“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”. Romans 12:2 (NLT)​

There are a couple of key ideas in these verses they can be summarized by the difference between conformed and transformed. We are not to be conformed to the world but live as people who are transformed by our Lord Jesus Christ through the working of the Holy Spirit.​

Think of some of the beliefs and priorities in the world today that run counter to the Word of God,

This Life is all there is. A large part of the world doesn’t believe in an afterlife or the eternal. They certainly don’t believe in any kind of judgment. They conclude any loving God would never judge someone and consign them to Hell. They believe most people are “good.” As believers, we renew our mind by living in light of eternity and the truth that Jesus rose from the dead and will someday return and judge the earth. This leads us to witness and work to live according to God’s eternal principles.

Experience is the measure of Truth. You hear people all the time say, “Well, it works for me!”  Truth is whatever we want to be true. What matters to the world is not whether or not something is true but whether or not it fulfills my desires. There is a psychological truth called confirmation bias which is when you only seek information that confirms what you want to be true. We see this all the time in what we choose to watch, listen to, and believe. As believers, we measure truth by the Word of God and seek to align our lives to His Word. We must not be swept up by popular opinion

 Images are Valued more than Words.  Social scientists say we are no longer linear thinkers.  In other words, our society doesn’t wrestle with arguments and logic anymore.  People get more of their beliefs from television, movies, podcasts, and YouTube “influencers” than from books. We believe what people say without evaluating what we are being told.  The world around us is much more impacted by sound bites than rational discussion. If you watch a political debate the goal is not to explain your view of issues, it is to get your soundbite front and center! As believers we are to be people who listen and think. We must be willing for our ideas to be challenged and draw our values from the Word of God. We are to study to show ourselves to be approved, and we check out what we are told is true.

 The goal is less effort for more reward. There has been a lot said about an increase in people who want to be paid a great deal of money to do less. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We should always try to be more efficient in our work. However, this isn’t about efficiency…it is laziness. And this attitude doesn’t work with our spiritual growth just like it doesn’t work in many other things. The Lord wants ALL of us not just one hour a week from us. We must resist this tendency.

 New is always seen as better than old. The world is into novelty. New technology is often embraced without thinking. People get a new spouse because it is more “exciting” than putting in the hard work to maintain your current relationship. There is little thought today about where the new ways are taking us. Just think about our devices. They have pulled us away from personal contact. They have a benefit but also a danger.

We could say the same about worship. There are some extremes when we think about worshipping the new. First, we can become people who reject anything that is new. Someone has rightly said, the seven last words of a church are “we never did it that way before.” The assumption is that anything new is bad. But that isn’t true. As a church we have embraced technology. We send out e-mails and use a screen to project lyrics. We use computers instead of typewriters. As Pastors we use a Bible program that enables us to research things faster and more thoroughly. Just because something is new does not make it bad.​

However, the other extreme is also true. We can become so fascinated with anything new that we embrace it enthusiastically. We embrace new theologies, new music, new styles of worship, new social morals and beliefs, and new interpretations of familiar passages because these things are new and popular, and we are arrogant enough to think people of the past were not nearly as enlightened as we are. We must be discerning! Anything that moves us away from God is bad no matter how shiny and new it is. As believers, we know our faith is built on the historical truth of the Christian message.

​The apostle Paul ends with, “Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

​There is no question that seems to come up among Christians more often than “how can I know God’s will for my life?’ Anyone who wants to serve the Lord has likely asked that question at one time or another. Paul says the best way to know God’s will is to do these things: give your whole self to the Lord and take every thought captive to the Word of God (meaning, trust the Bible as your authority rather than the whims of men). As we begin to live God’s way, His way becomes even clearer.​

As we surrender ourselves to the Lord, we become open to the leading of the Lord through the Word, through others, and even at times through our circumstances. The will of God is generally not the same as public opinion, current fads, the interpretations of celebrity Pastors, or even our own desires. Finding God’s will, comes when we learn to seek Him in all things. As we become aware of what God’s heart desires for us, according to Scripture, we will find it much easier to navigate the loads of choices in life.  Not only that, as we do what God clearly tells us to do, we will discover that God’s way is far superior to the ways of the world around us.​

As you live out the Christian faith you will find people interested in why you live such a “different” life and yet seem so happy and content. You can gladly tell them.

People who used to ridicule you (or may currently do so) will turn to YOU in the time of crisis when they need something substantial in their life (failed married, rebellious child, a devastating loss) because they will know that the cliches of the world no longer have any value, they need something deeper. They need hope. And they see that in you.

Your children will be much more likely to embrace your faith when they see that faith lived out in your daily living one decision at a time.

You will face the times of crisis much less afraid in life because you will know for certain that your life is in His hands.​

This doesn’t mean we will necessarily know which job to take or what person we should marry or if we should invest in the stock market, invest in a new business opportunity, or invest in a person who is in need. But we will have principles that make it easier to know the mind of God. Sometimes when we don’t know what we should do, the answer is really to do nothing and wait on the Lord. He may be doing something that will make things much clearer.​

This text, I hope, raises some questions we need to ask ourselves,

1. Am I a Christian only in terms of my associations or knowledge? Have I given my life to the Lord as a living sacrifice? Or am I just lying to myself? Am I willing to follow Him with my whole being and not just my checkbook or attendance? In other words, do I serve the Lord wherever I am and in whatever I am doing.

2. Have you ever asked the question: Do I adequately appreciate what God has done for me? Do I merely say that I appreciate what God has done, or do I show my appreciation in the way I live my life, budget my time, give of my resources, prioritize time, and defer to Him in the decisions of my life?

3. Have I been discerning in what I listen to and believe? Do I evaluate what I am hearing through the grid of the Word of God, or am I merely absorbing whatever the world and its proponents tell me is true?

4. Are there areas of my life where I am being conformed to the world rather than transforming it?

As you see, Paul does not ease into these applications of the truth. He is direct and to the point. It is our job to heed these words so Christ can be magnified in our lives.

May God bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your faith.

Pastor Dimas

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my high refuge" (Psalm 18:2).

There are many people today who are anxious and worried about the different situations that are occurring in this country and around the world. Terrorism, the economy, unemployment, education, lack of economic resources, and the safety of our families are some of the things that cause anxiety and worry in the lives of many. Many believers also go through moments of anxiety and worry.

When we read these words written by King David, it should fill us with hope to know that despite all the problems David was going through at that time in his life, he put his trust and hope in God. The hope that comes from God is the anchor of our lives. The hope that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ resides deep in our hearts. This hope never leaves us because the Bible says that God never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). This hope is something that comes into our lives when we let go of our worries and anxieties and trust in God each day. This hope is what keeps us strong and does not give up when everything around us falls apart. God, our Heavenly Father is the essence of our hope.

Today, the Holy Spirit resides in the heart of every believer assuring us of a living hope. His presence in our lives is the key to keeping us strong and having the strength to face the challenges of life. As we embrace that hope that only God can provide through our faith in Him, we can survive the storms that life presents to us. Hope is the anchor to our soul and the door to the peace and rest that only Christ can offer.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the nations; but the LORD will rise upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2)

In my Hispanic tradition, today, we celebrate Three Kings Day. This day brings back beautiful memories of my childhood, as my siblings and I prepared little boxes with grass and water for the camels, placing them under the bed in anticipation of the morning to see what the kings had brought us.

However, this day has another very important meaning; it is also known as the Day of the Epiphany. What is Epiphany, many will ask? The simple definition is manifestation or revelation. Today we celebrate the manifestation or revelation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to some wise men who came from the East to worship him.

In the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-2, we read: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.'" The revelation of God to these wise men represents the revelation of God to the Gentiles (any person who was not Jewish was considered a Gentile).

When we read the words of the prophet Isaiah, we can conclude that the meaning of this day of celebration is that Christ manifested His Light to a world that lives spiritually in darkness. The birth of Jesus represents a bright sunrise in a very dark place. When the sun rises in the morning, its light dispels the darkness. When the Son of God enters the heart of a person, He dispels the darkness of sin, and that life shines before God.

We all need an Epiphany. We are all sinners, and like these wise men who came from the East, we all need to come and see the glory of God that is revealed through the light of the Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the sun rises every morning in every nation, in every person, regardless of nationality or skin color, in the same way, Jesus Christ reveals Himself and illuminates our lives. His grace, His forgiveness, and His salvation rise and illuminate the life of every person on this earth.

Every person is invited to believe in Jesus, to worship and glorify His name, and to seek salvation in Him. It does not matter who you are; He can take you out of the darkness and lead you to the light. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

Pleasing God or Pleasing Man

“Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Or do I try to please men? For if I still please men, would I not be a servant of Christ?” Galatians 1:10

What is most important in your life? To please God or to please men? In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul poses a profound question: "Do I now seek the favor of men, or of God? Or do I try to please men? For if I still pleased men, would I not be a servant of Christ?" This verse challenges all of us to examine our motivations and priorities in life, particularly in our spiritual journey. It invites a deeper reflection on whom we aim to please in our daily actions and decisions—humans or the divine.

At its core, this verse emphasizes the conflict between seeking human approval and dedicating oneself to God's will. Paul, who once sought the approval of men as a zealous Pharisee, experienced a dramatic transformation upon encountering Christ on the road to Damascus. This transformation shifted his focus from human accolades to divine purpose. Paul highlights that true servitude to Christ requires forsaking the pursuit of human validation. It is a call to prioritize God's approval over social acceptance.

The pursuit of human approval is a common struggle. Society often imposes expectations and standards that can lead individuals to compromise their values and beliefs to fit in or be liked. This is evident in various aspects of life, from social media influence to workplace dynamics. The desire for acceptance can drive people to conform to behaviors and attitudes that may not align with their true selves or spiritual convictions.

Paul's question serves as a reminder that the favor of God should be the ultimate goal for believers. Pleasing God involves living following His teachings and commandments, even when it means standing in opposition to popular opinion or facing criticism. It requires courage, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to faith. The Apostle Paul himself endured persecution and hardship for his unwavering dedication to Christ, yet he found comfort and purpose in serving God rather than seeking human approval.

Furthermore, this verse encourages reflection and self-assessment. It prompts all of us as believers to evaluate our actions and intentions. Are they driven by a genuine desire to honor God, or are they motivated by the need to gain recognition and acceptance from others? This self-examination is vital for spiritual growth and authenticity. It allows us to align our lives more closely with our faith and values, fostering a deeper connection with God.

The challenge to prioritize God's approval over human applause is as pertinent today as it was in the first century. Believers are called to be counter-cultural, to rise above the noise of societal pressures, and to anchor their identities in their relationship with God. Galatians 1:10 serves as a powerful reminder that being a servant of Christ means seeking to please God above all else. It is an invitation to live a life marked by integrity, faithfulness, and a deep commitment to divine principles.

Do you ever feel like you struggle to change? I wanted you to remember that the same God that transformed the life of Paul, is the same God that can transform yours. He wants to help you. He wants you to surrender to Him those areas of your life where you are struggling to change. How do you do that? By submitting everything to Him in prayer. He is waiting for you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.² For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. ³ For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit”. (Romans 8:1-4)

So, how is it possible for sinful people to be free from condemnation?  The key is Jesus. Look at what Paul tells us. First, he tells us that the Law was powerless to save us. This is not because God’s Law is weak. God’s Law is perfect and a sufficient guide for our lives. God’s law cannot save us because our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to keep that Law perfectly. So, God sent his son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. We are told that God sent Christ in the “likeness of sinful man”. The term “likeness” doesn’t mean that Jesus wasn’t truly human. It means that he was flesh and blood just like we are, but without the stain of sin that we carry with us.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he explains that though Jesus was part of God, he set aside his rights as God and humbled himself and became fully a human being. Paul tells us that Jesus put the privileges of His deity (or god-ness) into a “trust”.  He was still God, but He did not draw upon His goodness, so He could identify fully with sinful man.  The difference however is that Jesus did not fall to temptation. He was tempted in every way that we were but was without sin.

Paul tells us that the purpose of Jesus being sent by God was, so He could be a sin offering. Jesus came to earth to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. He is the perfect sacrifice because He pays for all the sin (that which we recognize as sin and that which we don’t) and pays for it completely (you don’t have to continue to offer the sacrifice).  So, God can declare us “Not guilty” because Jesus paid for our sin. There is no condemnation because Jesus took our penalty. God is not overlooking our sin; He is dealing with it in Christ.

We have offended, hurt, and tried to murder God over and over and over again. We are serial sinners. Yet, God does not give up on us. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus to take on the likeness of sinful flesh. But this is not all He does. He pays for our sin and then gives us a part of Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit to make us knew and to help us overcome the law of sin and death that is in our body.

God’s Spirit makes it possible for us to overcome the law of sin and death. As believers we are just learning about the Spirit’s power (we will hear much more about the Holy Spirit in the remainder of Romans). At first, we will fail in our attempts to “fly”. But as we continue to learn how to depend on the strength the Spirit gives us, we will at first fly for short distances. As we continue to learn and grow, we will eventually learn to soar like a bird. 

God gives us His Spirit so that we might be transformed. When we follow Jesus, we will not follow perfectly. We will continue to struggle. There will be ups and downs. There will be good days and bad days. But the change has begun. We are in the process of learning to fly. When we put our trust in Christ it is like coming out of surgery. The sickness is removed; and now the rehab must begin.

There is no condemnation!! The burden you carry is not from God. You can leave your past, your regret, your embarrassment, and your shame at the foot of the cross. So, the question that remains is this one: have you placed your faith, trust, and confidence in Jesus as your Savior and wonderful Lord?  His invitation is simple, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

May God Bless you and keep you and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. ² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2, ESV). During my teenage years in Puerto Rico, I had the privilege of singing a beautiful hymn in my home church based on this Psalm. The first verse and chorus resonate deeply in my heart. It goes like this:

He who dwells in the shelter of God

will abide under the shadow of love;

No evil shall come upon him

and in his wings, he will live happily.

Chorus:

Oh, I want to dwell in the shelter of God;

only there will I find peace and deep love.

My delight is to enjoy communion with him

and to praise his name forever.

What a beautiful promise we have from our Creator! These words remind us that God’s shelter is not just a place of safety, but a place of peace, love, and security. The shelter of God is where we find refuge, where His love covers us like a blanket, and where His presence brings the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Many of us live in challenging times. The pressures of life, the struggles we face, and the chaos of this world can leave us feeling overwhelmed. There are moments when the trials seem too heavy to bear, and it can feel like hope is just out of reach. In such times, it’s easy to seek relief in temporary solutions, whether it’s through substances, distractions, or unhealthy habits. But God offers a far better refuge—one that does not just numb the pain but heals and restores us.

When we choose to live under the shadow of the Almighty, we align ourselves with His protection and His provision. We are reminded that no matter what storms we face, God is a strong fortress, a shelter that will never fail us. Psalm 91 assures us that when we rest in His presence, He will cover us and shield us from harm. This is not just a physical protection but a spiritual covering—God’s peace and His love are an unshakable foundation in the midst of life’s chaos.

In times of hardship, it is easy to forget where our true refuge lies. But let us remember that God is our safe place, our fortress, and our deliverer. Instead of turning to things that only offer temporary relief, let us run to the arms of our Heavenly Father, who promises to bring us peace that endures forever. It is in His shelter that we find true fulfillment and the joy we long for.

When challenges come, bring them to the Lord. Lay them at His feet, and trust that He will carry you through. Rest in the comfort of His love, knowing that in Him you will find "peace and deep love”, an unshakable peace, and a love that never fails.

May the Lord bless you and keep you always. May you experience His peace and love today and forevermore, as you find refuge in the shelter of the Most High. 

Pastor Dimas

Discussion Questions

1. **How do you personally experience God's peace and protection in times of trouble? Can you recall a specific moment when you felt His sheltering presence during a challenging season? **

2. **In what ways do people often seek refuge in temporary solutions like substances or distractions, and how does living under the "shadow of the Almighty" offer a better and more lasting alternative? **

3. **Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection and love, but it doesn't promise a life free from difficulties. How can we reconcile the reality of life's challenges with the assurance of God's shelter and peace? **

4. The Psalm emphasizes the importance of dwelling in God's presence. How can we cultivate a deeper sense of living in that "secret place" with God in our everyday lives, even amidst our busy or stressful routines

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 

Love is one of the most profound and powerful forces in existence. It transcends emotions, actions, and even human understanding. This verse is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and one of the most beautiful declarations in Scripture about the extent of God’s love for us. It delightfully captures the message of salvation, a divine narrative that runs from Genesis to Revelation. It also contains two of the most life-changing words in the Bible: “But God.” This phrase signifies an interruption—God stepping into our hopelessness to change our destiny. His love is so immense that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, on a rescue mission to redeem a world lost in sin. And what was this mission? To rescue us from the death sentence we rightfully deserve because of our rebellion against Him. 

God sees our sins. He knows our failures, our brokenness, and our unworthiness. He owes us nothing—yet, in His infinite love, He chose to restore what we shattered. He sent Jesus to take our place, to bear our punishment, and to offer us grace instead of judgment. How remarkable, how deep is this love? Paul emphasizes that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This demonstrates that God did not wait for humanity to become perfect before extending His love. Instead, He met us in our worst state and paid the ultimate price to bring us back to Him. 

In human relationships, love is often conditional, we love others when they treat us well or meet our expectations. However, God's love surpasses human standards; it embraces the broken, the lost, and even those who reject Him. His love is freely given, not earned, making it the purest form of love imaginable. 

Another dimension of divine love we see in this verse is its sacrificial nature. The greatest demonstration of love in history was Christ’s death on the cross. True love is not merely expressed in words but in actions. Jesus willingly endured suffering and death for the sake of humanity, knowing that many would reject Him. This sacrificial love reflects God’s deep commitment to saving humanity, despite our sins. It is easy to love when it requires little effort or sacrifice, but God’s love shows that true love often comes at a great cost. His sacrifice challenges us to move beyond self-centered love and embrace a love that serves, gives, and sacrifices for others.  God’s Love Calls Us to Love Others.

What an incredible truth! We do not deserve forgiveness, yet God offers it freely. We cannot earn salvation, yet Christ has already secured it. Now, the choice is ours—to accept or reject the gift of redemption. Only Jesus can satisfy God’s justice, and only He can remove our guilt and offer us eternal life.

In conclusion, Romans 5:8 beautifully illustrates the depth of God’s love—unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. It is a love that meets us in our brokenness, redeems us through Christ’s sacrifice, and calls us to love others in the same way. As we reflect on this verse, may we strive to embody God’s love in our lives, showing grace, forgiveness, and selflessness to a world in need.  May we never take this gift for granted, but instead, live in gratitude for the endless love of our Father. 

May God bless you and keep you, and may these words renew your spirit. 

Discussion Questions.

1. How does the phrase “But God” in Romans 5:8 change our understanding of God’s love and grace, especially in contrast to human nature and justice?  

2. Since Christ died for us while we were still sinners, how should this truth shape the way we view and extend grace to others in our daily lives?