We all hit dense patches of fog at some point in our life. Whether it is personal, spiritual, or professional, the fog creeps in quick and we cannot seem to get clarity on what to do, what the next move is, or even what direction to go in. What do you do when the fog rolls in?

In Romans Chapter 12 Paul talks about living a transformed life. In response to the mercies of God live differently. True worship is how we live out the love of Jesus.

In Romans 12:9-21 Paul gives us a list of traits that demonstrate a transformed life. There are as many as 30 traits in that list. These are timeless and eternal principles that are beacons when the fog rolls in. When the way is not clear and everything has changed these beacons give us confidence and direction. Everything has changed but in a sense nothing has changed too. No matter what is happening in the world we are called to become more like Christ.

I want to drill down and dig into this text rather than just pass it over. With each message I will pull something from the life of Jesus that demonstrates this particular trait. Each week we will read the whole text: Romans 12:9-21.

Be part of this deep dive with me!
Rev. David Emery, Lead Pastor

September 6.  The beacon of love. (Romans 12:9-11)
Paul says don’t fake it.  Don’t be a hypocrite. Love must be sincere. Love must be genuine. It’s not some gushy feeling, or something that we fall into. It is an intentional choice that we make. He talks about devotion, honor, zeal in serving.

September 13  Don’t run from hard. (Romans 12:12-13)
When things get hard we want to run from it. We want to avoid things. But Paul says don’t run from hard. Instead Rejoice in Hope. Be patient with affliction. Be steadfast in prayer.

September 20 Grow your empathy. (Romans 12:14-16)
Paul says mourn with those who mourn. People do not need our advice. They need our empathy. Going to talk about the power of empathy and how we grow it.

September 27  Do the right thing. (Roman 12:17-21)
Paul says do the right thing in the eyes of everyone. In other words do what is right no matter what. Don’t add to the misery that already exists. Don’t sink to that level. Live by the principles that you have in Christ. Don’t repay evil with evil. Live as best you can in peace with others. How do we do that when people are so divided at this time. This is about loving and forgiving our enemies and those who hurt us.