Sermon Series Additional Sermons 2012

A Fresh Start (As part of this sermon, Tracy Alexander shares her story.)

Scripture lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:14 – 6:2

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

· You must die to the old life that pleased self.

· You must live a new life that pleases God.

· You can do this because you are a new person.

· You are a new person because of Jesus.

· You have a new responsibility to invite others to become new.

· Today is the day of salvation.of a fresh start in her faith.

Ash Wednesday: Holy and Perfect - Me?

Scripture lessons: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 ; 1 Peter 1:13-16 ; Matthew 5:13-20, 43-48

God commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16)

Set apart for God
Pure, clean, undefiled
Not contaminated in our minds or hearts or bodies or habits with anything that we would not be proud to show God and to have the world to know

God commands us to be perfect (Matthew 5:48)

Not consciously sinning
Doing everything in love

This is impossible for us but not for God

Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. (Joel 2:13)

By the Holy Spirit’s power in us and by exercising our own faith, we can reach a place where we put God first (Matthew 6:33), are not consciously sinning, and allow ourselves to be controlled by love

What we examine ourselves for in Lent is the ways we have not yet reached that, and what we are allowing to hold us back

EASTER - A New Life

Scripture lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Because Jesus rose from the dead, we who believe in him have

· A new assurance (verses 1-5)

· A new confidence (verses 6-8)

· A new desire (verses 9-10)

· A new attitude (verses 11-14a)

- Energy

- Sincerity

- Motivation

- Freedom

- Passion

· A new way of looking at people (verses 14b-17)

· A new mission in life (verses 18-21)

Sermon Series - 2012

Additional Sermons 2012