Christian Questions Bible Podcast

In Part I of this two-part series, we focused on the magnificent gift that we as Christians are given when we accept the redemption for our sins available through Jesus’ sacrifice. We talked about the magnitude of this gift and how true disciples of Jesus are also required to give back as a result of receiving this gift. According to Scripture, the action of “giving back” is accomplished through our responsibility to reverently care for it. This care is clearly identified by how we choose to live our lives as genuine followers of Christ. Fortunately, we have clear and concise instructions waiting for us in the Scriptures! Part I established the “required care focuses” from Romans 12:1—recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, adopting a new mindset and full engagement. These attitudes prepare believers for the deeper work of transformation highlighted in the next verse. Romans 12:2 introduces two essential components of discipleship: NOT conforming to the world Being transformed by the renewing of the mind. Additionally, we suggest Christian non‑conformity has two "levels:" We must be OUT of alignment with the world’s values We must walk away from our own internal habits, desires and emotional patterns. Jesus modeled this non‑conformity through his kingdom‑focused life, and his disciples were called to leave behind their former identities and occupations to follow him. The result: a "new creation" Transformation in Christ cannot begin until non‑conformity has intentionally been chosen. 2 Corinthians 5:14–17 and Philippians 3:13–15 reveal that transformation involves seeing others—and even Christ himself—from a spiritual perspective rather than a fleshly one. The Greek word for “transform” (metamorphoō) indicates a complete change of form, illustrated by the transfiguration of Jesus and the believer’s gradual change “from glory to glory” through the spirit. This transformation results in becoming a “new creation,” something entirely fresh and never before existing. This process is lifelong, requiring perseverance, repeated decisions and reliance on God’s strength. Ultimately, transformation leads to receiving a “new name” and full acceptance by God, symbolized in Revelation 2:17. True discipleship is radical, intentional, and deeply rewarding, culminating in participation in God’s future work of blessing all humanity. A Few Key Takeaways True transformation begins only after intentional non‑conformity to the world. Discipleship requires daily self‑denial, a renewed mindset and full engagement. Transformation is a gradual, spirit‑driven process that reshapes identity and purpose. True believers become a “new creation,” ultimately receiving God’s full approval and a symbolic “new name.”

As Christians, we love Jesus. All who claim that Jesus is their Lord and Savior do so because they have acknowledged their own sinful state and have realized the power of forgiveness that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice. It is easy for us to fellowship regarding what we have been freely given. What may not be as easy for us to define is what we are giving. A true disciple of Jesus receives redemption. That same true disciple is also required to give back as a result of that gift. Wait a minute! Isn’t Jesus’ gift freely given with no strings attached? Yes, it is free with no strings attached, and because we receive that gift, we are required to care for it. As we shall soon see, this required care thought is the very essence of being a true and genuine follower of Christ. Discipleship Discipleship is far more than loving Jesus—it requires intentional action, sacrifice and transformation. The “therefore” in Romans 12:1, which is the theme verse for this episode, points back to Romans 11, where Paul explains how Israel’s temporary casting off opened the door of mercy to Gentiles. This undeserved privilege should fill believers with awe, gratitude and humility. True discipleship begins with recognizing the magnitude of God’s gift and responding appropriately. A living sacrifice Paul’s instruction to “present your bodies a living sacrifice” introduces the core requirement of intentional self‑denial. Jesus modeled this throughout his earthly life, denying his own will in favor of the Father’s—even when it meant suffering. Followers of Christ must likewise abstain from sinful desires, count the cost of discipleship, and embrace the hardships, contradictions and separations that come with walking in his footsteps. These challenges are not meaningless; they produce spiritual growth and prepare believers for eternal glory. Holy and acceptable The call to be “holy and acceptable to God” requires adopting a new mindset shaped by the holy spirit. This new mindset involves continual learning, accurate handling of Scripture, humility and a commitment to godliness. Jesus’ own mindset—self‑emptying, obedient and focused on serving God—becomes the pattern for Christian transformation. Finally, Paul describes this sacrificial life as “your reasonable service,” meaning it is the logical response to God’s mercy. Full engagement in discipleship includes prioritizing spiritual goals, supporting fellow believers as members of one body, and pressing forward toward the upward call of God. To truly follow Jesus is to live with recognition, awe, gratitude, humility, intentional self‑denial, a renewed mindset, and wholehearted commitment to God’s will.

We all love to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. We love the vulnerability behind God’s choice of Mary, the young woman who was engaged to Joseph to be Jesus’ mother. We love the humility of his being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. We love the magnificence of the angel announcing his birth to shepherds and then having the heavenly host of angels praising and glorifying God. We love the reverential sobriety of the wise men coming with gifts for the small child, Jesus. Some of the things we don’t focus as much attention on are how God used specific individuals surrounding all of these events to speak in a prophetic way and outline in great detail what this series of incredible experiences would mean. Today we pause and consider the words of Zacharias and Elizabeth who were the parents of John the Baptist, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess. Zacharias Let’s begin with Zacharias, the Jewish priest who, because of his initial doubt, was struck mute by the angel Gabriel until the birth of his son John. This silence became a period of reflection, enabling him to connect Old Testament prophecies with Gabriel’s announcement. At John’s circumcision, Zacharias was again able to speak. He prophesied about both John’s role as forerunner and Jesus as the "horn of salvation." His prophecy was powerfully based upon the words and promises of the Old Testament. Elizabeth and Mary His middle aged and childless wife, Elizabeth, rejoiced at God’s mercy in giving her a son. Filled with the spirit, she recognized Mary’s child as her Lord and humbly celebrated Mary’s blessing. Mary herself responded with faith and praise, further echoing Old Testament themes of God’s mercy, strength and justice. Simeon After Jesus’ birth, Simeon, an aged and devout man who had been promised he would see the Messiah before death, prophesied about Jesus as salvation for both Israel and the Gentiles. Again, Old Testament prophecies were clearly linked to the work that Jesus would later accomplish. Anna Anna, an elderly prophetess, added her testimony, giving thanks and speaking of redemption to those awaiting Jerusalem’s deliverance. Together, these accounts show God’s spirit orchestrating events and inspiring faithful individuals to proclaim truths that connected Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment. Their obedience, humility and prophetic insight highlight the broader plan of redemption for all, unfolding through Jesus’ birth.

So, what is the real mission of Christianity? Are we tasked with converting the world? Are we responsible to preach the good news of the gospel wherever we go, to anyone and everyone? Is the eternal destiny of those we come in contact with heavily dependent upon our delivering the message of salvation? All Christians would agree that at his ascension, Jesus commanded us to be part of preaching the gospel throughout the world. Where we differ is in the outcome of this preaching. The bottom-line question: Do we as Christians bear the responsibility of saving sinners from the wrath of God right here and right now in this age, or do we preach for another reason? Worldwide conversion now? While Jesus commanded his followers to spread the gospel worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20, Acts 1:6–9), the purpose is not immediate worldwide conversion but rather the calling of disciples from all nations. Preaching plants seeds of truth, but only God causes growth (1 Corinthians 3:6–9). The key to understanding the apparent contradiction of Jesus dying for all and yet not all following him now is that salvation unfolds in stages. First, a small group of disciples is called to walk the narrow way, living sacrificially as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). Their faithfulness benefits the rest of humanity later, during the “day of visitation” and ultimate restoration (Romans 8:19–21, Acts 3:20–21). The rest of humanity will eventually be taught, tested and brought to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4–6). Preaching today serves to identify disciples and to give glimpses of God’s kingdom, even if most people dismiss or misunderstand it. Seeds of hope Ultimately, preaching is about sowing seeds of hope, pointing to God’s plan of universal restoration, peace and harmony. Scriptures like Micah 4:3–4 and Revelation 21:3–4 promise a future without war, pain or death, where God dwells with humanity. Preaching does not save directly but prepares the way for Christ’s mediation and the eventual salvation of all. Preaching’s purpose: Not immediate conversion but calling disciples and offering hope. Stages of salvation: First disciples, then the world in God’s kingdom. Role of disciples: A "royal priesthood" whose faithfulness benefits all humanity. Future promise: Universal restoration, peace and God having a restored relationship with mankind. Preaching today plants seeds and reveals hope. Salvation itself is God’s work to be fully realized in His kingdom.

As Christians, we deeply appreciate the price Jesus paid for us to be released from the grip of the sin of Adam. To say that this has given us a new opportunity for life is a dramatic understatement. All we can really do is be profoundly thankful as we diligently follow in his footsteps. One question many Christians find uncomfortable to face is the question of the “everybody else.” According to the Bible, what really happens to them? What effect did Jesus’ life, death and resurrection have on those who are atheist, Muslim or Hindu? If we say they are essentially doomed, the question of true justice needs to be addressed. How fair would it be to condemn people to eternal death who in many cases never, ever really knew the name of Jesus? Precisely what effect does Jesus’ sacrifice have on these people? Is salvation for all? At the beginning of the human experience in Genesis, we all inherited of death through Adam’s sin. This teaches us that all of humanity is subject to mortality. Yet from the earliest Scriptures, God provided hope by proclaiming the promise of a “seed” who would ultimately defeat Satan and bring deliverance. This hope is fulfilled in Christ, whose death and resurrection counteract Adam’s transgression. Romans 6:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 highlight that while we all die in Adam, all will be made alive in Christ. The promises to Abraham further confirm that “all nations” will be blessed through his seed, identified as Christ in Galatians 3:16. Scriptures soundly proclaim that God’s will is for ALL to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Colossians 1:20 affirms the reconciliation of “all things” through Christ’s blood. This means Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice, making peace for all humanity. It’s important to recognize that salvation in Jesus unfolds in stages: Jesus’ faithful followers are delivered now, while the rest of humanity will be given opportunity in God’s future kingdom. This two‑part plan ensures fairness and justice, as all will eventually come to full knowledge of the truth. Balancing the scales Romans 5 explains that just as condemnation came through Adam, justification comes through Christ, balancing the scales of divine justice. Several Old Testament prophecies reveal the vision of all nations worshiping God, showing the ultimate outcome of Jesus’ suffering. The power of the Bible’s message is evident: Jesus died for every single human being, ensuring both justice and hope for all creation.