Transformed: How God Renews Your Mind to Make You More Like Jesus

by Esther Engelsma

As Christians, most of us know we should be being transformed into the image of Christ by concentrating on things above. However, if we don’t know how to implement that practice in our daily lives, the biblical command can become frustrating and unattainable. Worse still, the media driven world in which we are immersed constantly focuses our minds on things below. Transformed investigates the process God uses to makes us more like Jesus through the renewing our minds.

Discover how the Holy Spirit helps us think in obedience to God’s word so that more Christlike behavior follows - and our feelings and desires align more with God’s will.



Table of

The MindLook and ListenThinkSay and DoFeel and DesireThe Mind of Christ

Author

Esther Engelsma is author of How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom? She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and three children. She also serves her church as an administrative assistant.



Endorsements

“Part of God’s transforming work in us involves the renewing of our minds. In Transformed, Esther Engelsma explores this renewal by looking at the importance of our thoughts and the role they play in steering our wills, desires, emotions, and actions. Because what we think about really does matter. Read this book and learn how the word of God shapes, directs, and renews our minds, transforming us into the image of Christ.” — Christina Fox, counselor, retreat speaker, author of A Holy Trading Lesser Fears for the Fear of the Lord

“In this outstanding book, which so carefully balances encouragement and exhortation, Esther Engelsma reminds us that ‘we were created to be discipled.’ So are Christians being conformed to the world or transformed into the image of our Savior? Reminding us of God’s sovereign intention to have His people grow in holiness, Esther Engelsma offers practical advice on how we should think about our responsibility in the renewing of our minds.” — Crawford Gribben, professor of history, Queen’s University Belfast

Genres: Christian

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2021

About the author

Esther Engelsma lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband and daughter. She also serves her church as an administrative assistant. Esther is the daughter of Joel Beeke.

Reviews

[Maddie Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband got me this book for Christmas, and I’m so thankful that he did. What sweet relief to finally find some good, sound Christian writing from a woman that truly edifies and points is back to Christ, without all the fluff and feigned positivity gushing that usually accompanies books written for Christian women. Esther makes an easy read of her work and it is sprinkled with bible verses and excellent quotes from many of Christian greats from both history and modernity. I’m walking away from this book, feeling more introspective about my own sinful motives, wastes of time, and sloth—and yet having the remedy at my finger tips-the Word of God! I feel refreshed and motivated to seek a Christ like life, for His glory. To transfer that head knowledge and theological accuracy to living it out. I am thankful for books like these that ground us and really point us back to what matters in a charitable, encouraging and most importantly, a biblical way. This isn’t about moralism, this is about living out your faith in real time.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit repetitive and verbose, but really helpful.

[Kristen Bazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't long, but it's powerful. In an age where we are constantly consuming information, Esther describes how what we look at and listen to will literally rewire our brains, changing the way we think. In response, our desires and actions are transformed as well--either for good or for bad. As Christians, we want to become more like Christ, but "we cannot become more like Him unless we behold Him." Esther illustrates how the cycle goes both ways, and that what we say and do will change what we desire and the way we think. This means that the more we obey, even if we don't feel like it, the more we will desire to walk in the Spirit. Esther offers practical ways to set our minds on Christ and experience His transforming power. I'm so thankful for this book!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read as far as the message. The only downside - it is repetitive. However, despite repetition, the information is clearly communicated and presented in a way that makes it easy to remember. This is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at its origin - from the Bible. But it's so much more than CBT because it takes pressure off the reader to produce results on their own. It's God's way where the burden is light. All we are called to do is obey and God does the work of renewing our mind and transforming our lives. It's an encouraging message full of hope.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well thought out and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed chapter one - learning about how our brains are physically transformed. This is great encouragement!! I did read other reviews that found further chapters to be verbose and repetitive, I disagree. I found Ms. Engelsma's writing to be thorough and detailed. She addressed all aspects of the 'inputs' we use and how they affect us. Well done!

[Aaron Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformed is the exact book I needed at this time in my life. For the past few years, I've pondered Romans 12:2 and wondered how to apply it to myself.
Through deep study and thought, Esther Engelsma has laid out steps to the transformation Paul was referring to.
If you desire true transformation, by all means start reading your Bible daily and get serious about your prayer life, but add 'Transformed' and follow the instructions!

[Nettie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a practical book on how to let the Holy Spirit renew your mind through His Word. No earth-shattering brand-new concepts are presented, but the author uses Scripture to show the reader how to have thoughts, words, feelings, and actions that are according to Scripture instead of according to the flesh. Highly recommended!

[Samantha Prodromou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book & very biblical.
Though it is a smallish book, it took me a while to get through it because it is dense (and full of goodness!) but it was so worth it.

I love how each chapter builds on the last and builds a very solid and Biblical understanding of how God transforms and renews us.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - Good stuff. There's definitely some important takeaways from this book, but overall felt too long and repetitive.

[Nathan DiBagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, truthful, and encouraging for believers. She quotes from heavy hitters such as John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, Elisabeth Elliot, and Joel Beeke.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but helpful in getting the reader to think concretely how God transforms us.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great short book on the renewing of the mind. Biblical and practical.

[Karina Benhami · Rating 5 out of 5]

O que vemos, ouvimos transforma o que pensamos e em como agimos. Por este motivo precisamos encher nossa vida com a palavra de Deus, buscar o conhecimento do alto mais do que os prazeres da terra, nos transformará em sermos parecidos com Cristo.