New Life, New Habits: Embracing Change in Your Journey of Faith

Summary

Welcome to Compassion Danville, where we are dedicated to helping individuals and families grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. In our ongoing sermon series, “Elephant in the Church,” we tackle the topics that can sometimes be ignored or overlooked in the church. Today, I want to address those who have recently made the decision to follow Christ and offer some guidance on what to do next. Whether you are a new believer or have been in the church for a while, this message is for you.

New Life Requires New Habits

When we accept Jesus into our lives and commit to following Him, it is essential to establish new habits that align with our newfound faith. Just as we leave our old selves behind, we must also leave behind the habits and behaviors that no longer serve us. This transformation begins with a conscious decision to live a life of holiness and righteousness.

  • Put off the old self: As the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:22-24, we are called to put off our old self, which is corrupted by deceitful desires. This means letting go of the sinful habits and patterns of our past.
  • Embrace new habits: As we put off the old self, we must replace those negative habits with new ones that reflect our commitment to following Jesus. This may include daily prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, and serving others. By developing these new habits, we can grow closer to God and experience His transformative power in our lives.

Remember, this process takes time and effort. It is a journey of growth and continuous learning. Don’t be discouraged if you stumble along the way. God’s grace is abundant, and He is always ready to help you get back on track.

Moving Forward Means Leaving the Past Behind

In Philippians 3:13, the apostle Paul encourages us to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. When we choose to follow Jesus, we must let go of the baggage of our past. This doesn’t mean we ignore or deny our past mistakes, but rather, we learn from them and allow God to transform us.

  • Embrace forgiveness: God’s forgiveness is available to all who seek it. Accept His forgiveness and extend it to yourself and others. Holding onto guilt and shame only hinders our growth and prevents us from fully experiencing the new life Christ offers.
  • Focus on the future: Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, focus on what God has in store for you. Allow Him to guide your steps and trust that He has a plan for your life. By letting go of the past, you open yourself up to the possibilities of the future.

Remember, God’s love and grace are greater than any sin or mistake you may have made. He is always ready to welcome you with open arms and help you move forward in your faith journey.

Getting to Know Jesus: The Key to New Life

At the heart of our faith is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is through this relationship that we experience true transformation and find meaning and purpose in our lives. To get to know Jesus, we must spend time with Him, seeking His guidance and listening to His voice.

In Matthew 6, Jesus encourages us to find a quiet place where we can be alone with God. In this quiet space, we can speak to Him honestly and openly, sharing our hopes, fears, and struggles. Through prayer and reading the Bible, we deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and how He wants us to live.

  • Make time for daily devotion: Set aside a specific time each day to connect with God. It can be in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with Him, free from distractions.
  • Talk to God as a friend: Approach prayer as a conversation with a close friend. Share your joys, concerns, and desires with Him. Be honest and vulnerable, knowing that He loves you unconditionally.
  • Listen for God’s guidance: Spend time in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart. Be open to His leading and guidance, trusting that He knows what is best for you. The more we listen, the more we can align our lives with His will.

Remember, developing a relationship with Jesus is an ongoing process. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to surrender control to Him. As you spend time with Him, you will begin to experience His love, peace, and joy in your life.

Embracing the new life that comes with following Jesus requires a commitment to new habits, a willingness to let go of the past, and a desire to know Him more intimately. As you embark on this journey, remember that God’s grace is always available to you. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or struggles, but rather, rely on His strength to guide you.

If you have recently made the decision to follow Jesus, we encourage you to connect with a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your faith. Take the next step by filling out the orange card in front of you and visiting the orange wall in the lobby after the service.

May you experience the transformative power of God’s love as you embark on this new chapter of your life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. God is with you every step of the way.