Hello Gloria Dei,
Over the past few months, I’ve enjoyed teaching through the book of Romans. Many of you have participated in these 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month Bible Studies. We are almost finished now. The apostle Paul is the author, and in this letter we get maybe the most developed and profound theological letter that Paul ever penned.
One commentary I’ve read breaks down Romans into three main parts.
Chapters 1-8: Principles of the Gospel
Chapters 9-11: Problems with the Gospel
Chapters 12-16: Practicing the Gospel
In our study on Thursdays, we’ve arrived at part three: Practicing the Gospel. As I read the Bible, I find many places where we can learn how to live as followers of Christ. However, I think that if I had to choose, I would say that Romans chapter 12 is the best summation of what it means in daily living to live as a follower of Jesus. I invite you to read Romans 12 as your devotion this week.
Among other things, this chapter reminds us that we are to live counterculture to the ways of the world. What might that mean? Maybe not always thinking only about “I, Me, Mine”, but rather, finding ways to make the lives of others better.
Paul also reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I think of Paul’s letter to the Philippians where he says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable and praiseworthy, think about these things.” -Philippians 4:8.
As we focus on these things of God, our minds and our lives are indeed renewed and transformed.
May God bless you in your reading of his word and in the living out of your faith as one who shines the light of Christ into the world around you.
A reminder:
One more Stewardship / Fellowship Event: This Sunday, November 9th. You are invited to come to this adult-only gathering at Vinyl Taco on Western Avenue, just south of Scheels. We will meet from 5pm to 7:15pm. Together we’ll enjoy good food and drink, wonderful fellowship, and we’ll hear from some fellow Gloria Dei members about the impact Gloria Dei is having on their lives and the lives of others. Please RSVP using this link. Hope to see you there.
May God bless you today and give you peace. See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
