In Romans 12:1-2 we are reminded that we are to “present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God.” Yet the body is still the center of sinful desires, emotional depression, and spiritual doubts. Paul gives insight into that sobering reality when he says, “I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). IN order to maintain a holy life and testimony and to minister effectively, even the great apostle had to exert himself strongly and continually in order to control the human and sinful part of himself that persistently wanted to rule and corrupt his life and his work for the Lord. Scripture makes clear that God created the body as good (Genesis), and that, despite the body’s continuing corruption by sin, the bodies of redeemed souls will also one day be redeemed and sanctified. The Lord created our bodies for Himself, and in this life, He cannot work through us without in some way working through our bodies. If we speak for Him, it must be through our mouths. If we read His Word, it must be with our eyes, if we hear … READ MORE

Romans 12:1-2 challenges us to “present our bodies as living sacrifices to God,” When a person commits their life to Christ, their heart is transformed by the power of the gospel. This transformation is manifested through the outward acts which are seen by those, this manifestation is carried out by our physical bodies. It is one to say with all my heart to my wife “I love you,” Yet, if with my outward actions I do not demonstrate that love it is nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). At the same time, a dead body brings no comfort to those who are around them, a person can only bring comfort by their living acts of compassion. Because of the transformation that takes place in the heart of a follower of Jesus Christ, it is only natural for them to demonstrate the power of the gospel, by living in a different way. Our behavior demonstrates our essence. If I am a caterpillar I cannot live as a butterfly, but if a metamorphosis has taken place my life will change, a butterfly can no longer live as a caterpillar. It’s very essence has changed! So to has a person who has come to understand … READ MORE

Countless numbers of people today flock to various churchs, seminars, and conferences in search of personal benefits that they hope to receive. They do just the opposite of what Paul so plainly emphasizes in Romans 12:1-2. In this forceful and compassionate exhortation, the apostle does not focus on what more we need to receive from God but on what we are to give Him. The key to a productive and satisfying Christian life is not in getting more but it giving all. True worship includes many things besides the obvious ones of prayer, [praise, and thanksgiving. It includes serving God by serving others in His name. Sacrificial worship includes “doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:15. Our supreme act of worship is to offer ourselves wholly and continually to the Lord as living sacrifices. Tragically, that is far from the approach that is so com on today by which believers seek the key to the abundant life. We are told that victory in the Christian life is to have more of God and to have more from God. In the deepest, eternal sense we cannot have more of God or from God than we, … READ MORE