For Such A Time as This – May 5, 2021 – Thomas Dowdy

 

To the Good Folk of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren,

Joys and Concerns

If you have a joy or concern you would like us to share and pray about, please call, text, or email it to me.  If you would like it included in our Sunday Worship sharing and prayer time, please share it with Pastor Bill that week by Thursday evening. 

See this Saturday’s “Weekly Update” email for any new prayer concerns.

Thank You:

To all who call others to check in on them and to share our emails and devotions.

Today’s Devotion:

“Compelling Vision” is our denomination's effort to identify a shared vision that can foster unity in the midst of great diversity and dividing differences.  A thirteen session Bible Study has been developed to undergird this statement.  We are using pieces of the Bible Study in our weekly devotion email.

Today’s reflection was written by Thomas Dowdy, who serves as pastor of Imperial Heights Community Church of the Brethren, Los Angeles, California. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, he serves on the Mission and Ministry Board and Local Community Foundation Boards. He has a passion for peacebuilding and uses his musical talent as a bridge to connect all people towards a beloved community.

Shalom, Dennis

Compelling Visions Statement
Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.
 
Session 5 – Radical Transformation

What does it mean to be radically transformed through Jesus Christ?

Scriptures - John 3:5-7; Galatians 2:15-21; Romans 12:1-2

Reflection – Thomas Dowdy

John 3:5-7 – New Birth - Transformed from Above

Nicodemus was a Jewish leader who came to Jesus at night, asking a profound and pressing question about entering the Kingdom of God. He was earnest about knowing what he needed to do. Maybe he thought coming to Jesus away from the other leaders would give him an edge on how to get into the Kingdom of God. Jesus replies to Nicodemus that the only way to enter the kingdom is through the radical transformation of being born again. To be reborn was confusing to Nicodemus as he asked Jesus how this physically could be done. 

Jesus wanted Nicodemus to know that radical transformation of rebirth only comes from God. There is no shortcut to enter into the Kingdom of God. The process is very different than our normal way of thinking. We can't enter the kingdom by our human effort or ingenuity. It is a spiritual transformation that comes from God alone. Our responsibility is to faithfully align ourselves with God’s process to be spiritually reborn.

Galatians 2:15-21 – Accepting the New Birth

Paul's radical transformation occurred on the Damascus road in Acts 9. After his encounter with Jesus, Paul understood that he had lived for the law, which was different from what God intended. Paul spoke of himself as chief of all sinners because he lived and did what he thought was right. Paul was determined to live by the law as a faithful and dedicated Jew. He believed that the law was the only way Jews could become the kingdom people of God. But God had a better way for Paul to spend the rest of his life. When Jesus confronted him on the Damascus road, Paul's mind became regenerated, and he became a radically transformed, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, caring for all people.

Paul's radical transformation provided him with three important insights. After God opened Paul's spiritual eyes, he could see his mistakes and cautioned others to avoid doing the same. Second, Paul recognized although he made great mistakes against Jesus, Jesus' love was unconditional. Third, Paul's transformation caused him to rededicate his life, reaching out to Gentiles and Jews for the Kingdom of God.

Romans 12:1-2 – Submitting All for Jesus

In his appeal to the Romans, Paul urged them to be a living sacrifice for Jesus, submitting their whole being—body, mind, soul, and spirit. The outcome would be pleasing to God. God is merciful to all humankind. Although we are all sinners saved by God’s grace, our spiritual and physical response is to submit to God. God's act of mercy and grace comes out of God’s LOVE for all humankind.

To be non-conforming to the world system requires an act of God in us. God knows that we are challenged every day with temptations to conform to the world around us, so God equips us with the Holy Spirit to guide our daily decisions. Although we can choose to submit to this guidance, God provides us with this guidance to aid us in our kingdom seeking. The reality is that when we submit all of ourselves to God in sacrificing time, talent, and desires, we begin our radical transformation into a love experience that transforms our action into true worship.

Sending

Dear Lord, we thank you for salvation based on your love for us. Help us to be faithful followers of your intent and purpose for your church. As we seek your kingdom, transform our hearts, minds, and lives to be open and loving to you and those around us. Please give us the strength and courage to face opposition with wisdom and loving guidance. Amen.