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Most Wednesdays, our Communications Director, Michelle Leichty, hosts a discussion with the preaching pastor from the previous Sunday. Visit our Facebook page to watch the discussion shortly after 1pm on Wednesdays: https://www.facebook.com/covenantepcBe sure to follow our Facebook page for notifications of when the discussion is posted!
Date: September 27, 2026Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10Preaching: Brently JordanSeries: Anchored in God's Loving PurposesFind notes or a transcript of this sermon on our blog: https://www.covenantepc.org/blog/anchored-in-loving-purposes-of-god/
There are great similarities between the Original Creation and the New Creation
New Creation Kids: A Principle-Led, Bible-Centered Children's Ministry CurriculumMeaghan Turner chats with Youthworks children's ministry advisors Annemarie Rivers and Cam Harte about New Creation Kids, a new three-year, subscription-based curriculum. It's been intentionally created to align with Youthworks 7 principles for effective youth and children's ministry with the key focus being on Bible-centered relational ministry, partnering with the home and training leaders effectively. Have a listen to found out how! Launches online Nov 2, 2026 at newcreationkids.org with samples available now.00:00 Cold Open Mixup01:09 Why Create Curriculum02:27 What New Creation Kids Is03:14 Principle Led Bible Centred and Relational 06:58 Partnering With Parents09:53 Leader Training12:29 Podcast And Minister Support15:10 Not Plug And Play17:09 Getting Started Online Platform19:19 Unit Structure And Planning21:08 Bible Reading Cards NIV23:44 Weekly Program Flow26:58 Visual Aids Library27:34 Apply Head Heart Hands29:03 Discussion Questions Toolkit30:39 Support And Training31:52 Curriculum Purpose33:26 Favorite Units Preview35:26 Three Year Scope42:12 Trust And Review43:53 Churches Teaching Together46:58 Access And Launch49:21 International Use50:21 Final Wrap Up
What does it really mean to be a new creation in Christ?In “The New Creation,” Pastor Jonathan Morgan teaches what happens when we are born again. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, anyone who is in Christ is a new creation—the old has passed away and all things have become new. This isn't simply an improved version of who you used to be; through Jesus, the inner person has been recreated by the power and grace of God.Pastor Jonathan unpacks the believer's identity in Christ: we have been made the righteousness of God, filled with the life of God, and given the faith of God. As we receive that truth by faith, it changes how we see ourselves, how we approach God, and how we live.You don't have to live defined by who you were. Believe the Gospel, embrace your new identity, and begin living from what Jesus has already accomplished for you.Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, Jeremiah 23:6, Philippians 3:8–10, Mark 11:20–23, Romans 3:3, Romans 10:17Key Themes: The New Creation • Identity in Christ • Righteousness of God • Life of God • Faith of God • Knowing Jesus • Power of the Resurrection • Speaking Faith Sundays at 8:30 & 10:30 AMWe are branded by the fire of God. We carry the fire of God to ignite our generation to burn for Jesus. Find us:www.fuquayrevival.comwww.facebook.com/cornerstonefuquayig: @cornerstonechurch.fv
Do you know the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? Greg Mohr articulates how understanding this pivotal distinction brings freedom and new life in Christ.
Jesus contrasts two sons- one whose empty words mirror a hollow religion and one who ultimately shows true obedience. God values repentance and obedience not appearances and titles. The Kingdom of God is open to those who humbly turn and follow, regardless of past rebellion. We are called to repent and believe, walking the way of righteousness… a Jesus-shaped church on mission.Message by Erin Lund, "Repents and Believes" as part of the Working Model of New Creation series. Message from September 27, 2026. Centralia Community Church, Centralia, WA. cccog.comWhat does it look like when formation begins to take shape in how we live together? Jesus calls His church into a different kind of community; one marked by reconciliation, forgiveness, humility, and wholehearted obedience. As we receive His grace, steward what He's given, and respond to His invitation, we learn to live not by appearance or obligation, but as people who truly belong to Him. This is the life of the Kingdom on display - a community bearing His image, extending His mercy, and living as a working model of new creation.Centralia Community Church. cccog.com
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15) In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word translated... More...
by Rev Trevor Adams | Revelation 21: 1-5Revelation 21: 1-5 (NIV)Do you dream during your nightly sleep? Some people don't ever dream. Joseph in the Bible was dubbed 'that dreamer' by his jealous brothers. Why did they do that?
The word “Zion” means fortress (a stronghold of defense). Those in covenant with the God of Abraham (the King of Zion) qualify as “Children of Zion” because they have become a fortress of faith in a world full of unbelief, a fortress of love in a world full of hatred, a fortress of peace in a world full of stress. But that's just a small part of a grand revelation that reaches all the way to the pinnacle of the spectacular New Creation. Enjoy!!!Ministry website: www.shreveministries.org Comparative religion website: www.thetruelight.net The “Catholic Project” website: www.toCatholicswithlove.org Video channel: www.YouTube.com/mikeshreveministries All audio-podcasts are shared in a video format on our YouTube channel. Mail: P.O. Box 4260, Cleveland, TN 37320 / Phone: 423-478-4843Get Mike Shreve's book revealing the spiritual identity of God's people: WHO AM I? Dynamic Declarations of Who You Are in ChristMike Shreve's other podcast Revealing the True Light—a study on comparative religion themes, as well as mysterious or controversial biblical subjects: https://www.charismapodcastnetwork.com/show/revealingthetruelight
Bonjour peuple de Dieu. Bon après-midi pour ceux des cultes plus tardifs qui regarderont ceci. Et bonne nuit pour ceux qui regarderont à d'autres moments dans le futur. Amen. Ce sera une bonne journée où que vous regardiez ceci. Voici le jour que l'Éternel a fait qu'il soit pour nous...
Legalistic outward observance of the Torah could not heal our souls. We must respond to Jesus with faith and faithfulness as he makes us into a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP) “We walk by faith, not by sight, LIVING OUR LIVES in a manner CONSISTENT with our CONFIDENT BELIEF in God's promises” Hebrews 11:1 (paraphrase) FAITH is the assurance of THINGS, we hope for FAITH is the proof of THINGS we do not see FAITH perceives as REAL FACT what is not revealed to the senses Think about it, does God actually expect us to live our lives according to the promises He's left us? To live outside this natural realm? To govern our lives in accordance with His Word?
Join Bernie Diamond as he explores the theme of fresh starts through Christ. Discover how Jesus offers true transformation, freeing us from the burdens of the past. Reflect on what it means to be a new creation and how this divine makeover can change your life, despite life’s challenges.Support the show: https://christianityworks.com/channels/adp/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John 2:1–11 // Ben BeasleyThis sermon details Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus, who instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars to the brim. By transforming the water into the finest wine, Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, revealing his divine glory and leading his disciples to place their trust in him. This sermon unpacks the key lessons from this passage, showing how God brings transformation and abundance to everyday life.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49664685 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new26.09.20
The Holy Spirit works to direct not only us but all of creation to its intended fullness in Christ. But how does the Spirit do this? Through physical things and physical people. That means we as the church are called and empowered to bear God into the whole world. Speaker: Pastor Scott Austin Part of the series “A Theology of the Ordinary”
This second message in the excursus on distinctions in Christ's Church examines key principles of Christian life and relationships, how those principles relate to one another, and how they function in practice.
Paul closes Galatians with one final message: grace with nothing added, freedom from the need to prove we belong, and a new creation where Jesus makes us one family.
Paul closes Galatians with one final message: grace with nothing added, freedom from the need to prove we belong, and a new creation where Jesus makes us one family.
Paul closes Galatians with one final message: grace with nothing added, freedom from the need to prove we belong, and a new creation where Jesus makes us one family.
In this second session, Roger digs into Luke 5:33-39 and Jesus' three pictures of the groom, the garment, and the wineskin to ask a simple but searching question: are you trying to patch Jesus onto your old life, or are you ready to let Him make you new?
NEW CREATION isn't something God does for us but in us. Christianity is 100% God made! Our responsibility is accepting it, then yielding to our new lives. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God IN HIM. (NLT) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the OFFERING for our sin, so that we COULD BE MADE RIGHT with God through Christ. (MSG) IN CHRIST, God put the wrong on Him who never did anything wrong, so we could BE PUT RIGHT WITH GOD.
NEW CREATION— (Gr. Kainos) brand new, unprecedented and superior This is something God alone can do in us. This isn't just turning over a new leaf or getting your act together. NEW CREATION isn't something God does for us but in us. MSG- Now we see that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start and is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and Him. In Ephesians, Paul tells us to put off the old man and put on the new man, who was created according to God, in righteousness and holiness. SPIRIT— our NEW CREATION SOUL— our will and emotions BODY— our earth vessel, God's temple
Voici maintenant le jour du salut. Voici maintenant le moment favorable, le moment accepté. Amen. Et j'ai tellement de choses dans mon cœur que je prie pour que vous receviez tout cela, parce que le Seigneur a une grande parole pour vous. Quand je l'ai reçu, j'ai senti, vous savez,...
This is a BALANCED view of the Gospel of Grace and why it's NOT dangerous. People falsely accuse me of teaching "HYPER GRACE" and think that I've gone too far because I believe in total forgiveness, the gift of righteousness, eternal security, freedom from the law, freedom from the sinful nature and open access to God no matter what. The problem is these people haven't gone far enough. They are "HYPO GRACE!" In this video I completely DESTROY and EVISCERATE all of their weak accusations against the Gospel of Grace and show it's not hyper grace or greasy grace, it's just biblical grace and it's better than you realise! It's the only Gospel. There is no other alternative. HYPO GRACE is not innocent! It's toxic, religious and weak and will actually empower your flesh, not your reborn spirit. True grace leads to intimacy with Jesus, victory over sin and walking in the power of God. I break down why total forgiveness, the gift of righteousness and eternal security are not dangerous doctrines — they're the New Testament Gospel Paul the Apostle preached. I talk about what true repentance and obedience to God looks like through the lens of grace. That the New Covenant motivations are love, faith, hope, the new nature and the Holy Spirit - NOT fear, guilt, threat, condemnation, shame and manipulation. How walking in the Spirit and living from your new nature is far more superior than Law and threats. This is for all Christians worldwide. Especially those who a done with religion, legalism, performance driven Christianity, abusive churches and leaders, an unhealthy over emphasis on repentance, obedience, sin consciousness and holiness. This video is also for those who are wanting to defend the Gospel of Grace and destroy all the false accusations and arguments. If you're ready to get totally religious free and empowered by the glorious grace of God then this video is for you!
In this final week of our Sabbath series, Cameo looked into the words and work of Jesus in the Gospels to discover how He unlocks the true heart of Sabbath rest.Sabbath as Creation Blessing: Rather than viewing Sabbath as an obsolete Old Testament rule that we no longer need to practice it, we see that Sabbath was established in Genesis as a creation blessing. God engaged in Sabbath not out of need, but out of His fullness of life, inviting humanity to dwell in celebratory communion with Him.The Easy Yoke: In Matthew 11, Jesus addresses the exhausted by offering a yoke—a wooden beam pairing a stronger ox with a weaker one. When we attach ourselves to Christ and work in tandem with Him, He sets the pace and carries the heavy load, turning our labor into true soul rest..Living in the Already / Not Yet: While work in Eden was joy-filled delight, the Fall turned labor into painful toil and sweat. Because Christ inaugurated the Kingdom, we live in perpetual spiritual Sabbath, yet we still inhabit a physical world where phones ping and bodies ache. Practicing a dedicated day of Sabbath serves as our intentional "dress rehearsal" for the New Creation—an act of hope-filled resistance where we stop, rest, delight, and worship.A Restorative Force: As seen in Mark 3 when Jesus heals the shriveled hand, Sabbath is not a static rulebook of prohibitions ("do nothing"), but a force of restoration. True Sabbath sets things right, opposing systems of bondage and extending Kingdom wholeness (shalom) and Jubilee to a broken world.Support the show
What happens when a Christian dies? Do believers enter the presence of Christ immediately? Are they conscious? What happens to the body? And how does the resurrection fit into the picture?In this episode of Curious Faith, we explore the major Christian views of what happens after death and compare them with what Scripture actually says. From the intermediate state to the resurrection and the hope of the New Creation, this conversation moves beyond the simple idea of “going to heaven” and looks at the fuller biblical picture of eternal life with Christ.If you've ever wondered what happens in the moments after death—or what hope Scripture gives us when someone we love dies—this episode is for you.
Chapter 8 – The Cross, the Birthplace of a New CreationIn Chapter 8 of All Things New by Jessie Penn-Lewis, titled “The Cross, the Birthplace of a New Creation,” we are invited to see Calvary as the place where God brings forth an entirely new life in Christ.Jessie reminds us that the Cross does not merely repair the old creation; it brings the believer into the reality of a new creation. Through Christ's death and resurrection, the old life is brought to an end, and a new life begins — a life rooted in Him, sustained by Him, and formed by His Spirit within us.May this episode open your heart to the wonder of new creation life and help you receive all that Christ has made new — immeasurably more.All Things New book is available on Amazon.Theme music: “Relaxing Soft Piano Music” by Viacheslav Starostin, used with gratitude.We would like to pray for you. Please click here to share your prayer needs with us.To learn more about Beau's Blessings click here.Please consider becoming a Hunter's Hero and supporting Hunter's Hope and this podcast by clicking here.Shop HH x MH Collection here.Learn more about our Podcast, Episode Guests and Hunter's Hope here.
John 2:1–11 // Nathan MillerThis sermon details Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus, who instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars to the brim. By transforming the water into the finest wine, Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, revealing his divine glory and leading his disciples to place their trust in him. This sermon unpacks the key lessons from this passage, showing how God brings transformation and abundance to everyday life.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49661624 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new26.09.13
The New Creation // Pastor Zack Evans // 9-13-2026 SunAM by Central Baptist Church
John 2:1–11 // Jacob NannieThis sermon details Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus, who instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars to the brim. By transforming the water into the finest wine, Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, revealing his divine glory and leading his disciples to place their trust in him. This sermon unpacks the key lessons from this passage, showing how God brings transformation and abundance to everyday life.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49661626 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new26.09.13
John 2:1–11 // Bill GormanThis sermon details Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus, who instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars to the brim. By transforming the water into the finest wine, Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, revealing his divine glory and leading his disciples to place their trust in him. This sermon unpacks the key lessons from this passage, showing how God brings transformation and abundance to everyday life.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49661627 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new26.09.13
John 2:1–11 // Paul BrandesThis sermon details Jesus turning water into wine during a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. When the wine ran out, Mary brought the need to Jesus, who instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars to the brim. By transforming the water into the finest wine, Jesus performed his first miraculous sign, revealing his divine glory and leading his disciples to place their trust in him. This sermon unpacks the key lessons from this passage, showing how God brings transformation and abundance to everyday life.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49661623 PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new26.09.13
**I Am a New Creation in Christ | Pastor Victor Ditomaso** What happens when we truly encounter Jesus? We change. In this powerful message from Colossians 3, Pastor Victor Ditomaso reminds us that salvation is more than simply making a decision—it is the beginning of a transformed life. Through the example of the Apostle Paul, Pastor Victor challenges us to understand what it means to die to ourselves, put off the old nature, and “put on” Christ. The Word of God is given to wash, cleanse, renew, and transform us, but we must be willing to read it, apply it, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live differently—with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, gratitude, and a heart that seeks God's will. We cannot hold on to the old life while expecting the new life to flourish. God desires **all of us**, not just a portion. This message is also a challenge to live out our faith beyond the church walls—to share our testimony, serve others, pursue revival, and tell people what Jesus has done in our lives. Real faith brings real change, and God still has a purpose for every person who is willing to surrender and follow Him. **Scripture:** Colossians 2:9–12; Colossians 3:9–17; John 3:3–6; Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:1–2; Hebrews 4:12; Galatians 2:19–20; John 1:1–5. **You are not who you used to be. In Christ, you are a new creation. Now live like it.**
Genesis does more than explain where the world came from, it reveals who God is, who we are, and why the gospel begins on the first page of Scripture.Pastor Parker Green opens this Genesis series by teaching through Genesis 1. He contrasts the Creator with creation, shows how God brings light and order into chaos, and explains what it means to be made in the image of God. The message closes with a direct invitation to stop living a knee-deep Christianity, surrender fully to Jesus, and receive new life.If this message encourages you, share it with someone who needs to remember who made them and what they carry.HIGHLIGHTS0:00 – The Gospel Starts in Genesis 1:15 – Shaped by Extravagant Worship 3:38 – When Church Leaders Fail 6:31 – People Fail; Jesus Is Faithful 7:02 – Celebrity Culture Comes From Fans 8:47 – A 5,000-Year-Old Text 10:00 – How Genesis Confronted Ancient Creation Myths 11:57 – Creator and Creature 14:19 – The Spirit Brooding Over Creation 15:29 – “Let There Be Light” 16:48 – God Brings Order to Chaos 18:30 – The Days of Creation 20:02 – The Generosity of God in Creation 23:30 – God Made You to Enjoy You 24:47 – Made in the Image of God 26:05 – God's Most Valued Possession 28:10 – Jesus and the New Creation 30:30 – Jesus Is Lord, Not Your Accessory 32:43 – Go All the Way In 33:34 – Pentecost, Baptism, and New Life 35:32 – The King Does Not Ask for Part 36:18 – The Cross and the Invitation to Be BaptizedPlan Your Visit to SALT Church:https://www.saltchurches.com/Ways to Support the Ministry:https://www.saltchurches.com/givingSubscribe:https://www.instagram.com/saltchurches/Subscribe @saltchurchNC Connect with Parker + Jessi Green:Instagram Parker / https://www.instagram.com/parkerrichardgreen/Instagram Jessi /https://www.instagram.com/jessi.green/Websites https://www.saltchurches.com/https://www.jessi-green.com/https://www.saturateglobal.com/#prayer #bible #biblestudy #saltchurch #revival #parkergreen #jessigreen
Pastor Derek explores the true nature of humanity, tracing the lineage of mankind from Adam, and our transformed identity when we are united to Christ. Discover how this understanding is central to the Christian Gospel and challenges modern views of evolution. With references to Genesis and the teachings of Jesus, this video is a powerful message on spiritual identity and salvation. All people are descended from Adam (Acts 17:26), so when he sinned, sin and death came upon us all. But all who receive Christ (the 2nd Adam) as their Head receive His righteousness and life (Romans 5:12-21).
Pastor Derek explores the true nature of humanity, tracing the lineage of mankind from Adam, and our transformed identity when we are united to Christ. Discover how this understanding is central to the Christian Gospel and challenges modern views of evolution. With references to Genesis and the teachings of Jesus, this video is a powerful message on spiritual identity and salvation. All people are descended from Adam (Acts 17:26), so when he sinned, sin and death came upon us all. But all who receive Christ (the 2nd Adam) as their Head receive His righteousness and life (Romans 5:12-21).
In Mark 2:1-12, as Jesus speaks God's Word, grants God's forgiveness, and demonstrates His authority to rule God's kingdom as He ushers in the New Creation, we will see three proofs that Jesus is the Savior worthy of all our trust. Because of this, then, our faith can find a resting place in Him.
Title: In a World Full of Misery… Enter MercyScripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-12Series: Mercy in MotionWhat does it mean to set mercy in motion in a world full of suffering? This message explores the biblical basis for acts of mercy from 1 Peter 2:9-12, revealing that we set mercy in motion for four key reasons. We are pilgrims, temporary residents pointing to our eternal home; priests, representing God to the world; pointers, demonstrating God's way; and profoundly, we act mercifully because we have been pardoned by God's own mercy through Christ. Let us actively embody God's mercy through our deeds, reflecting His character and the hope of new creation to a broken world.
This message was given by Rev. Mike Cofer at Mission Liberty Hill Lutheran Church in Liberty Hill, Texas on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
09/04/26. Five Minutes in the Word scriptures for today: Galatians 6:15. New Creation through the Cross. Sources: copilot; biblehub.com; Faithlife Study Bible and Logos.com. Blog for this lesson: none Podcast on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@hhwscott Podcast website: https://www.hwscott.net/podcast.php MinutesWord Merch: https://minutesword.printify.me/ LISTEN, LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE! #MinutesWord @MinutesWord #dailybiblestudy #dailydevotional #Christian_podcaster #shopmerch #quiettime #FaithRoutine ChristianPodcasts #PrintifyShop Barnes Notes on the Bible https://amzn.to/445yM1g #CommissionsEarned
In this episode, Regent grad and artist-pastor-theologian David Taylor shares insights on the relationship between art, theology, and vocation, drawn from over thirty years of theological reflection and ministry with artists. Beginning with his reflections on how Regent College influenced his understanding of art and theology, David then discusses core aspects of the book: the importance of belovedness in vocation, who gets to call themselves an artist, and the historical shift from artisans to artists and creative entrepreneurs. He also reflects theologically on the role of the Holy Spirit in artistic creation, and the limitations and constraints placed on creative work modelled in the life of Jesus. David also shares the formational aspects of being an artist, including practices for combating creative stagnation and the importance of doing art in community. Finally, he shares the missional purpose of art-making in a world on fire: home-making, which points us to the truer story in which we are living.David's BioW. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, an Anglican priest, and an internationally recognized scholar of theology, worship, and the arts. He has written books including Open and Unafraid, Glimpses of the New Creation, and Prayers for the Pilgrimage. His newest book, To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God's Creation, draws on more than three decades of pastoral ministry, theological scholarship, and collaboration with artists around the world. Previous Podcast AppearancesOn the Arts and Worship (September 2017)The Formative Power of the Arts (November 2019)Broken Raging Hearts Before God (February 2021)Regent College PodcastThanks for listening. Please like, rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice and share this episode with a friend. Follow Us on Social MediaFacebookInstagramYoutubeKeep in TouchRegent CollegeThe Regent VineSummer ProgramsRegent College NewsletterSupport UsGive Back
In this sermon from Revelation 21–22, we see the Bible's storyline of God's presence—from Eden, to the tabernacle, to Solomon's temple, to Christ, to the Spirit-filled church, and finally to the New Creation where “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22).Humanity was made to dwell with God, enjoy His presence, and extend His glory to the ends of the earth (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:10–15). Though sin exiled us from the garden (Genesis 3), God's plan has always been to bring His people near again—not merely back to what was, but forward into something better through Jesus Christ.This message traces the temple theme through Scripture and shows how what was lost in Adam can never compare to what has been gained in Christ. The New Creation is not just paradise restored; it is mission accomplished—the earth filled with the glory of God, His people seeing His face, and the curse removed forever.Key Scriptures referenced in this message include:Revelation 21:3–4Revelation 21:22Revelation 22:1–4Genesis 1:28Genesis 2:10–15Genesis 31 Kings 6:18, 291 Kings 71 Kings 8:27Psalm 51:12Ezekiel 47John 7:37–39Matthew 27:51Acts 21 Corinthians 3:16Romans 12:1Philippians 3:12Hebrews 12:2Don't spend your life longing for “before” when God is leading you to better. The garden was good, but the New Creation is better. God's presence will fill all in all, and His people will dwell with Him forever.If this sermon encouraged you, subscribe for more messages, share it with someone, and join us as we live for the glory of Christ, the beauty of the bride, and the good of the city.
Have you heard it or said it? Maybe your body image issues are "your thorn in the flesh." It sounds comforting, but is it actually true? In this episode, we take a close look at what Paul's thorn in 2 Corinthians 12 actually was — and wasn't — and see how body image issues are different than the situation Paul discusses there. We'll also talk about how recognizing that your body image issues aren't your "thorn in the flesh" may be some of the most hopeful news you get, because then there's a cure for them. And, it's all found in scripture! Key Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (the thorn in the flesh) Colossians 3:5 ("greed, which is idolatry") Colossians 3:9–10 (put off the old self, put on the new) Romans 6:14 (sin shall not be your master) 1 John 1:9 (confession and cleansing) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (new creation) Discussion questions for listeners / community: Have you ever described your body image struggle as "your thorn"? How did that framing shape whether you expected it to change? Try praying both prayers from this episode — the confession prayer and the contentment prayer. Which one actually named what's true for you? What would it look like this week to bring one specific piece of body-image idolatry into the light through honest confession? Timestamped Guide to Episode 00:00 Exploring body image and faith 03:38 Addressing body image issues 09:41 Biblical thorns and grace 12:21 Idols in Modern Christian Culture 16:32 Understanding body image issues 19:00 Inviting women to join workshop 22:16 Admitting struggles and seeking help 27:39 Choosing the right prayer 28:45 Dealing with aging and grace A note: This episode distinguishes disordered body worship (idolatry) from genuine physical affliction (illness, disability, medical conditions). Listeners walking through the latter should be pointed toward lament and grace, not confession — this episode is specifically addressing the worship-pattern many of us have around appearance and worth. Links: Heather's best-selling Christian books on body image, aging, and comparison: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/books-for-christian-women-body-image Join us on the next 40-Day Journey in September. Learn more here: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.