Acts 17:19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

The Roman name for Areopagus is Mars Hill and it served as the meeting place for the Areopagus Court, the highest court in Greece for civil, criminal, and religious matters. Even under Roman rule in the time of the New Testament, Mars Hill remained an important meeting place where philosophy, religion, and law were discussed.

This Thanksgiving my nephew and I met upon our own version of Areopagus, our own Mars Hill. Alone in a room filled with mother, father, and aunts, we spoke alone about high matters of interest upon which the topics varied in relevant terms of science and physics and theories that could to be explored.

Then came this issue of parallel universes upon which I have a unique perspective and that one being of a realm where time and space do not exist. I call it eternity and he did not agree. You see a meeting of the minds has to be based on terms and conditions of agreement and if those terms cannot be agreed upon, no framework can exist.

He insisted that the understanding must meet his terms and conditions. When I woke up this morning it dawned on me that his terms and conditions were not unlike those of my God who I hold as the ultimate authority on matters of eternity. It is after all where my God lives.

I have met the terms and conditions of my God in covenant relationship. He is the higher power, the higher authority and I cannot relinquish His terms and conditions in favor of those of a lesser authority.

Nephew, I am sorry that I cannot meet the terms and conditions of your demands. My explanation of God’s terms and conditions supersedes those of man and I do not have the authority to change those terms.

You cannot meet God on your own terms.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We quoted Romans 8 yesterday declaring that we are going to be conformed into the image of Christ. I also said that we need to begin that process by renewing our minds. Here it uses the word transform rather than conform. Is there a difference?

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

The key words here are “transforming themselves”. That is not much different than the 12 step program AA where you recognize a change is required and you take steps to show everyone that you have changed. In this program they admit they have not changed and it is only by working the program that they can stay sober.

In Christ, being born again, you are already a new creature. The old man has passed away. The process of transforming the mind is one where the Word of God shows you who you are in this change. It is more of a process of discovery than it is in convincing yourself that a change is required. You already made that decision before you accepted Christ into your heart.

The real difference is that God does the transformation in conformance by the power of His Word.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Galatians 2:20a I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: