"Welcome to the New: We Were Purchased"
Good morning, church family!
Call to Stand:
Please stand with me, lift your Bibles, and repeat after me:
Bible Affirmation:
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the Word of God.
The indestructible, never-ending, living Word of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus' name.
Amen!
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters safely.
Today, I want to talk to you about something incredibly powerful and transformative:
"Welcome to the New: We Were Purchased."
Let’s start by asking ourselves a simple question: Have you bought anything recently?
Perhaps it was something you needed, something you wanted, or maybe something you splurged on.
When you purchase something, you exchange money for goods or services that become yours.
Turn with me in your Bible to 1 Corinthians and say, "Amen" when you are there.
Our scripture for today is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV):
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."
Understanding Our Purchase:
When we talk about being purchased, we must understand that we are not referring to a simple transaction. This is about the greatest act of love and sacrifice in history.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, paid the ultimate price for our redemption. He purchased us with His own blood on the cross.
This act signifies our value and worth in the eyes of God.
The New Life in Christ:
Because we were purchased by Christ, we are welcomed into a new life. This new life is not just a slight improvement over the old; it is a complete transformation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
As new creations, we are called to live in a way that reflects our redeemed status. Our lives should exhibit the love, grace, and holiness of God.
Living as God’s Possession:
Knowing that we were bought at a price should change how we live. We are no longer our own; we belong to God.
This means that every aspect of our lives should be dedicated to honoring Him.
We honor God with our bodies, our minds, our relationships, and our daily actions. This dedication is a response to the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Our affirmation earlier highlighted the power of God’s Word. The Bible is the indestructible, never-ending, living Word of God. It equips us, transforms us, and guides us in our new life.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Let us commit to immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to renew our minds and shape our lives according to God’s will.
Allow me to share a testimony that illustrates the power of making a decision to follow Christ. This testimony comes from our dear sister, Maria.
Maria grew up in a difficult environment, surrounded by negativity and hardships. She tried to find solace in various pursuits, hoping to fill the void in her life. Despite her efforts, she always felt an emptiness that nothing could satisfy.
One day, Maria attended a church service much like this one. The sermon that day spoke about being purchased by Christ, and it resonated deeply with her. She realized that she had been trying to buy happiness and fulfillment with things that could never satisfy her soul. She heard about the sacrifice Jesus made and understood for the first time that she was of immense value to God.
Maria made the decision to accept Jesus into her heart and commit her life to Him. The transformation was remarkable. She began to see herself as a new creation in Christ. The old life, filled with despair and searching, gave way to a new life filled with hope and purpose. Maria immersed herself in the Word of God, and the Scriptures came alive for her, guiding her steps and renewing her mind.
Today, Maria is an active member of the church, known for her unwavering faith and dedication to serving others. Her story is a testament to the power of being purchased by Christ and living as a new creation.
As we reflect on this new life we have in Christ, I am reminded of the song "Welcome to the New" by MercyMe. Here are a few lines that capture the essence of our message today:
"Welcome to the new, you break what you have to break
You come what you have to take
Learn to walk as a child of grace"
These lyrics remind us that stepping into our new life in Christ means breaking away from the old and embracing the grace and transformation He offers.
Here is an Illustration of what I mean:
Imagine you bought a precious, rare gemstone. You would probably take great care of it, protect it, and ensure it is kept safe.
Similarly, God sees us as precious and valuable. He purchased us with the most precious gift of all—His Son. Our response should be to live lives that reflect our worth and value to Him.
How do we live out this new life as purchased and redeemed people?
Daily Devotion: Spend time in prayer and Bible study to grow closer to God.
Community: Engage with fellow believers who can support and encourage you.
Service: Use your gifts and talents to serve others and glorify God.
Holiness: Strive to live a life that is set apart for God, reflecting His love and righteousness.
Conclusion:
Brothers and sisters, we have been welcomed into a new life through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. We were purchased at a great price, and this knowledge should transform how we live each day. Let us honor God with our lives, embrace His Word, and walk in the newness He has given us.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for purchasing us with Your precious blood. Help us to live lives that honor You in every way. May Your indestructible, living Word guide us and transform us daily. We commit ourselves to You anew, knowing we will never be the same. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Altar Call:
As we come to the end of our service, I want to extend an invitation to each one of you. If you have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, today is the day. If you feel a stirring in your heart, if you feel the call of God drawing you to Him, do not resist.
Perhaps you have been living a life filled with searching and emptiness, much like Maria. Today, you can step into the new life that Christ offers. You were bought at a price; Jesus paid it all for you. All you need to do is come forward, surrender your life to Him, and accept the gift of salvation.
For those of you who have already accepted Christ but feel the need to recommit your life to Him, you are welcome to come forward as well. Sometimes, we need to renew our dedication and remind ourselves of the great love and sacrifice of our Savior.
If you are here and need prayer for any reason, our prayer team is here to stand with you and lift you up before the Lord. Do not leave here today without receiving the prayer and support you need.
Let us bow our heads. If you feel led to come forward, please do so now.
Benediction:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
