a backdrop of such horror, Paul declares a glorious truth: he tells us that we have been “delivered” from that awful bondage!  The very word “deliver” tells the tale. It means, “to draw to oneself; to rescue; and that's just what Jesus did for me one day!

III. v. 13b-14 OUR STANDING IN LIFE HAS BEEN CHANGED 
A. We Have A New Realm – Jesus did not just bring us out of the devil’s kingdom, He brought us into His Own kingdom! The Bible says that we have been “translated.” This world means “to transfer; to move from one place to another.”   Because we are in a new realm, we are subject to new laws and rules for living.
B. We Have A New Ruler – Before, we were under the domain of the devil.  He could care less about our peace, our joy, our well being or our salvation. But, when we came to Jesus and were saved by His grace, we entered into His kingdom.
But, the question today is this: Has Jesus made this change in your life?  OUR CHURCH HAS CHANGED FOR THE BETTER OVER THE YEARS!!!