“If it is possible, AS MUCH AS DEPENDS ON YOU, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Is it possible, in this evil world we live in, to do that?
Paul instructs us in the ability we have because of our changed lives, (you know we have been “born again”), “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a LIVING SACRIFICE, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not CONFORM (suschēmatizō: to be the same as everyone else) to the pattern of this world but be TRANSFORMED (metamorphoō: to be divinely changed into a Christian form) by the RENEWING of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2) At age 29 (May 17th, 1972,) the Lord saved me and delivered me from drugs, alcohol, a very foul mouth and a bad temper!!! I was very strong and had very fast hands so usually with one punch, I could wrongly settle things. I was in desperate need OF A TRANSFORMATION. God was so good to deliver me from all that “junk” in my life and “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; old things have passed away; behold, ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I’m 81 years old now and have not used drugs or alcohol, said curse words and have not been IN A FIGHT all for a little over 52 years.
- You may think it’s foolish what I’m gonna say,
- I’m not ashamed, no not ashamed,
- One day I prayed Jesus, take my sin away,
- And that’s when I was BORN AGAIN
- BORN AGAIN,
- there’s really been a change in me,
- BORN AGAIN, just like Jesus said,
- BORN AGAIN, and all because of Calvary,
- I’m glad so glad that I’ve been BORN AGAIN.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, FEED HIM; if he is thirsty, GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO DRINK. In doing this, you will HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD (If one’s fire went out, he would come and ask for a hot coal, what we should do is FILL his bucket with hot coals as he carries the bucket home on his head).” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham