Church of New Hope - Lewiston, ID

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Romans 12 Challenge 2010

Pastor Josh has brought a challenge to Church of New Hope! He is asking for the whole congregation to read through and meditate over Romans 12 throughout 2010.

Please send in your meditations/comments/reflections and we'll post responses below! May we encourage and spur one another on.

Here are some of your thoughts/reflections:

~ "I find this passage certainly applies to our world today. I find it is harder to break away from conforming to the needs/desires/schedule of this world as I age and have more financial, family, and social responsibility; but I see how it is a necessity in order to "renew the mind" and be able to follow the directives listed in Romans 12. It is a challenge to break conformity (of attitude, needs, desires, and self-servitude) while still having to work within the constructs of the world, of society, to hold employment. I suppose it only takes trust in God to master this separation - whether separating oneself by attitude and outlook, or by offering up a situational alternative, or other? I also suppose, this is connected to the focus on material comforts of our world, and the need to acquire and maintain them. It shifts our focus of what is valuable which in turn keeps our minds occupied away from where it should be - how to live fully by willfully giving of our gifts in devotion to honoring one another and serving the Lord. How simply it all goes hand-in-hand! Yet, seems so difficult." ~annoyomous

~ "I appreciated the comment from anonymous - separating oneself by attitude and outlook - that is possible in all places and at all times." ~annoyomous

~ "I just love this passage. Phrases from it pass through my mind sometimes at seemingly random times of the day or night. I think the phrase that I've been thinking of most frequently is this one: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (yes, I know, it's the King James version - has a comforting ring to it don't ya think?) I'm better able to discern God's good and acceptable and perfect will when I work to renew my mind to His Word and ways. I have to regularly read His Word and exercise self-control of my thoughts - that's my personal challenge. Sometimes circumstances can seem overwhelming but they don't need to overwhelm - in light of this verse." ~ Cathy Edmonson

~ "As I was reading our passage this week I noted how the section dealing with spiritual gifts might be read two ways. In one sense it is exhorting each member of the body to exercise the gift(s) given him in accordance with the measure of faith-- yet perhaps a second way of reading those clauses might be addressed to the church body as a whole for the purpose of encouraging us to both recognize the different gifts given to individuals and also not hinder the exercise of those gifts." ~ Sharon Stanley

~ "Great thoughts and comments Sharon. The teaching of spiritual gifts is worthy of our time and attention. I've heard it said that when a believer knows their spiritual gifts they also know their spiritual "job description." Hmm... so the gifts are given to strengthen the church ... and in recognizing the gifts in others, I should not be a road block to others in exercising their gifts. It could be done unintentionally so that's good to consider. Thanks for sharing these thoughts!" ~annoyomous

Check out what's up next for Pastor Josh! He'll be preaching three Sermon Series starting this June.

God's Love Story - Tracing the story of God's redeeming love throughout the Bible.

Sacred Space - Learn what exactly it means to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Paradox - Study seemingly contradictory ideas pertaining to Christian life found in the Bible.

Take Pastor Josh up on the Romans 12 Challenge. For 2010, Josh is asking that we all read and meditate on Romans 12 for the entire year.

As you read this passage you can share your thoughts and reflections on our Romans 12 Challenge page. You can also read how others have commented.

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Romans 12 (NIV)

"...I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. 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.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.