Sunday Sermon Summary

This week's sermon was titled "Transformed Not Conformed". Pastor Ken began his sermon with the following statement....."a little water changes everything." He gave the example of the ice storm that we experienced this past week and how that little bit of condensation, along with some below freezing temperatures, changed many plans for that day....school closings, events cancelled, treacherous drives to work! Then he gave the example of how a little water, in August, changes everything as well....plants and grass that have been literally dying of thirst can be replenished....a cool glass to drink can make you feel renewed and refreshed. The last example he gave was in regards to baptism....."in baptism, a little water marks you as a child of God." Today in the service that I attended, we witnessed a precious newborn baby being baptized. Our church also honored our annual tradition of the service of Baptism Renewal.....this isn't being baptized again, but a way for you to remember what it meant/what it means to be baptized. It is an optional opportunity, so you don't have to renew your baptism; and of course if you have never been baptized...then you wouldn't participate. When I was baptized many many years ago, I knew the promise I was making; but I had drifted away many times. I remember feeling a little disappointed, because I didn't "feel" any differently. As the years have passed, I have been able to grasp the meaning of being baptized. I like the idea of being reminded of what it means to be baptized......"In baptism, you are part of God's family; this is how you live." Jesus comes in and transforms your heart and your mind, we change the outside with His guidance and help.
Paul said the following.... 1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Unless our minds are transformed, we may get caught up in the moment; and miss the REAL moment. Do you ever get caught up in the moment? Do you ever judge people by their appearance, or their athletic ability, or what kind of car they drive,or where they live? Do you ever get so caught up in the crisis of the day, that it becomes your crisis? Remember what Paul said ...."Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by renewing of your minds."