BEGIN AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes” (Romans 12:2 TPT).\
The way of the culture is conformity. Peer pressure insures everyone conforms to cultural norms. Anyone who dares disagree or give voice to a contrary position is labeled, shamed and canceled by an unforgiving culture. How ironic that the very social construct that preaches tolerance and acceptance for every deviant act can suddenly switch from warmth and universal embrace to rude rejection of any who dare disagree with their values (or lack thereof). 

While the culture espouses conformity from the outside in, the Spirit of God works from the inside out to change our very thoughts and feelings by His transforming power producing total reformation. The One who knows the very “thoughts and intents of the heart,” can produce unimaginable change (Hebrews 4:12 NKJ). Paul wrote concerning the discipline of the mind when he said, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). The baptism of the Spirit gives us power over our thought life and gives us the ability to choose what we will think. A conscious effort to control our thought life will have tremendous rewards, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” indicating the wisdom our thought life and some self-reflection (Matthew 12:34 NKJ). 

God is in the process of changing lives for eternity. We are transformed from vile sinners to radically saved Christ-followers! Paul said, “And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT).

Be transformed by the Holy Spirit! This is radical reformation.

Theme passage:
“Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT).

BEGIN AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT).

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but we have no cause to compliment the culture of contemporary society. Though social media and other gatherings people often dress like, sing like, act like, or emulate those they admire or desire to be like. Trends and fashions often mirror those of the trendsetters or celebrities. Social influencers seek to profit by convincing others to follow a trend or adopt certain styles so they may profit from the sales they inspire. 

It seems that many, especially teens or young adults, want to be different, yet they also carefully mimic the latest trend. The things they model betray their desire for distinction. Obviously there is a desire for acceptance and identity with those surrounding them. 

Paul advised believers in Rome to cease imitating the culture. There is no need to model the actions or attitudes of our society, especially in areas that identify us with the world and its passions. The call of the Spirit is to be separated from the world and identified with Jesus! Avoid imitation!

Christians are to be transformed by the baptism of the Spirit, changed into new creations in Christ. Paul called it “a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT). He wrote, “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJ). 


Theme passage:
“Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT).

BEGIN AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship” (Romans 12:1 TPT).

Paul asked the question as to how we should live in response to God’s great grace. He then answered the question by calling us to surrender our lives to God, to become His “sacred, living sacrifices.” All of our lives are to be lived to reflect His story of redemption. Salvation is revealed in changed lives and a new direction. We live to honor God and the life-change is an act of worship!

God is delighted when those He has redeemed from sin live in holiness, allowing God’s holy presence to guide our decisions and direct our steps. By living in holiness we will experience “all that delights his heart.” A life that is lived pleasing God becomes a life of true worship. God’s presence is not only living inside, but is reflected outwardly for all to see our heart-felt devotion for God. 

When we walk in spiritual dedication and discipline before God, we live in holiness. This is our passion to be a living sacrifice, holy and accepted by Him.  

How do we live in holiness as humans? The text instructs us to, “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV). Our greatest act of worship is bring honor to God in our bodies and in our spirit! Paul wrote that we should, “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV). Another translation said, “Because of our deepest respect and worship of God, we must remove everything from our lives that contaminates body and spirit, and continue to complete the development of holiness within us” (2 Corinthians 7:1 TPT).


Theme passage:
“Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT).

BEGIN AGAIN!
Terry R. Baughman

“Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1 TPT).

God’s matchless mercy will compel us to surrender completely to Him. Once we have experienced God’s mercy which we do not deserve and come to an understanding of its greatness, we cannot help but willing give up everything for His cause. Recognizing what our salvation cost Him and the vast empathy of mercy that must have required, how can we resist His call and refuse His plan? He only wants what is best for us, so why wouldn’t we surrender to His direction. 

Throughout history a multitude of animal sacrifices were offered to God on hand-built altars, on the altar in the tabernacle of the wilderness, and later in Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. They were all the depiction of a future sacrifice of ransom that Jesus would offer for the sins of the world. What could never be accomplished through the offering of an animal for sacrifice was abundantly provided through the death of a lamb, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NKJ). 

The scene of Calvary is the picture of pardon and the message of mercy. This graphic demonstration of God’s great love story causes us to respond in repentance and submit ourselves as a living sacrifice. God has not called us to die for Him, but to live for Him and continually submit our will to Him and to share ourselves with the world. His passion has become our mission!


Theme passage:
“Be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think” (Romans 12:2 TPT).
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