Good morning, There are two ways of approaching today with all of its plans, activities, responsibilities, challenges, and joys. Either be “conformed” or “transformed.” Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” To be “conformed” is to be molded into the shape of the world around us. It’s the easiest path. It is going along with the general consensus on social media. It is avoiding controversy over attitudes in conflict with God’s Word. It is fitting in with current culture so as not to appear weird or judgmental toward anyone else and their lifestyle. Many churches have taken that approach. Rather than be a godly influence on the world, they let the world dictate what they are going to teach and do. It’s the easiest path, but it’s not the one the Lord would have us follow. Rather, we are to be “transformed” by the renewing of our mind. We can’t bring about that transformation ourselves. We don’t even want to do it. “The sinful mind is hostile to God” (Rom. 8:7). By His grace, the Lord creates a “new you” through the working of the Holy Spirit in the Word. The preaching of Jesus as Lord and Savior on Pentecost brought 3,000 souls to faith. Likewise, the Spirit through the gospel has breathed new life into our spiritually dead hearts, so that now they beat in love for Jesus, who died to give us everlasting life. Through the Word the Spirit continually renews and strengthens our faith. Today don’t be conformed, but transformed. Spend time in the Word. Let the message of Christ crucified renew your love for Him and give you the strength to be different than the world around us. May we not be afraid to break out of the mold of our unbelieving society and follow the path the Lord lays out for us. May we always be ready to give a reason for the hope we have to everyone who asks. May we gladly stand with the apostle Paul and say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Yours in Christ, Pastor Tomorrow is Pentecost and also our Confirmation Sunday. The 8:00 a.m. service will be held as usual, with the Lord’s Supper being celebrated. The examination service for our confirmand, Teagan Mueller, will be in place of Sunday school and Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The 10:30 a.m. service will include the Rite of Confirmation and the Lord’s Supper. The choir will sing in second service.
