While studying at Wartburg College I visited my roommate’s hometown and stayed with her family. I was visiting with her dad, Craig Mack, about Romans 12:1 which reads: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (NRSV). As we discussed presenting our lives as a living sacrifice, Mr. Mack remarked, “You know what the problem with a living sacrifice is, don’t you?” I thought about this for a moment and admitted I had no idea. Mr. Mack continued, “The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.” I have long pondered this truth-telling joke. By the mercy of God we are asked to present our lives as a living sacrifice—and how difficult it is to remain steadfast in welcoming God to mold and shape us by grace through faith!
I invite you to join me in exploring the book of Romans through Adult Bible Study, January 8, 15. 22 & 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Immanuel. Join me in asking God to renew our minds and transform our lives with God’s word through grace! I am looking forward to journeying with you through God’s Word!
May each day be filled with the deep seated knowing that you are loved by God as you are right now! May God’s abiding love spur you to love God, yourself and others!
It continues to be a JOY to serve alongside you!
—Pastor Bree Truax
815-625-3575 office
360-989-4906 cell