Romans 11-12

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ~Romans 12:2


The more I read in Romans, the more closely I see how Christians relate to Jews. Both groups see themselves as part of a remnant that will be saved. And we can only be saved by grace. So what is grace? It's not something we can earn. It is something that is given. But (in my opinion) grace is not one-sided. It is a gift that calls for a response. The response is faith and obedience. Paul devoted the entire chapter 4 of Romans to talk about Abraham. Abe became the "father of many nations" not by his works, but through his faith. His actions were just a reflection of his heart. It's not as though we are trying to repay God. It's more like a thank you card from Hallmark (not Dollar Tree) because God deserves the very best.


Paul tells us to consider the kindness and sternness of God. He compares Jews to the natural branches of tree, and Christians to the ingrafted branches. Neither group can boast because we are both supported by the root (God). Anyone who doesn't believe is broken off. That's the scary part. There are many Jews and Christians alike who claim to believe in God, but they don't have any real evidence. Their lives don't look much different from a nonbeliever. And I'm afraid that they will realize it too late. Jesus said that many who claim to know Him will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Some readers have asked about my opinion of "once saved, always saved." I'll share my full view on that topic in the near future, but let's continue on for now.

What do you think of when you hear the word worship? Admittedly, I think of the band playing at church or Air1 music on the radio. But Paul says, "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices for this is your spiritual act of worship." Worship is not just music. Yes, music is a part of it. But it's not the only thing. Worship, for me, means being inspired. Knowing who God is, what He's done for me, and what He asks of me. It's not just an emotion that comes and goes. It's a lifestyle change. If we are going to be transformed (different from the rest of this world), it starts in our mind. It's changing bad habits into good ones. It's a slow process, but it becomes easier the more we do it. When we take captive our thoughts, it influences everything.

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions, Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny." ~Unknown