Conforming to Non-Conformity

I would sum up my impression of spending this past weekend with Dr. Scott Hamm in one word, "Transformation." Scott returned to this concept over and over. What's the purpose of the Sunday morning Bible class? To assist in the process of spiritual formation; or in other words, transformation. Who is best suited to teach an adult Bible class? One who is in the process of being spiritually transformed into the image of Christ. Who makes the most lasting spiritual impact on people? The one who has been, and is continuing to be, transformed.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2a) Change your thinking and God will change you! How can we help each other to think more like Jesus and less like the world?

"Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2b) There is certainly a place for determining God's specific role for our individual lives. However, this verse is about the community. We all offer our bodies together as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1). As all of us surrender ourselves as an act of worship to the Lord Jesus our thinking changes. Things that once were of vital importance now take a back seat to the things that Jesus taught are are truly important.

The power the world has to shape the way we think is changed as together we seek to know and understand his Word, his Will and his Ways. The adult Sunday School is a great place for this kind of learning and sharing to begin.

Be Faithful in Prayer

Was it just me or did the assembly seem especially alive this morning? Perhaps it was the combined praise team and choir up front which made the sanctuary fill with the sound of voices praising God. Or, maybe it is just the climate that is being created in our church as we plan our next steps of movement into the future. Whatever it was, it was certainly a joyful assembly!

Several commented on the idea I mentioned during the sermon about "Praying First." Several years ago I wrote that down on a post-it note and stuck it on my computer monitor. Seeing the note reminding me to "Pray First" every morning was a good reminder to take everything to God in prayer before acting or deciding. Someone once said that 90% of preaching is just reminding ourselves to do what we already know to do. Having preached for over 25 years now I would say that is probably true. How often I need to be reminded of the basic truths of the Gospel and the implications of that truth for my life. Praying first is one of those implications.