Sermon_12-29-24.pdf

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
- Isaiah 43:18-21 (NLT)
- Psalms 85:6-7
- 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)

**Observation Questions:**
1. According to Isaiah 43:18-21, what new things does God promise to do for His people?
2. How does the sermon describe the importance of redirecting our focus from the past to the future?
3. What examples from Israel's history were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the need for renewed faith?
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God can transform the "desert areas" of our lives?

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. What does it mean to "forget the former things" in the context of Isaiah 43:18-21, and how might this apply to personal experiences?
2. How does the concept of renewing faith relate to the challenges faced by the Israelites, as discussed in the sermon?
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that redefining one's purpose can lead to new beginnings?
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of committing to God's plan, even when it feels uncertain?

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a time when focusing on the past hindered your ability to embrace new opportunities. How can you redirect your focus to what lies ahead?
2. Identify a current challenge in your life that requires a fresh portion of faith. What steps can you take to seek a deeper relationship with God to overcome it?
3. Consider an area of your life where you feel stuck or defined by past failures. How can you redefine your purpose in alignment with God's grace and promises?
4. What are some practical ways you can commit to God's plan for your life, especially when the path seems unclear or uncertain?
5. Think about a "desert area" in your life that needs transformation. How can you invite God to begin a new work in that area as you enter the new year?
6. How can you actively seek God's guidance and trust in His unfailing love as you prepare for new beginnings?
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about new beginnings. What specific action can you take this week to embrace the new things God wants to do in your life?

Day 1: Look Forward, Not Backward
In life, it is easy to become fixated on past experiences, whether they are victories or failures. However, dwelling on the past can prevent us from seeing the new opportunities and blessings that God has prepared for us. Just as a driver must focus on the road ahead rather than the rearview mirror, we are called to redirect our focus toward the future. By doing so, we open ourselves to the possibilities that lie before us and allow God to guide us into new beginnings. Embracing this forward-looking perspective requires intentionality and trust in God's plan for our lives.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself constantly looking back? How can you shift your focus to what God is doing now and in the future?


Day 2: Fresh Faith for New Challenges
The challenges we face today require a renewed faith and a fresh vision of God's power. Yesterday's faith, while valuable, is not sufficient for the trials of today. Like the Israelites who needed a new portion of manna each day, we too need a daily renewal of our faith to overcome our current struggles. By seeking a deeper relationship with God, we can experience His transformative work in our lives and find the strength to face whatever comes our way. This renewal of faith is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and trust in God's promises.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek a fresh vision of God's power in your life today? How can you cultivate a daily practice of renewing your faith?


Day 3: Embrace Your God-Given Purpose
Our past mistakes and failures do not define us; instead, God's grace offers us new opportunities to redefine our purpose. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we can move beyond our past and embrace the new beginnings He offers. Trusting in His promises allows us to live a life of purpose and grace, knowing that we are not bound by our past but are free to pursue the calling God has placed on our lives. This redefinition of purpose requires us to listen to God's voice and be willing to step into the new paths He has set before us.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What past failures are you allowing to define your present? How can you realign your life with God's purpose and embrace the new opportunities He offers?


Day 4: Commit to the Journey of Faith
Embracing the new things God wants to do in our lives requires a commitment to His plan, even when it feels uncertain. God has already set into motion a new direction for us, and it is up to us to follow His lead. By saying "yes" to God, we allow Him to work in and through us, trusting that His plans are for our good. This commitment involves surrendering our own desires and trusting in God's guidance, knowing that He is faithful to lead us on the right path.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to commit to God's plan? How can you take a step of faith today to trust in His guidance?


Day 5: Begin Anew with God's Mercies
God offers us new beginnings, not by returning to where we failed, but by starting anew. His mercies are new every morning, and He is ready to transform the desert areas of our lives into fields of blessing. As we prepare for the new year, we are invited to allow God to start a new work in us, trusting in His unfailing love and guidance. Embracing these new beginnings requires us to let go of the past and open our hearts to the fresh work God wants to do in our lives.

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: What is one area of your life that feels like a desert? How can you invite God to begin a new work in that area, trusting in His transformative power?

1. "To fully embrace the newness, freshness, and abundance that God desires for our lives, we need to explore how to open ourselves to these possibilities."


2. "If you are continually focused on what is behind you, you can’t see where you are going. Looking back keeps us from seeing the road ahead."


3. "Yesterday’s faith is not enough for today’s challenges. Are you asking God for a fresh portion of faith for today’s challenges?"


4. "We stop trying to do things our own way and start doing things a new way, a fresh way, we start doing things His way."


5. "Don’t let your past failures define you. God’s grace offers new opportunities. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."


6. "God allows for us not to go back to where we messed up and do it all again. He gives us opportunities not to begin again, but to begin anew!"


7. "In order to discover what God wants for you, you must view yourself as God sees you: full of potential and purpose."


8. "God is able to transform the desert areas of your life into fields of blessing and abundance. God can take a dried-up useless life and transform it into a life of purpose and grace."


9. "The greatest step to embracing the new things that God wants to do in your life is to commit yourself to God’s plan, even when it feels uncertain."


10. "As we prepare for the new year, remember: God’s mercies are new every morning. Will you allow Him to begin a new work in you today?"