In episode 16, Krysta and Traci address a challenging question, “What are some patterns or practices that you see both in the world and in the church.” They explore common practices that seem natural to do but can lead to disunity, such as separating the youth from the worship service or senior members not being actively engaged.
The sisters read portions of Romans 8 and 12, encouraging believers to keep letting themselves be transformed and set apart, and to seek God’s good will rather than quickly accepting worldly habits. Understanding the challenges and pressures of the world, the sisters encourage listeners to become familiar with the patterns of Christian living that Paul writes about in Romans 12 as they consider the patterns of their lives.
Key Topics Include:
- The role of the church in training children up in the Lord.
- Being transformed by the renewing of our minds is an ongoing, daily process.
- The enemy will use fear to keep us from standing firm or being bold in our faith.
- The pain of dividing up healthy and close groups to create new ones.
- Division in the body stems from being divided within ourselves, that is, trying to please the flesh and God at the same time.
- Complacency is dangerous.
- Some members of the church fail to use their gifts because of the struggle to keep the status quo.
- Pleasing and glorifying God will cost us something but will lead to greater reward.
- The enemy is getting bolder in this present age, yet we have the Holy Spirit as our helper, so we can be bold in our faith.
- We are ambassadors, and Christ is the head.
- Hospitality has been neglected in our present time, and hospitality in the home is much more intimate. The love of God is all that is required.
Scripture Verses Mentioned: (From the Complete Jewish Bible version)
- Romans 12: 1-2 I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you. In other words, do not let yourselves be conformed to the standards of this present age (olam hazeh). Instead, keep letting yourselves be transformed by the renewing of your minds; so that you will know what God wants and will agree that what he wants is good, satisfying and able to succeed.
- Romans 8: 5-6 For those who identify with their old nature set their minds on the things of the old nature, but those who identify with the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Having one’s mind controlled by the old nature is death, but having one’s mind controlled by the Spirit is life and shalom.
- Romans 12: 3 For I am telling every single one of you, through the grace that has been given to me, not to have exaggerated ideas about your own importance. Instead, develop a sober estimate of yourself based on the standard which God has given to each of you, namely, trust.
- I must decrease so God can increase
- Matthew 5:13 “You are salt for the Land. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except being thrown out for people to trample on.”
- Romans 12:10 – 13 Love each other devotedly in brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
What we focus on and absorb creates patterns over time. Some of the passages above are abbreviated and listeners are encouraged to study more from the passages listed above, and to seek to know our God more through prayer and feasting on scripture. The sisters also invite listeners to reach out if they need specific prayer or support in this area. Traci and Krysta continue to pray for those who are listening to the podcast. They invite listeners to share feedback about this week’s topic, submit new topics and questions, or to request prayer by visiting the website iamnotenough.us.
