Toys like Transformers and stories like the Ugly Duckling emphasize the theme of transformation by showing a change of what we thought something was into something so much better.  I think inside, most of us desired this sort of transformation growing up.  I remember looking at my life, my outward appearance, my inward struggles, and my awkward relationships and praying that God would change me.  The Gospel, at its core, is about a radical transformation.  We, who were dead in sin, have been brought to life through the grace of God.  We are not supposed to be the same person on this side of the cross.  Yet sadly, most of us struggle with allowing the Spirit to truly transform us. This week, we will examine Romans 5:12-21, seeing how grace changes everything from what we thought our life was into something so much better!