Transformed Personally
explore the idea of Personal Transformation. Martin Luther had a personal transformation by the power of the Gospel, can you have one too? Reflecting on the Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34 Know the Lord God says that His people will know who He is through what He has written on their hearts. How do you feel you could get to know God better? Psalm46 Run to the Lords Fortress Martin Luther based his Reformation hymn A Mighty Fortress on this Psalm and said that writing this hymn changed him. Could you devote yourself to writing something that would transform you? Romans 3:19-28 Faith and Works - We cannot save ourselves, no matter how many good deeds we accomplish. We need faith, trust in Jesus love for us and redemption of our souls, and that faith will transform our lives. How might you gain more trust in Jesus love for your and His redemption of you? John 8:31-36 Set Free By the Truth Part of being Transformed by Jesus is to understand that it is an act of freedom, not a conscription of guilt or enslavement of incrimination. What is freedom according to Jesus? Law and Gospel: Law: Even if you try all of the personal transformation techniques we set out, you will not be free until your heart (your will) understands that you cannot transform yourself. Gospel: Instead of trying to personally transform ourselves into the image of Christs perfection, Jesus transforms us personally
into people who have His perfect righteousness. Living the Lectionary Ideas: Learn: Consider if you might be transformed this year by the renewing of your mind* (see ideas on next page) Do: Consider if you might be transformed this year by testing to determine Gods will* in your actions (see ideas on next page) Live: Consider if you might be transformed this year by an attitude that is good, acceptable, and perfect* (see ideas on next page) *from Romans 12:2
Pastor Jay is available to consult with you about your choices and ideas. Please be sure that your idea could last for one year of transformation, and is something you are not currently doing.