Da Beginning.

Bruce Chant

generation-j - Godzilla

06/02/2004

I like new beginnings. I like a fresh change, a new start.

Who remembers their first day at school?

GODZILLA IS A NEW BEGINNING IN A NEW YEAR.

Godzilla is the new name. Why a new name? Because we want to go in a different direction. It is a new start.

· Godzilla is big.

· Godzilla does not take a backwards step.

· Godzilla comes from the ancient times yet lives in the future

· Godzilla invades cities and all the people take note

· Godzilla breathes fire!

I want you to come here each week expecting to have an awesome time.

We want to make this completely fun, run amok place to come. And we want everyone to feel like they belong and this is your place.

But we want more than that. We want to see everyone here completely sold-out, on fire for God. That is what we want to see.

Who wants to see that as well?

GOD LIKES NEW BEGINNINGS TOO.

Jesus talked about the need we all have for a new beginning to our lives.

Every single person you see on earth has a disease – sin. This disease is far worse than cancer. Far worse than HIV/ AIDS. Far worse dandruff, b.o. or stinky morning breath even. Sin has a 100% death rate. It is our enemy.

Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago with the remedy – his life. That is why he said “you must be born again” (John 3:7). If he isn’t he won’t see eternal life. Being born again is to start over. It is to be born spiritually because of spirit is dead with the infection of sin – being born a second time – of the spirit – removes the punishment for that sin and we are free!

God gives us a new beginning by being born again – a new birth.

The second birth can be like the first. Difficult – we’re comfortable where we are but if we don’t move – we’re dead. Messy – it takes courage to trust God in this.

John 3:3
Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again "

John 3:7
You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again’.

But God commands it – we “MUST” be born again or else we will face eternal death.

BEING BORN MEANS:

1. Being born again – means a new start – forgiveness

Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

The old you is sin filled and rotten like cancer – Jesus new birth removes that through forgiving you of all your sins.

2. Being born again – means a new way of life – transformation

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

When Jesus gives you a new start it means the old is gone and the new has come. You have gone from darkeness and into light. It is a 180 degree change.

3. Being born again – means a new future – hope

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The path of the old you is towards eternal death and destruction.

Sin is our enemy and it destroys us. Without God’s intervention we are doomed. And that is our future without Jesus intervening with a new birth.

Response: new start.

Birth is a time of celebration – and we are gonna celebrate tonight.

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