A quick post on the day before Independence Day. I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase “Liberty and Justice for All.” Of course you are. It’s a phrase included in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Liberty and justice for all.” While this is an incredible thought politically, socially, and nationally. It is impossible to experience spiritually. Why?
I have been a Southern Baptist for most of my life and for all of my ministry. While I was “brought” into the SBC by my family at a young age, I have chosen to remain for many reasons. Not the least of which I enumerated here.
Unlike many of my peers, I’ve never been a “young” pastor at odds with my convention. I affirm our theology, acknowledge our diversity, and appreciate our missiology. Having attended the Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention this past week in New Orleans, I was reminded of five reasons I’m grateful for the SBC.
1. The election of Fred Luter
This week, Stephanie and I are at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans. If my guess is right, this will be a fairly historic convention as we elect our first African American president in history – Fred Luter. I’m excited about this opportunity.
But, as usual, there has been a bit of controversy leading up to the convention. My intention is not to deal with the controversy here, but to give two simple reasons why I am still a Southern Baptist.
I’m doing a series on the blog in Romans 8 called, Five Words That Can Change Your Life. Five words that provide five themes for Romans 8: freed (1-8), empowered (9-11), adopted (12-17), transformed (18-30), and loved (31-39).
Today, we will talk about the word, Transformed from Romans 8:18-30. When Jesus Christ takes up residence in your life, you cannot and will not be the same. Your life will be radically changed – transformed.
One of the best ways to know that you are truly a child of God is by asking the question, “Has my life been transformed?” You may be able to “turn over a new leaf” without God. You might can make some improvements, additions and renovations. But when you come to Christ, there is an internal transformation that cannot be denied! If you say you’ve met God and have never experienced transformation either God is a liar or you are. I’m betting it’s you!
What does Romans 8 teach us about being transformed? Here are four ways your life can be transformed by the power of God.
I’ve been adding posts on the blog in a series entitled, Five Words That Can Change Your Life. It’s a series on one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, Romans 8. The series will cover five words that provide five themes for different sections of the chapter: freed (1-8), empowered (9-11), adopted (12-17), transformed (18-30), and loved (31-39).
I’ve posted on the words freed and empowered and today the focus is the word adopted. Erwin Lutzer said, “There is more grace in God’s heart than there is sin in your past.” Romans 8:13-17 reveals four things that happen in our lives when we are adopted into the family of God.
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