“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” — Romans 12:2 

 

The culture in which we live today is spiritually bankrupt and hostile to God. We’re living in a world that is hostile to our faith and values as followers of Jesus Christ.

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That is why the Bible says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world” (1 John 2:15–16 NLT).

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As Christians living in a culture that is hostile to our faith, it is tempting for us to try to fit in and not stand out as people who really believe in Jesus, as people who hold certain values. But if you are a child of God that is what we are called to do. Stand out! Don't conform! Don't follow! Don't be like! 

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In this day, when it’s acceptable to openly mock and deride Christians, it is a real temptation not to stand up for what you believe.

Yet the Bible tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2 NLT).

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Instead of being squeezed into the mold of the world, we are to fill our minds with the things of God. (Philippians 4:8-9) We’re to fill our lives with the things that will build us up spiritually. If we do this, God says that He will reveal His will and we will have peace. 

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If you are willing to take these steps and make application of His Word, then God promises that He will reveal to you His good and pleasing and perfect will. And God’s will for you is always good. The psalmist David reminds us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” (Psalm 34:8 NLT) 

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God's plan for you is always good. It is perfect. As we say every Sunday, if you believe God's Word for you and you receive God's Word for you and you apply God's Word in your life then you can expect God's favor and blessing. It's a conditional promise. 

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The world needs the church like never before living what they believe. They need a church who is different from the world. We get to be that church. Don't conform be transformed! 

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Together as the church 2024!

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Pastor Larry 

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