Embracing New Beginnings Through Christ's Redemption
Summary
As we embark on a new year, it's a fitting time to reflect on the concept of new beginnings, both in our personal lives and in our spiritual journey. This year, we are starting a new series that will take us through the Gospels chronologically, exploring the life and teachings of Jesus. This journey is not just about learning historical events but about understanding the profound truths that Jesus' life reveals to us.
We began by revisiting Genesis 1:1, which establishes God as the uncreated, eternal creator of time, space, and matter. This foundational truth is crucial because it sets the stage for understanding the rest of the Bible. Without acknowledging God as the creator, the rest of the scripture loses its meaning. This truth also reminds us that God exists outside of time and space, providing stability and consistency in a world that often feels chaotic.
In John 1, we see Jesus as the Word, the life, and the light. These aspects of Jesus are essential for our understanding of who He is and how we relate to Him. Our life, movement, and being are all dependent on our connection to God, the source of all life. Just as a lamp cannot shine without being plugged into a power source, we cannot truly live without being connected to God.
The new year also brings the opportunity for new beginnings. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered redemption and restoration. Each day is a chance to start anew, to seek forgiveness, and to live in the light of God's love and mercy. This is not a one-time event but a continual process of renewal and growth. As we move forward, let us embrace these new beginnings with hope and determination, knowing that God's love and redemption are plentiful and available to us every day.
Key Takeaways:
- God as the Eternal Creator: Understanding God as the uncreated, eternal creator is foundational to our faith. He exists outside of time and space, providing stability in a chaotic world. This truth is essential for understanding the rest of the Bible and our relationship with God. [16:01]
- Connection to the Our life and being depend on our connection to God, the source of all life. Just as a lamp needs electricity to shine, we need to be connected to God to truly live. This connection is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. [25:03]
- New Beginnings through Redemption: Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered new beginnings every day. This redemption allows us to start anew, seek forgiveness, and live in the light of God's love and mercy. It's a continual process of renewal and growth. [29:39]
- Living Triumphantly in Christ: Regardless of life's circumstances, we can live triumphantly because of our connection to Christ. Our faith in God's eternal nature provides an anchor, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with hope and confidence. [18:59]
- Daily Renewal and Growth: Each day is an opportunity for renewal and growth. By embracing God's new mercies every morning, we can live more in His likeness, binding our spiritual garments with love and compassion. [34:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[09:48] - New Year, New Series
[12:12] - The Importance of Genesis 1:1
[13:56] - The Nature of Resolutions
[14:44] - Embracing Change
[16:01] - God as the Eternal Creator
[18:02] - Foundational Truths
[18:59] - Living Triumphantly
[20:13] - Jesus as the Word, Life, and Light
[21:41] - God's Eternal Nature
[22:58] - Stability in Christ
[25:03] - Connection to the Source
[26:00] - Life in the Son
[27:57] - God of New Beginnings
[29:39] - Redemption and Restoration
[31:31] - Continual Renewal
[32:45] - Daily New Beginnings
[34:02] - Hope and Prayer for the New Year
[35:42] - Communion as a New Beginning
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:1
2. John 1:1-14
3. Lamentations 3:22-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Genesis 1:1 reveal about God's nature and His role in creation? How does this foundational truth set the stage for understanding the rest of the Bible? [16:01]
2. In John 1:1-14, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? What are the key aspects of Jesus mentioned in this passage? [20:13]
3. According to Lamentations 3:22-23, what does God provide for us every morning, and how does this relate to the concept of new beginnings? [31:31]
4. How does the analogy of a lamp needing to be plugged into a power source relate to our spiritual connection with God? [25:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to understand God as the uncreated, eternal creator, and how does this belief impact our faith and understanding of the Bible? [18:02]
2. How does the description of Jesus as the Word, life, and light in John 1 help us understand our relationship with Him and our dependence on Him for spiritual growth? [20:13]
3. What does the concept of daily renewal and new beginnings through God's mercies mean for a believer's spiritual journey? How can this understanding influence our daily lives? [31:31]
4. How does the sermon suggest that believers can live triumphantly in Christ, regardless of life's circumstances? What role does faith in God's eternal nature play in this? [18:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of God as the eternal creator. How does this belief provide stability in your life, especially during chaotic times? [16:01]
2. In what ways can you strengthen your connection to God, the source of all life, to ensure that you are spiritually "plugged in" and shining brightly? [25:03]
3. Consider a recent situation where you needed a new beginning. How did you seek God's redemption and restoration in that moment? [29:39]
4. How can you embrace the concept of daily renewal and growth in your spiritual life? What practical steps can you take to live more in God's likeness each day? [34:02]
5. Think about a challenge you are currently facing. How can your faith in God's eternal nature and His promises help you navigate this situation with hope and confidence? [18:59]
6. Identify an area in your life where you need to seek forgiveness and start anew. How can you approach God for a fresh start and embrace His mercies? [31:31]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of reflecting on God's love and redemption into your daily routine to ensure continual spiritual growth and renewal? [34:02]
Devotional
Day 1: God as the Eternal Creator
Understanding God as the uncreated, eternal creator is foundational to our faith. He exists outside of time and space, providing stability in a chaotic world. This truth is essential for understanding the rest of the Bible and our relationship with God. Recognizing God as the creator helps us see the world through a lens of divine purpose and order. It reminds us that despite the chaos and unpredictability of life, there is a constant and unchanging presence that governs all things. This understanding can bring peace and assurance, knowing that our lives are part of a greater plan orchestrated by a loving and sovereign God. [16:01]
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does acknowledging God as the eternal creator change your perspective on a current challenge you are facing?
Day 2: Connection to the Source
Our life and being depend on our connection to God, the source of all life. Just as a lamp needs electricity to shine, we need to be connected to God to truly live. This connection is vital for our spiritual growth and well-being. Without it, we may find ourselves feeling empty or directionless. By nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and community, we can experience the fullness of life that He offers. This connection not only sustains us but also empowers us to live out our purpose and impact the world around us. [25:03]
"For in him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we are indeed his offspring.'" (Acts 17:28, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to strengthen your connection with God, the source of your life?
Day 3: New Beginnings through Redemption
Through Jesus' sacrifice, we are offered new beginnings every day. This redemption allows us to start anew, seek forgiveness, and live in the light of God's love and mercy. It's a continual process of renewal and growth. Each day presents an opportunity to leave behind past mistakes and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. This process of redemption is not just a one-time event but a daily journey of transformation. By accepting God's grace and forgiveness, we can move forward with hope and confidence, knowing that we are loved and valued by our Creator. [29:39]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace a new beginning through God's redemption today?
Day 4: Living Triumphantly in Christ
Regardless of life's circumstances, we can live triumphantly because of our connection to Christ. Our faith in God's eternal nature provides an anchor, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with hope and confidence. This triumph is not about avoiding difficulties but about overcoming them through the strength and peace that Christ provides. By trusting in His promises and relying on His power, we can face any situation with courage and resilience. This victorious living is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the unwavering support of our Savior. [18:59]
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate triumphant living in a specific area of your life where you currently feel defeated?
Day 5: Daily Renewal and Growth
Each day is an opportunity for renewal and growth. By embracing God's new mercies every morning, we can live more in His likeness, binding our spiritual garments with love and compassion. This daily renewal is a process of becoming more like Christ, allowing His love and grace to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. It requires intentionality and commitment to seek God's presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. As we grow in our faith, we become better equipped to serve others and reflect God's love to the world. [34:02]
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can seek daily renewal and growth in your spiritual journey this week?
Quotes
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. There's a book out by Richard Dawkins, who's an atheist. It's called The God Delusion. And in that book, his basic premise is, well, okay, God created the heavens and the earth. Well, then who created God? And if you... If you try to answer that question, of course, he's going to go back to, then who created that God, and who created that God, and so on and so forth, until it all kind of breaks down." [00:16:01] (28 seconds)
"And he believes that's a legitimate question. I don't believe it's a legitimate question. Who created God? God is uncreated. He is eternal. Not just eternal in the forward direction, but eternal in the backward direction. It's kind of like creating, well, creating something, anything. If I created a computer, as the creator, I don't have to be in the computer, pushing buttons and binary code and making sure the mouse moves like it does." [00:16:30] (32 seconds)
"God created the heavens and the earth. He's not in that creation. He's outside of that creation. That's why we say God exists outside of time and space. Why? Because he created time and space. He created three things, time, space, and matter, right there in Genesis 1 -1. In the beginning, time. God, that means God was before the beginning. God created the heavens, space, and the earth, matter. He created it all." [00:16:46] (35 seconds)
"With that truth deeply upon our hearts, in our minds, in the days ahead, the weeks and the months ahead, we should not treat, shouldn't we look at this Bible, this book, these words, shouldn't we treat them? Shouldn't we treat them differently? Shouldn't we read it diligently, like you both talked about? Getting into His Word. Shouldn't we wait expectantly, and from it, learn to live triumphantly?" [00:18:59] (35 seconds)
"Regardless, whether we keep our resolutions, whether the world works in our favor or against us, we live it triumphantly. So God, we're going to read this. God is our creator, and there is no other. The reason I wanted that verse first is because now, turn to John 1. In our Bible study, we've been walking through, it's not a slow walk, it's a thorough walk, through the book of John." [00:19:47] (29 seconds)
"Our life depends on him. Acts 17, 28 talks about this very thing. It says that in him, we have what? We live, we move, and we have our being. Acts 17, 28. Yeah, let me read it to make sure that you understand I'm not just saying things because I'd like to, hear my voice. For in him, we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, we are his offspring." [00:24:09] (26 seconds)
"So Paul is, is in Athens, and he's speaking to the Greeks who are very, very smart people, and they want to know everything. And he says, oh, he's walking around the marketplace. I see you have an idol to an unknown God. Let me, let me tell you who that God is. Let me introduce you to him. I know his name, and so can you. And this is the God that we, he says, we are. In him is life." [00:24:49] (27 seconds)
"We live and move and have our being in this unknown God that you have an idol, a shrine to, and you don't even know who he is. He is the God. It's like, and we have everything we have from him. We don't have life within ourselves. We have the gift of life that comes from the creator who has life. It's kind of like this. We are his creation, right?" [00:25:03] (28 seconds)
"So if I have a lamp here that I've created, that lamp is not going to burn. It's not going to come on. It's not going to provide light until I what? Plug it into the source. It's got to have electricity. No matter how big that bulb is or, or how, you know, impressive the lamp is, it's not going to shine until it's connected to the source. The electricity comes in and then it shines." [00:25:23] (27 seconds)
"That's a statement about his characteristic. God exists outside of time, and he is the beginning and the source. Source. Now, that means that just like a computer that you create, the very existence of that computer is based on the creator. You can unplug it, disassemble it, and it's gone again. Or you can just let it run, and eventually it'll stop working." [00:22:58] (35 seconds)
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