Paul urges, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom. 12:2).
"Do not conform" is an admission that the world has an agenda for us; it wants to fit us into the same mold — a life devoid of God, independent of God, or even working against God.
We are reborn to think and live a new life. Too many believers have been "born again," getting wet in baptism, but they are trying to live by the same rules, values, and purposes of their old life, apart from Christ. They are not "reborn" in their thinking. This robs them of much joy, spiritual fulfillment, and witness.
As an example, I'd like to address a common lie that I heard in church. |
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October 6 — Today is the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale's first printed work, the "Cologne Fragment," which introduced Matthew's Gospel in English to the public. Despite opposition and danger, Tyndale completed the first full English New Testament in 1526. Though betrayed and executed for heresy in 1536, his translation became the foundation for modern English Bibles, coining terms like "atonement" and "Passover" that influenced the King James translators and are still in wide use today. (Christian Today) |
| October 7 —The Bible Access List published an interactive map and table highlighting the regions where access to Scripture is most challenged due to restrictions and shortages. The report (see October 4, below) shows the results of efforts by oppressive regimes and extremist groups to weaken Christian communities. Initiatives like Open Doors' Ground Zero program are working to address this crisis by distributing and teaching Bibles. With this map, you can see for yourself where the need is greatest. (Bible Access List) |
| October 7 — The second part of Lifeway's discipleship study (see August 21) found that 52% of U.S. Protestant pastors claim to have an intentional discipleship plan, but only 30% use specific methods to measure its effectiveness. While 71% believe such methods exist, only 29% say they consistently assess discipleship progress. Larger churches and those established since 2000 are more likely to evaluate and describe their strategies as effective. (Lifeway Research) |
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Over the years, I've stood at a lot of deathbeds, conducted a lot of funerals, said goodbye to a lot of my friends and family, and counseled more people in grief than I can remember. Two types of questions come up again and again among those standing by the graveside of a loved one: - Where is my daddy right now? Where is my loved one? Is my little girl alive right now somewhere? - How is it going with them? What are they doing right now on the other side of the grave? How are they?
The Bible has the answer, and it is illustrated clearly in a story told by Jesus about two individuals who went to two different places when they died. |
| What does the Bible say about heaven? A lot. Heaven in the Bible can refer to an afterlife or future paradise, but it can also mean something more like a community, way of life, or spiritual state here and now. And sometimes it simply means the sky.
Either way, you will find that heaven (or "the heavens," since both the Hebrew and Greek word are plural), is a real place where God lives. Jesus promises his followers that they will go there and be with him forever. But he also encourages us not to wait for death, but to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth right now.
Here is a selection of Bible verses about heaven in its various meanings. |
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