Renewed In Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Renewed in Christ.

Stand with me and hold up your Bible and repeat after me.

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.

Turn in your Bible to 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 and say, "Amen" when you are there.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" – 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Have you ever tried to restart a device that’s frozen, hoping it would fix the issue?

Sometimes, our lives feel just like that—stuck, unresponsive, burdened by the weight of the past.

But here’s the good news: God doesn’t just ‘restart’ our lives; He renews them entirely, making us a new creation

through Christ."

Renewal is for everyone—whether you’ve walked with God for years or are hearing about His love for the first time.

Renewal in Christ wipes away our past, heals our wounds, and sets us on a new path.

1. The Need for Renewal

Sin separates us from God, leaving us feeling distant, broken, and unworthy. The effects of life—mistakes, disappointments, and struggles—can leave us weary and hopeless.

Renewal is essential because without it, we’re trapped in cycles of sin, shame, and self-reliance.

Brian Welch, guitarist for the rock band Korn, had reached the height of fame but felt utterly empty. Addiction to drugs and alcohol controlled his life.

In a moment of desperation, he cried out to God for help. He encountered Christ, and his life was radically transformed. Not only did he leave his destructive habits, but he also found purpose and began sharing his story to encourage others.

Psalm 51:10 – "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

“What are you carrying today? Is it guilt? Addiction? Hopelessness?

God’s renewal is available for you right now.

He wants to replace the heaviness of your past with the joy of a new beginning.”

2. The Source of Renewal

Renewal doesn’t come from trying harder, reading self-help books, or making resolutions. It comes only through Jesus Christ, who has the power to transform us from the inside out.

Renewal starts at the cross. It’s the moment we recognize our need for Jesus and allow Him to do what only He can—cleanse us, restore us, and give us a new identity.

Nicky Cruz, a violent gang leader in New York City, was consumed by anger and hopelessness. When preacher David Wilkerson told him, “Jesus loves you,” Nicky was enraged. But God’s love broke through his hardened heart. Nicky surrendered to Christ, leaving behind a life of violence to become an evangelist, preaching to millions.

Ezekiel 36:26 – "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

Speak to those feeling unworthy: “No matter how broken your past, no matter how far you’ve strayed, Jesus is here with open arms. He loves you and is ready to renew your life completely.”

3. Living in Renewal

Renewal is not a one-time event; it’s a daily walk with Jesus. Just as we charge our phones daily, we must stay connected to the source of life through prayer, reading God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers.

After surviving a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom struggled with bitterness and pain. One day, she was confronted by a former SS guard who asked for her forgiveness. At first, she couldn’t bring herself to forgive him. But as she prayed for God’s help, His love filled her heart, and she extended forgiveness. This act of surrender renewed her spirit and brought her peace.

Romans 12:2 – "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

“Are you spending time in God’s Word? Are you surrounding yourself with people who encourage your faith? Renewal isn’t just about what God did once; it’s about letting Him work in you every single day.”

“You’ve heard how God can take the broken and make them whole, the lost and make them found, the weary and

give them rest. Now it’s your turn. The same Jesus who renewed Brian, Nicky, and Corrie is here for you today.”

“If you’ve never given your life to Christ, today is the day to start fresh.”

“If you’ve walked away from God, He’s waiting to welcome you back with open arms.”