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Raised up to Worship
“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
to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the re-
newing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).
Romans tells us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice for
that is our true worship. As we do, our lives become a radi-
ant witness of God’s transforming power.
Through bible study together, we have opportunity to be
changed by the renewing of our minds as we learn how to
study the Bible. During our large group time, we will hear
teachings and testimonies to encourage each other to be a
living sacrifice unto God in our homes, neighborhoods and
workplaces.
Reproducing Spiritually
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, show-
ing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Jesus gives us this beautiful illustration of abiding in Him in
order to bear fruit. He goes on in the same message to say
that we are actually chosen and appointed to go and bear
fruit, fruit that will last. This resounds with the Great Com-
mission where Jesus commanded, “Go and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey ev-
erything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you
always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Our study of the Bible is all about bringing people into ma-
turity in Christ. And mature trees produce fruit! We want
to equip you to study God’s Word and to be able to teach
others to study God’s Word. It has been exciting these past
two years to see much fruit as women and men in our con-
gregation have stepped out in faith to start neighborhood,
workplace, friend and family group Bible studies. As we be-
gin to meet again for Bible study at Calvary, the Lord has led
us to simplify and go with the discovery method because it
enables us to grow in our study of God’s Word and then eas-
ily share it with others. Our Lord is not done sending us out!
“If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain but what He pours
through us that really counts. God’s purpose is not simply to
make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that
He may squeeze the sweetness out of us.” (Oswald Chambers)
May we grow into maturity in Christ this year. As we journey
with others in the Body of Christ, may our roots dig deep
into God’s Word. May we be raised up in worship to repro-
duce much fruit for God’s Kingdom. May we “be called oaks
of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his
splendor!” (Isaiah 61:3)
By Susan Sorensen
Women’s Ministry
Susan has been married to Scott for 30 years and they have two sons. As a result of her cancer journey, Susan
co-authored Praying Through Cancer, a devotional book that has brought many women to the throne of Grace
where they have received courage to face their greatest fears.
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