Dear Church Family, Have you ever left a footprint on the ground? If the ground was soft, you could probably even see details from your shoe or bare foot. Just like the ground, our minds are moldable. Different things can leave their marks. I’m continuing to read through the book of Romans and came to two of my favorite verses: Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
I love verse one and its focus on worship and viewing ourselves as living sacrifices to God. I stopped, though, at verse two and wondered what things have been shaping my mind. Paul urges us not to allow the world to conform us into its image. What have you allowed your mind to be conformed to? The positive command is to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. One of the biggest ways we can do that is allow His Word to shape our minds into His image. How are you allowing God to transform your mind? We often wonder why we struggle to discern what the will of God is for us. When we are refusing to conform to the world and allowing God to transform and renew our minds, we will be able to test and discern His will. Are you struggling with that today? Could it be that you need to change what is shaping your mind? What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Challenge for the New Year: As we begin this new year, one goal I have for our church body is to grow deeper in God’s Word. The Bible is one of God’s greatest tools for growing us in our relationship with Him and also helps protect us from swerving from the truth. One specific way you can do this is to read through the Bible in a year. There are several different ways to do this, but one specific plan will be available at the Welcome Table on Sunday. We will have a special celebration dinner at the end of the year for anyone who completes this challenge. Communion: We will next be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together as part of our Sunday morning service on this Sunday, January 8th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember Jesus’ body that was broken and His blood that was shed for us. Prayer Night: We’ll gather together for prayer on Sunday, January 22nd at 6 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We have the privilege of bringing our needs before the Lord and praising Him for Who He is and what he has done for us. Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. If you’re looking for a group to join, we have several different options to choose from, with more coming soon. You can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups This Coming Sunday:
Hometown Rejection – We’re returning to our series through the Gospel According to Mark. This Sunday we will look at Mark 6:1-6 and find out the reason for the rejection Jesus receives when he returns to His hometown of Nazareth. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
