Welcome To The New! We Were Purchased!

"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: