"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)
What happened to the weekly singing of Let There Be Peace on Earth? The peace that was meant to be for the future good of the world. Where is it? It was to begin with the person in the mirror. What happened?
What happened to the weekly singing of Let There Be Peace on Earth? The peace that was meant to be for the future good of the world. Where is it? It was to begin with the person in the mirror. What happened?
People come to church wanting a place of peace. A place where people may be fitted for the world. The church should be the place of shalom. The church is for ordinary people, but it is an extraordinary place. The Body of Christ is extraordinary, yet existing for the comfort of ordinary people. It is the place of worship.
In accord with the teachings of Paul, the spiritual place of worship is with each individual. The intentional giving of the yourself to God daily. Our church facilities and corporate worship becomes the place where we are fitted for the true worship in daily living. One commentator writes in wording that is so pronounced: "The entire existence of believers should be sacrificial worship of God, in response to the sacrifice of God's Son (3:24-26). This requires choosing to be transformed in the mind by the Spirit of God (8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12) rather than conforming to 'what everyone else does.'" (pg. 1939, The Discipleship Study Bible)
Come dwell in a place of peace. Each day, when you awake, give thanks to God and clothe yourself in the study of the Bible. Wear righteousness as your garment of protection by living in holiness. Be an intentional maker of peace throughout each day, until it is unintentionally habitual. Memorize Scriptural verses every morning, so as to be equipped against the challenges of evil. Shield yourself from the temptations by standing firm in the faith. Know without doubt that you are saved by grace, which is efficiently sufficient. Pray in the spirit of asking God for all things good.
When we all carry the daily deportment of children of God, then will "peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 6:23)
We are body builders for Christ, so be strong in the Lord. Amen.
In accord with the teachings of Paul, the spiritual place of worship is with each individual. The intentional giving of the yourself to God daily. Our church facilities and corporate worship becomes the place where we are fitted for the true worship in daily living. One commentator writes in wording that is so pronounced: "The entire existence of believers should be sacrificial worship of God, in response to the sacrifice of God's Son (3:24-26). This requires choosing to be transformed in the mind by the Spirit of God (8:14; 1 Corinthians 2:12) rather than conforming to 'what everyone else does.'" (pg. 1939, The Discipleship Study Bible)
Come dwell in a place of peace. Each day, when you awake, give thanks to God and clothe yourself in the study of the Bible. Wear righteousness as your garment of protection by living in holiness. Be an intentional maker of peace throughout each day, until it is unintentionally habitual. Memorize Scriptural verses every morning, so as to be equipped against the challenges of evil. Shield yourself from the temptations by standing firm in the faith. Know without doubt that you are saved by grace, which is efficiently sufficient. Pray in the spirit of asking God for all things good.
When we all carry the daily deportment of children of God, then will "peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 6:23)
We are body builders for Christ, so be strong in the Lord. Amen.
2 comments:
Peace? People in the church hardly ever agree on anything! I don't know how you preachers can stand it. People in the church fuss more than the people on the streets.
It is a good message if we would listen. Keep preaching, Laptop Theologian,maybe they'll hear you!
By the way, why do you call yourself The Laptop Theologian? Is it because you preach over the internet?
People fuss and "cuss" rather they attend or do not attend church, for sure. I have experienced over the years that there is a better chance of change among those who attend church, while we never stop working for the change to come even among those not attending worship or other activities in the church. The validity of the Christian mission is captured in Romans 12:9-21, where in we strive not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. in order for there to be peace, we all need some good ole, down home, Mom and Pop singing and Bible believing religion. That's the teaching I gained in childhood from the lap of my Mother, the late Lula Woodbury Rouse, my "laptop" theologian. Since the apple does not fall too far from the tree, consider these online messages from me - The Laptop Theologian.
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