Embracing Greater Promises Through Christ's Transformation
Summary
Welcome to Crossland Community Church, a place of refuge and hope for all. Today, we celebrate the profound transformation that begins with baptism, a public declaration of faith and obedience to God. This act is not salvation itself, but a step in the journey of faith, where God honors our commitment and begins to move in our lives in undeniable ways. We invite everyone to experience this life-changing moment.
In our series, "Something Greater is Here," we explore the greater promises of God through Christ. The promises of the Old Testament, once groundbreaking, are now considered obsolete compared to the superior promises found in Christ. Just as technology evolves, so do the promises of God, offering us something far greater than we could have imagined.
The promises God made to Abraham were extraordinary, yet they required faith and patience. Similarly, we live in a world that can challenge our faith, but we have seen the fulfillment of many promises through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. This gives us confidence in the greater promises we have in Him.
The new covenant through Christ offers us unlimited resources, a prepared place in heaven, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unfettered access to God, and the assurance of no condemnation. These promises are not just words; they are backed by the faithfulness of God, who obligates Himself to fulfill them.
As we partake in communion, we remember the sacrifice of Christ and the promises that come with it. We are reminded that God is faithful, and His promises are always "yes" in Christ. Let us hold onto these promises, knowing that they are an anchor for our souls, providing hope and assurance in our journey of faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transformation Through Baptism: Baptism is a public declaration of faith and obedience, marking the beginning of a profound transformation in our lives. It is a step of faith where God honors our commitment and begins to move in us in undeniable ways. This act is not salvation itself but a significant milestone in our spiritual journey. [00:00]
2. Greater Promises in Christ: The promises of the Old Testament, once groundbreaking, are now considered obsolete compared to the superior promises found in Christ. Just as technology evolves, so do the promises of God, offering us something far greater than we could have imagined. These promises are backed by the faithfulness of God, who obligates Himself to fulfill them. [39:21]
3. Confidence in God's Faithfulness: We have seen the fulfillment of many promises through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, giving us confidence in the greater promises we have in Him. The new covenant through Christ offers us unlimited resources, a prepared place in heaven, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unfettered access to God, and the assurance of no condemnation. [50:45]
4. Unfettered Access to God: Through Christ, we have unfettered access to God, allowing us to boldly enter the throne room of heaven with confidence and assurance to find grace and mercy in our hour of need. This access is not limited to one person or one day a year but is available to all believers at any time. [01:07:04]
5. No Condemnation in Christ: In Christ, there is no condemnation, as we are set free from the law of sin and death. This freedom allows us to live without the burden of shame, knowing that God willfully forgets our sins and no longer holds them against us. This promise provides us with peace and assurance in our relationship with God. [01:11:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Baptism and Transformation
- [03:30] - Series Introduction: Something Greater is Here
- [05:15] - Greater Promises in Christ
- [12:00] - The Obsolescence of Old Promises
- [20:45] - Faith and Patience in God's Promises
- [30:00] - Confidence in God's Faithfulness
- [39:21] - Unlimited Resources in Christ
- [45:58] - Trusting in God's Faithfulness
- [50:45] - Unfettered Access to God
- [58:06] - No Condemnation in Christ
- [01:04:16] - The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
- [01:11:56] - Living Without Shame
- [01:14:11] - Assurance of Seeing Christ Again
- [01:19:58] - Communion and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant and Better Promises
2. Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ
3. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 - God's Promises are "Yes" in Christ
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the act of baptism symbolize according to the sermon, and how is it described as a beginning of transformation? [00:00]
2. How does the sermon compare the promises of the Old Testament to those found in Christ? What analogy is used to explain this evolution? [39:21]
3. What are some of the greater promises mentioned in the sermon that believers have through Christ? [50:45]
4. How does the sermon describe our access to God through Christ compared to the Old Testament practices? [01:07:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the promises of God through Christ are superior to those given in the Old Testament? How does this impact a believer's faith journey? [53:33]
2. How does the concept of "no condemnation" in Romans 8:1-2 provide assurance and peace to believers, according to the sermon? [01:11:56]
3. The sermon mentions that God's promises are always "yes" in Christ. How does this understanding affect the way believers approach prayer and their relationship with God? [50:45]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a believer, as discussed in the sermon, and how does this relate to the promises of God? [01:04:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How has this step of faith marked a transformation in your life, or how do you hope it will? [00:00]
2. The sermon compares the evolution of God's promises to technological advancements. Can you identify an area in your life where you need to embrace the "new" promises of God rather than holding onto the "old"? [39:21]
3. How can the assurance of "no condemnation" in Christ help you deal with feelings of guilt or shame from past mistakes? What steps can you take to live in this freedom daily? [01:11:56]
4. The sermon emphasizes unfettered access to God. How can you make use of this access in your daily life, especially during times of need or uncertainty? [01:07:04]
5. Consider the promise of unlimited resources in Christ. Is there a specific need in your life that you have been trying to meet on your own? How can you trust God to provide for this need? [58:06]
6. The sermon speaks about a prepared place in heaven. How does this promise influence your perspective on current struggles or uncertainties in life? [01:01:37]
7. How can you actively remind yourself of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in your life, especially during challenging times? [45:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Catalyst for Transformation
Baptism is a profound act of faith and obedience, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in one's spiritual life. It is not the act of salvation itself but a public declaration that signifies a commitment to follow God. Through baptism, individuals invite God to move in their lives in undeniable ways, honoring their commitment and beginning a journey of spiritual growth and transformation. This milestone is a significant step in the journey of faith, where believers experience the life-changing power of God's presence. [00:00]
Colossians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses."
Reflection: Consider your own journey of faith. How has your commitment to God through baptism or another significant spiritual milestone transformed your life? What steps can you take today to continue this transformation?
Day 2: Embracing the Greater Promises in Christ
The promises of the Old Testament, once groundbreaking, are now considered obsolete compared to the superior promises found in Christ. Just as technology evolves, so do the promises of God, offering believers something far greater than they could have imagined. These promises are not just words; they are backed by the faithfulness of God, who obligates Himself to fulfill them. Through Christ, believers have access to promises that provide hope, assurance, and a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for their lives. [39:21]
Hebrews 8:6 (ESV): "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises."
Reflection: Reflect on the promises of God that you have experienced in your life. How do these promises compare to the expectations you had before knowing Christ? What new promises can you embrace today that will deepen your faith and trust in God?
Day 3: Confidence in God's Faithfulness
Through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, believers have seen the fulfillment of many promises, giving them confidence in the greater promises they have in Him. The new covenant through Christ offers unlimited resources, a prepared place in heaven, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, unfettered access to God, and the assurance of no condemnation. These promises provide believers with a foundation of hope and assurance, knowing that God's faithfulness is unwavering and His promises are always "yes" in Christ. [50:45]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: Think about a time when you doubted God's faithfulness. How did God show His faithfulness to you in that situation? What steps can you take today to strengthen your confidence in His promises?
Day 4: Unfettered Access to God
Through Christ, believers have unfettered access to God, allowing them to boldly enter the throne room of heaven with confidence and assurance to find grace and mercy in their hour of need. This access is not limited to one person or one day a year but is available to all believers at any time. It is a privilege that provides believers with the opportunity to deepen their relationship with God, seek His guidance, and experience His presence in their daily lives. [01:07:04]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How often do you take advantage of the access you have to God through Christ? What can you do today to intentionally seek His presence and guidance in your life?
Day 5: Living Without Condemnation in Christ
In Christ, there is no condemnation, as believers are set free from the law of sin and death. This freedom allows them to live without the burden of shame, knowing that God willfully forgets their sins and no longer holds them against them. This promise provides believers with peace and assurance in their relationship with God, empowering them to live a life of freedom and purpose. [01:11:56]
Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you still feel condemned or burdened by shame? How can you embrace the freedom and forgiveness offered in Christ to live without condemnation today?
Quotes
What you're going to witness today is not salvation that's already happened privately what you're going to witness is the beginning of profound transformation because the Lord is about to honor their faith and honor their obedience by getting in these waters and he's going to begin to move in them in ways that is undeniable we want that for you. [00:15:51] (23 seconds)
And it's hard to imagine when you think about it, that greater promises could possibly have been offered than the promises that preceded the coming of Christ. Because those promises are quite outstanding. In fact, what the Bible will show you today is that it calls the promises of the Old Testament actually obsolete. [00:35:37] (23 seconds)
But when you think about Israel, most of the promises they were given would take 430 plus years for them to experience, and in that time, knowing the promise and waiting for the promise, and being surrounded by an environment that definitely had the ability to defy, not necessarily deny, but defy the authority of our God. [00:40:10] (25 seconds)
The same hope that God had for Israel should be experienced by the church, and even in greater measure, and this is the truth, the greater promise of Christ, okay, can embolden, empower, and encourage us, because here is the one difference between us and Israel. So many of those promises have already been fulfilled that God made. [00:42:43] (21 seconds)
The ultimate empowerment of a promise is the faithfulness and the character of the God who makes those. And he is absolutely going to fulfill it. In fact, what God does every time he's offered man a promise is he willingly obligates himself to you. He's now obligated to you. [00:46:01] (23 seconds)
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are yes in Christ, okay? So, every promise God has ever made, you find its fulfillment in Christ. They're all yes in Jesus, and so through him, the amen, which means that is true. True. That's true. That's true. That's true. [00:50:55] (22 seconds)
When God says, I will meet all your needs according to my glorious riches in Christ Jesus, he means it. You can now hold him accountable to that. He's obligated himself to you and me through the promises that he makes. I know it sounds insane, but it is absolutely the truth. [00:51:57] (20 seconds)
And the reason we need this is this sets us free from shame. When you can't help do anything but remember yourself at your worst moment, you got to realize God has no idea what you're talking about when you keep coming back to him about it. I don't know what you're talking about. [01:09:25] (21 seconds)
And we don't need anything else but the blood It is all that is needed It is all that is required And yet, you promise to substantially bless us Through promises that you make You obligate yourself to man Mind -blowing We're supposed to be obligated to you. [01:27:23] (30 seconds)
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