Romans 12:1-2 CEB

So, 

brothers and sisters, because of God's mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. 

This is your appropriate priestly service.

Don't be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God's will is - what is good and pleasing and mature.  

Romans 12:1-2 CEB

"So", "therefore", "summing up what I've been writing to you about" - this famous passage of Paul's letter does not sit in isolation from all that he has written up to now, all that he has been saying about new life being found in Jesus, about freedom from the law, his heart for those who don't know or have rejected Jesus, all of the last 11 chapters.

So.

Brothers & sisters.

The word here is "adelphous" which in different contexts means family, brethren, whanau, those joined together by a covenant, an inclusive term that wraps us all in.

And that's Paul right? Wanting to include everyone, doesn't want anyone to miss the goodness and the grace of God that is found in Jesus. 

And wouldn't want us, 2,000 yrs later to miss it either.

We are included in Paul's invitation into this summary so far, and his calling, exhortation, invitation to step forward, to step towards, to take the next step...

#letters

#redemptivestrands

#hopeishere

#weareBeloved