I Am New!

 

Sermon by Bill Copeland :: Christ Community Church :: May 7, 2006

 

INTRODUCTION

This week’s sermon is based on II Corinthians 5:17-18.  Paul is dealing with the most radically transforming point in the Good News—“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person.  The past is forgotten, and everything is new.  God has done it all!  He sent Christ to make peace between Himself and us…”

The Messiah gives us a fresh start, the old life is gone!!  The new is now present, now presides, and continues into the future.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. God sent Christ to wipe out the ‘old way’ of life.  Discuss  the areas in your life where you hold onto the old:

·        Your old sins-

·        Your old failures-

·        Your old insecurities-

·        Your old fears-

·        Your old despair

 

  1. Why do we hold onto the old stuff in our lives?
  2. In the sermon it was pointed out that we all listen to those ‘voices’ of discouragement and despair—do you hear those in your life?  Where do they come from, what is their point of origin? 
  3. Jesus stated in John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  What does life in the ‘full’ look like?
  4. How are you a ‘new person’ in Christ?

 

THINK ABOUT IT

You can change your look, set new goals, and get a new hairstyle, even a new face.  I can change my clothes, my hairdo, but it would still be me.  I seem to carry with me the same old handicaps, worries, fears…same sadness and miseries.  No amount of new gadgets, clothes things can really give us what our heart longs for—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.  What is it that holds you back from the abundant life that Christ offers?

 

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

What is the state of your heart?  Is there old stuff that needs to be prayed out?  Are you willing to walk into the wounds of the ‘old’ and find healing?

What would it take for you to move forward in your journey?