We are extremely joyful that you found our web page and decided to fellowship with us, either in person or online. Paul stated in (Romans 12:2)…..And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The “renewing of our mind” is a continuous process throughout our Christian life – (Romans 12:1-2) (2 Corinthians 4:16). Before a child of God can truly make the “outward” changes of the body (actions), there must first be the “inward” change of the mind (thoughts), for our outward actions start from within (Proverbs 6:18) (Proverbs 23:7) (Matthew 15:18-20). W.E. Vine gives us the following definition concerning the word “renewing” as used in (Romans 12:2) – “The adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.”
The whole goal and purpose for “renewing” our mind (putting in practice God’s Word in our lives (Romans 12:2) (Ephesians 4:23) (Colossians 3:10), is so that we might cast down all the imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ and bring “every thought” of our heart to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). One might ask, how do we renew our mind?
1) Our minds must be directed to “think” about things that are “right” according to God’s Word (Philippians 4:8-9).
2) We must be willing to add divine attributes to our character (2 Peter 1:4-8).
3) In order to “change” our thought patterns, we must be willing to “put off” the thought patterns of our “old” lifestyle (old man) and “put on” the thought patterns of our “new” lifestyle (new man) “in Christ” – (Ephesians 4:22-24) (Colossians 3:8-14).
The purpose of changing our thought patterns is so that our “conduct” or “actions” or “manner of life” before others reflect the teachings of the gospel of Christ – (Philippians 1:27). Paul gives us explicit instructions on “how” to “put on” this “new man” (Romans 12:9-21) (Ephesians 4:22-32) (Ephesians 5:1-33) (Ephesians 6:1-18) (Colossians 3:1-25). The gospel of Christ is to “elevate” our manner of life into the “likeness” of that life which Jesus lived in order to bring honor and glory to our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16) (John 15:8) (1 Peter 2:12).
At Rathdrum Bible Church we actually use the Bible for the “renewing of our mind”, that we might be: (1) filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (2) that we might walk worthy of the Lord; (3) that we might be fruitful in every good work; (4) that we might increase in the knowledge of God. If you are trying to find a place to worship our Lord where the Scriptures are used to renew our minds, please join us.
Pastor Dan Nickerson