"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."  Romans 12:2

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...."  Philippians 2:5

According to the Bible, we were created to be JUST LIKE JESUS.  We are to be "conformed to His very image," (Romans 8:28) and be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Philippians 2:2)

As Christians, we should have the "mind of Christ."  No one can comprehend God (Romans 11:34), however, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers have insight into some of God's plans, thoughts, and actions - they, in fact, have the "mind of Christ."  By reading God's Word and meditating on it through the Holy Spirit we can begin to know God's thoughts, talk with Him, and expect to be just like Jesus.

Which begs to question:

Can we really have the "mind of Christ?"  YES, Indeed!

The Apostle Paul said, "We are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but that we are to be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

In other words, our relationship with God needs to influence the way we think.  ReThink Your Life is all about a growing and maturing relationship with God - it's about having the very mind of Christ, so we can have the same "mind-set" of Jesus.

Again, the Apostle Paul said, "Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ."  Jesus is the personification of God Himself.  He is the very essence of God in visible form - "the exact representation and radiance of God the Father." (Hebrews 1:12)  Wow!  What an awesome thought - God in the flesh!  He became one of us so we could see for ourselves what God is like and desires.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the Apostle Paul says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come!"  If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, that statement describes you.  Paul is saying that the same God who created us in the first place has recreated us in the image of His Son.  The thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, purposes, habits, speech and conduct that belonged to the old self have been replaced with new ones!  Or have they?

We say things, do things, think things, and act in ways that reflect more of the old self and the world than the new self; we have an identity crisis going on because we have been negligent in Bible Study and consumed by the world around us.

If the "renewing of the mind" is the end-result we are looking for in life's journey and adventure, then we need to get serious about our relationship with God through His Son - Jesus Christ!

There are two things we need to do:

First, Acknowledge we have an "identity crisis" and
Second, take Appropriate Action according to God's Word.

IDENTITY CRISIS:  The Apostle Paul said, "Those who live according to the 'old self' have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God.  It does not submit to God's law (Word), nor can it do so.  Those controlled by the sinful nature (mind) cannot please God."  Romans 8:5-8

So what are we to do?

Take action on God's Revealed Word:  We are not called to simply "identify" with the world and say, "that's just the way it is."  NO, we are instructed to take action by the "renewing of our minds." (Romans 12:2)  The Apostle Paul said, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature and put on the new self, which is being 'renewed' in knowledge in the image of its Creator."  This requires active engagement in our own growth in Christ - ReThink Your Life...and take action.  YES, take action and do what God's Word says.

In order for this to happen there are some specific things we must do.

As we do these things, we will experience God in fresh, new ways.

When we take action and pursue experiences with God through intentional
- Worship
- Bible Study
- Prayer
- Journaling
- Meditation
- Reflection

we can expect our faith to become more active and our minds will be "renewed" in such a way that we literally begin to look Just Like Jesus!

Series Downloads

January 5 - Renewal: It Starts In Your Mind - Bulletin • Notes • Powerpoint
January 12 -  Renewal: It Starts In Your Mind - Bulletin
January 19 - Renewal: It Starts In Your Mind Part 2 - Bulletin • Powerpoint
January 26 - Renewal: Thinking God's Thoughts - Bulletin • Notes • Powerpoint
February 2 - Thinking God's Thoughts: The Holy Mindset - Bulletin • Notes • Powerpoint
February 9 - Same bulletin as previous week
February 16 - Renew Your Mind: Whatever It Takes - Bulletin • Notes • Powerpoint
February 23 - Whatever It Takes: Love Beyond Reason - Bulletin • Notes • Powerpoint