Embracing New Life: Transformation Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Big Sunday at Harvest! Today, we delve into the profound truth that every person is marked by Jesus Christ, called to live a life of purpose, peace, joy, and satisfaction. However, we live in a world that is undeniably broken and jacked up, filled with violence, crime, addiction, corruption, and more. This brokenness stems from living without Christ, which leaves us in a state of sin and selfishness. The Bible clearly defines the problem as sin, which corrupts our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Romans 1:24-28 paints a vivid picture of our world today, where people have abandoned God and are consumed by wickedness. But there is hope. Jesus Christ offers a remedy for this broken state. He died on the cross and rose again to bring new life to humanity. A person living in Christ is a brand new being, transformed from the inside out. This new life starts the moment we say yes to Jesus, throwing off our old sinful nature and embracing a new identity in Him.
However, many people today don't see a difference between Christians and non-Christians. True transformation means living a life that reflects Christ, not just doing a few good things. Our identity is no longer found in what we have or how we look but in our relationship with Jesus. This new life in Christ helps us to look at our brokenness in a way that allows God to transform us.
We all need a Savior. Humanity has tried and failed to fix itself through revolutions, education, and science. But only Jesus can save us from our sins. The need for a Savior is a central theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus is the only way to God, offering eternal life to all who put their trust in Him. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again, making salvation possible for everyone.
Today, Jesus extends an invitation to leave our old lives behind and follow Him. This is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live for Him. If you haven't yet accepted this invitation, now is the time. Throw off the old self and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. You will find peace, joy, and purpose beyond your wildest dreams.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Brokenness of the World: Our world is filled with violence, crime, addiction, and corruption, all stemming from living without Christ. Sin corrupts our thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to a state of brokenness. The Bible clearly defines this problem, and we see it manifest in our daily lives. [03:01]
2. Transformation in Christ: A person living in Christ is a brand new being. This transformation starts the moment we say yes to Jesus, throwing off our old sinful nature and embracing a new identity in Him. True transformation means living a life that reflects Christ, not just doing a few good things. [15:02]
3. The Need for a Savior: Humanity has tried and failed to fix itself through revolutions, education, and science. Only Jesus can save us from our sins. The need for a Savior is a central theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus is the only way to God, offering eternal life to all who put their trust in Him. [24:59]
4. Daily Commitment to Follow Jesus: Accepting Jesus' invitation is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live for Him. This involves throwing off the old self and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. It means allowing Him to shape our lives and transform us from the inside out. [31:22]
5. Living a Life of Purpose and Joy: When we choose to follow Jesus, we find peace, joy, and purpose beyond our wildest dreams. This new life in Christ helps us to look at our brokenness in a way that allows God to transform us. We are no longer defined by our past but by our relationship with Jesus. [33:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Share the Live Stream
[01:18] - YouVersion Bible App Notes
[02:17] - Marked by Jesus
[03:01] - The Brokenness of the World
[05:03] - Road Trip to New York
[06:14] - Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire"
[07:14] - Human Attempts to Fix the World
[09:05] - The Limits of Democracy, Education, and Science
[09:48] - Personal Brokenness
[11:34] - Romans 1:24-28
[13:18] - The Corruption of Sin
[15:02] - Transformation in Christ
[17:43] - New Life in Christ
[19:23] - The Old Self vs. The New Self
[21:14] - New Year's Resolutions and Identity
[24:25] - Throwing Off the Old Self
[24:59] - The Need for a Savior
[27:22] - Jesus' Teachings on Sin
[29:32] - The Central Theme of the Bible
[31:22] - Daily Commitment to Follow Jesus
[33:19] - Living a Life of Purpose and Joy
[34:53] - Jesus' Invitation to Follow Him
[35:50] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[37:39] - The Choice to Follow Jesus
[40:24] - Prayer of Salvation
[44:01] - Prayer Partners and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:24-28: "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done."
2. Ephesians 4:22-24: "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
3. John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 1:24-28, what are some of the consequences of abandoning God? How does this passage describe the state of the world? [11:34]
2. In Ephesians 4:22-24, what are believers instructed to do with their old self? What does it mean to put on the new self? [16:41]
3. How does John 3:16-17 summarize the purpose of Jesus' coming to the world? What does this passage say about God's intention for humanity? [29:32]
4. The sermon mentioned that many people don't see a difference between Christians and non-Christians. What does true transformation in Christ look like according to the sermon? [15:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Romans 1:24-28 describes a world consumed by sin. How does this passage help us understand the brokenness we see in the world today? [11:34]
2. Ephesians 4:22-24 talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self. What practical steps can believers take to live out this transformation daily? [16:41]
3. John 3:16-17 emphasizes God's love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. How does this understanding of God's love impact the way we view our own salvation and the salvation of others? [29:32]
4. The sermon highlighted the need for a Savior and the failure of human efforts to fix the world. Why is it important to recognize our need for Jesus, and how does this recognition change our approach to life's challenges? [24:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the brokenness in the world as described in Romans 1:24-28. How have you personally experienced or witnessed this brokenness, and how can you respond to it in a Christ-like manner? [11:34]
2. Ephesians 4:22-24 calls us to put off our old self and embrace a new identity in Christ. What specific old habits or mindsets do you need to throw off, and what new attitudes or behaviors do you need to adopt? [16:41]
3. John 3:16-17 speaks of God's immense love for humanity. How can you share this message of love and salvation with someone in your life who may not know Jesus? [29:32]
4. The sermon emphasized the daily commitment to follow Jesus. What are some practical ways you can renew your commitment to Christ each day? How can you ensure that your life reflects this commitment? [31:22]
5. The sermon mentioned that true transformation in Christ means living a life that reflects Him. In what areas of your life do you struggle to reflect Christ, and what steps can you take to improve? [15:02]
6. The need for a Savior is a central theme in the Bible. How does recognizing your need for Jesus influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [24:59]
7. The sermon concluded with an invitation to follow Jesus and leave the old life behind. If you haven't yet made this decision, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage others to make this life-changing commitment? [34:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Brokenness of the World
Our world is undeniably filled with violence, crime, addiction, and corruption. This brokenness stems from living without Christ, which leaves us in a state of sin and selfishness. Sin corrupts our thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to a state of brokenness. The Bible clearly defines this problem, and we see it manifest in our daily lives. The world’s attempts to fix itself through revolutions, education, and science have all fallen short. Only through Christ can we find true healing and restoration. [03:01]
Romans 1:24-25 (ESV): "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you see brokenness. How can you invite Jesus into that specific area to begin the process of healing and restoration today?
Day 2: Transformation in Christ
A person living in Christ is a brand new being. This transformation starts the moment we say yes to Jesus, throwing off our old sinful nature and embracing a new identity in Him. True transformation means living a life that reflects Christ, not just doing a few good things. Our identity is no longer found in what we have or how we look but in our relationship with Jesus. This new life in Christ helps us to look at our brokenness in a way that allows God to transform us. [15:02]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and attitudes. Are they reflecting your new identity in Christ? What is one specific change you can make today to better reflect Christ in your life?
Day 3: The Need for a Savior
Humanity has tried and failed to fix itself through revolutions, education, and science. Only Jesus can save us from our sins. The need for a Savior is a central theme throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus is the only way to God, offering eternal life to all who put their trust in Him. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again, making salvation possible for everyone. [24:59]
Acts 4:12 (ESV): "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Reflection: Consider the ways you have tried to "fix" your life on your own. How can you surrender these efforts to Jesus and trust Him as your Savior today?
Day 4: Daily Commitment to Follow Jesus
Accepting Jesus' invitation is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live for Him. This involves throwing off the old self and embracing the new life that Jesus offers. It means allowing Him to shape our lives and transform us from the inside out. Each day, we must choose to follow Jesus and let His love and grace guide our actions and decisions. [31:22]
Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What is one specific way you can deny yourself and take up your cross today? How can you make this a daily habit in your walk with Jesus?
Day 5: Living a Life of Purpose and Joy
When we choose to follow Jesus, we find peace, joy, and purpose beyond our wildest dreams. This new life in Christ helps us to look at our brokenness in a way that allows God to transform us. We are no longer defined by our past but by our relationship with Jesus. Embracing this new identity in Christ leads to a life filled with purpose and joy, as we live out the calling He has placed on our lives. [33:19]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: How can you embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers? What steps can you take today to live out your God-given purpose with joy and peace?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus died on the cross. And rose again to bring new life to humanity. And that's why I say a person living without Christ is broken. And I'm not pointing anybody out. Because we have all been there. Every single one of us." [15:02] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is calling you today. Whether you're here in person or watching online. Saw we got somebody from Uganda with us right now. Welcome. God bless you. Wherever you may be watching from. You've been marked. And you've been called by the Savior. Jesus today is saying the same thing he said to the first disciples. He's saying, follow me. Leave the old stuff behind. And follow me. And he's saying, let me make you into something brand new and wonderful beyond your wildest dreams." [34:53] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are invited to receive his love and his mercy and his grace. No matter what you've done. No matter how far you've gone. No matter what you've done. No matter what sin you've committed. You're invited. You're invited to be adopted into his family and to become his very own. Somebody says, what's the catch? The catch is, you have to choose. You have to choose. You've received the invitation today." [37:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we're truly Christ followers and allowing him to lead and guide, he's going to be shaping your life. Every day you wake up, his mercies are going to be new every morning. And you're going to keep your eyes fixed on him and you're going to look a little bit more like him. Day by day by day by day. If your life didn't change when you received Jesus, if it doesn't look different today than it did back when you first received Jesus, you're probably not a Christ follower. And I would implore you, please, make a decision today. Receive his mercy." [40:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I promise the best is in front of you if you will choose Jesus. I promise you. So who would say today that I need Jesus? Let's just bow our heads for just a moment. Who would lift their hands up high and say, I need Jesus today? Who else? Come on, guys. Lift your hands up high if that's you. I need a Savior. I'm desperate. I'm desperate for a Savior. I need his mercy. I need his grace. I need to accept that invitation." [40:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "A person living without Christ is broken. And we're going to talk about our world here for just a minute. How many of you, especially in recent years, have said, you've seen something happen. You've said, what is wrong with the world? Or something's happened. You see somebody do something, respond a certain way, and you're like, what is wrong with them? We're doing that constantly today. Because the world is jacked up. No matter who you are. Or where you live." [03:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Beyond looking at the, the big picture. Beyond looking at the, the big brokenness of the world that humans have tried to fix. Think about it from a personal human level for just a moment. You know, we all have areas of brokenness inside. You know, I was thinking, there are many of us, we have addictions in our lives that we just can't seem to stop. Or, you know, we have an emptiness inside and we try to fill that void like the world does. With money or sex or power. Relationships, stuff, you know, things, whatever it may be." [09:48] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A person living in Christ is a brand new being. I want to dig into this and talk about this for a minute. Because the problem is today, many people don't see a difference between people who claim to be Christians and people who don't. And people who are living in the world. But a person who is truly living in Christ is a brand new being. And that's what I want to talk about for a minute. Because people, you may be sitting here and you may not even be a Christ follower. You may be watching online and you're not even a Christ follower. And you're like, I know this. I know the answer to this. Jesus died on the cross so that when I die I can go to heaven. That's a sliver of it." [15:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your identity is no longer found in what you have. Or how you look. Or what people think of you. Or your own self perception. Your core identity is now found in who you know. Who you have relationship with. Who you identify with. And that person is Jesus Christ." [18:40] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We, who have been given new life in Christ, when we try to still live the same way, how many of you know we experience frustration? We try to live the same way we did before Christ. In Christ. There is a new shape to our lives. We don't fit into the old molds anymore. So what do we do? What did he say to do? Throw off. Heavens. The old self. Right? Throw it off. A person living in Christ is a brand new being. Not just a better being. A brand new being." [24:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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