Thursday; September 10
The Apostle Paul lived amid one of the most incredible eras in human history. The Roman Empire influenced a lot of people across a wide area – socially, politically and religiously. I think that is what makes this observation so powerful, “Therefore 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. And 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). The Christians in the First Century faced daily influences to become a part of their modern world – Paul reminded them that they needed to be distinct. Often, when I read Romans 12, I think about the similarities...