Show Notes

Summary

Romans 12:2 is one of the best verses to meditate on to understand the gist of the Christian life.  In today’s society, it is so common to hear people tell you to “find your people”.  Jesus tells you not to conform to the world.  Conform to Him.  Renew your mind to transform.  To transfigure (transform) like Christ did on the mountain.

This episode breaks down one of our greatest problems today. The power of culture to influence our behaviors.  Christ wants us to rise above culture.  The world should look to Christians and wonder why we don’t engage in destructive behaviors, how we handle suffering with joy, why we respond positively to negativity, how we date wiser, and praise the institution of marriage.

The Christian was called to be the light and salt of the earth.

Unfortunately, the church has fallen prey to the culture in several sad ways.  The Christian faith knows no boundaries, yet we segregate our churches in America.  The nation can not make powerful societal changes without the Christian church leading the Way.

1. Don’t conform to the world.  Conform to Jesus

Christians are called to be different from the world.  Be in the world but not of the world. Many know this, but struggle to actually live it out.  God was so wise and gracious to send His son as an example for how we are to live.

Humans do better when they have an example than when they read a list of rules.

I drop a little Greek to talk about the transformation Christians are supposed to be undergoing in our lives.  It’s really fascinating.  Living like Christ will turn us into practically a whole different person.  Literally the best version of ourselves!!

2. Problems with conforming to the world

Living like Christ will literally make you better at life.  (Not easier, BETTER).  I present modern examples of choices one can make in case you’re unsure you’re headed in the right direction.  Christ’s example of the broad road and narrow gate is the best gauge of this.  

If you see or hear the majority of people doing something, it’s probably wrong.  Though the world thinks many Christian choices aren’t fun, they’re mistaken.  Avoiding unnecessary pain is better than fun.  Why enter into a mediocre, immediate relationship rather than patiently waiting for the blessing God has for you in the future?  More of these in the episode. . .

3. The Mistake of conforming to Christian culture

We are not called to conform to other Christians.  Yes, it’s great to be in a Christian community and we are commanded to do so.  What we are not commanded to do, is be just like one another.  God, the Great Creator, loves individuality.  We are to be unified, not uniform.

Don’t make the mistake of adapting the “Christian aesthetic”.  Christianity transcends borders.  Don’t become an “American” Christian.  Don’t become partial to your denomination.  Jesus was not a Christian.  He wasn’t a Baptist or a Catholic.  Jesus wants to live His life through you, not a religion.

4. Diversity in the Christian church

One of the greatest failures of the American church is that our faith is divided by racial lines.  This is deeply disheartening.  The world sees this.  I believe the racial polarization in America can be softened if they see Christians engage beyond racial lines first. I reveal some startling statistics and some personal examples to demonstrate the reality of this.

Give it a try 💪🏽🤍

Reach out to a brother or sister in Christ who looks completely different from you.  Maybe even worships different from you.  

We are the REVIVAL!

Resources

Scripture Verses

Romans 12:2, 4-5 | Galatians 3:28 | Matthew 7:13-14 | Romans 8:29