A Renewed Mind
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 ESV)
Discipleship is not a short-term mission; it is a lifetime pursuit. The call of God for every disciple is to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is what theologians call sanctification -- the process that begins at conversion by which we are transformed to be more like Jesus and will one day be complete when we stand in His presence. Until then, there is still more room for growth.
In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul says that this transformation is the result of a renewed mind:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
The primary way our mind – our thinking – is renewed is through time spent in the Word. It is in the Word that we learn about the Living Word; about the Father’s purpose and plan of redemption; about Jesus’ atoning work on the cross; about His resurrection; about His care for His children; about the precepts that should guide our lives.
One of the best resolutions we can make for the new year: spend regular time in the Word. Time in the Word will lead to right thinking -- to a right understanding of our circumstances -- to a life transformed --to disciples that look more like Jesus.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
By Jesse Smith
Jesse and his wife, Melanie, reside in Lexington, along with their son, Zak.
Discipleship is not a short-term mission; it is a lifetime pursuit. The call of God for every disciple is to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is what theologians call sanctification -- the process that begins at conversion by which we are transformed to be more like Jesus and will one day be complete when we stand in His presence. Until then, there is still more room for growth.
In Romans 12 the Apostle Paul says that this transformation is the result of a renewed mind:
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV)
The primary way our mind – our thinking – is renewed is through time spent in the Word. It is in the Word that we learn about the Living Word; about the Father’s purpose and plan of redemption; about Jesus’ atoning work on the cross; about His resurrection; about His care for His children; about the precepts that should guide our lives.
One of the best resolutions we can make for the new year: spend regular time in the Word. Time in the Word will lead to right thinking -- to a right understanding of our circumstances -- to a life transformed --to disciples that look more like Jesus.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)
By Jesse Smith
Jesse and his wife, Melanie, reside in Lexington, along with their son, Zak.
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2022
January
New Year's Day 2022All Things NewA New NormalA Renewed MindA New MissionA New BeginningSpring is Coming...God's Not DeadHis Presence As I Pray With Other BelieversHis Presence As I Fill My Heart and Mind with His WordHis Presence As I WorshipHis Presence As I WriteHim AloneGoodbyesOur Friend and So Much MoreTrust Your Gut...The Flooding of the Holy SpritLiving By the SpiritDon't Just Stand ThereThe Futility of Human EffortThe Will of God for YouThe Internal Battle for ControlEvery Good Tree Bears Good FruitAchieving Victory Over SinIlluminating Properties of SnowSearching
February
MapsThe AdvocatesPainting the PictureThree In OneFebruary Scripture Memory VerseWelcome to the Book of Acts!A Growing HeartThere's Something You Need to Understand!Let's Flip a Coin - Or Do You Have a Better Idea?Are We There Yet?Growing in the ChallengesA Day to RememberA Historical RealityA Life TransformedA Message that Convicts and SavesA Gospel that GathersPain with a PurposeThe Early Church - AccountableThe Early Church - God Living In UsThe Early Church - BoldnessThe Early Church - GenerosityThe Early Church - ServingThe IntroductionThe Starting Lineup
March
On the DefenseNot in My House!We Have a Barn Burner!Drop the Rock!Scripture Memory Verse for MarchThe Glory of God's RedemptionSalvation Comes from GodEncountering ChristChanged Hearts and LivesCompleting the Unfinished WorkPsalm 131Something Came UpUnoffendableSpeaking Our LanguageTo Love or Not to LoveShake It UpPsalm 131Sola GratiaFreed by GraceAmazed by GraceScandalous GraceEvidence of GraceWhat God Has GivenThe Travel PlannerWhat Makes You Curious?Strengthened by Other BelieversImposters Exposed
April
A Farewell to EphesusScripture Memory Verse for AprilHappy EndingsSomething You Need to Know About PaulAlmostBlank PageSuper ChristianThe Prince of PeaceA Special CrossMore Than an Empty TombTwo Things to RememberResurrection LifeWhat We Wear MattersA New LifeProgress ReportGospel GrowthPraying for the Global ChurchA Powerful Prayer GuideDelivered from Darkness