The life of faith is a spiritual journey beginning at the moment of new birth (regeneration) through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and continuing onward and upward from spiritual infancy—through the stages of spiritual growth— into maturity and beyond. I refer to it as the journey “from the cross to the crown.”
  
The little book of Titus, one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” provides a short-course on the life of faith. As we explore the great and timeless truth contained in this epistle, we will refer again and again to the “life of faith” and the journey “from the cross to the crown,” and to the many promises and provisions supplied by God in His matchless grace for those who choose to live in the light of the cross.
This was the subject of the Spring 2011 Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 01

Rom 12:1-2 - Romans 12 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application. Aspects presented: provision; prospect - life can be acceptable to God; progression. 12 doctrines: redeeming time; standing (positional truth); self-presentation (availability); approval; service; provision; spiritual warfare; conformity; spiritual advance; renewal; divine guidance; abundant life. Illustration: Luk 8:5-15 the seed is dependent on the soil. "I urge you therefore" a commander encouraging a soldier to stand firm. "Therefore" is there for context -- the grief of God (Eph 4:30) in Rom 9:1-5 which explains analogous privilege of sons of God in Israel as a nation, and their tragic failure. We are a spiritual nation and have greater provision. Loss of reward is at stake (Mat 8:38, Mat 10:33, Luk 9:26, Heb 11:16). "by the mercies of God" -- provisions of God's Grace (Mat 9:36). "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" taking up the cross -- just as levitical sacrifice it must be living and holy (set apart) (1Co 15:31, Gal 2:20, Mat 8:34). "Acceptable" -- well pleasing in that it fits with God's character. A believer filled with the spirit is acceptable to God (compatible), but not to the world. A character "being conformed" is developed through the renewing of your mind.

Scripture References: Matthew 9:36, Luke 8:5-15, Hebrews 11:16, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:26, Matthew 10:33, Matthew 8:38, Matthew 8:34, Romans 9:1-5, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:30

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From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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