Church of christ new year sermon

Here's a sample sermon for the Church of Christ on New Year's Day:

Title: "A Fresh Start: Leaving the Past Behind and Looking to the Future"

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

Introduction:

As we gather here today, we're surrounded by the remnants of the old year. The decorations are still up, the leftovers are still in the fridge, and the memories of the past 12 months are still fresh in our minds. But as we look to the future, we're reminded that the old has gone, and the new has come. Today, we're going to talk about what that means for us as followers of Christ.

The Problem of the Past:

The past can be a heavy burden to carry. We've all made mistakes, said things we regret, and done things we wish we could take back. And even though we've asked for forgiveness and tried to move on, the weight of those memories can still linger. But the Bible tells us that we don't have to be held captive by the past. In fact, it says that if anyone is in Christ, the old has gone, the new has come.

The Power of Forgiveness:

Forgiveness is a powerful thing. When we ask for forgiveness, we're not just asking for someone to forget what we did. We're asking for a fresh start, a clean slate. And when we receive forgiveness, we're not just getting a second chance, we're getting a new identity. We're becoming new creations, free from the weight of the past.

The Promise of the Future:

But forgiveness isn't just about what's happened in the past. It's also about what's ahead. When we're in Christ, we're not just looking back at what's been, we're looking forward to what's to come. We're looking forward to a future filled with hope, joy, and purpose. We're looking forward to a future where we can serve the Lord with gladness and sing His praises with joy.

The Call to Action:

So what does this mean for us as we enter this new year? It means that we get to leave the past behind and look to the future with hope and anticipation. It means that we get to start fresh, with a clean slate and a new identity. And it means that we get to serve the Lord with renewed passion and purpose.

Conclusion:

As we close out this sermon, I want to leave you with a challenge. Let's make this new year a year of forgiveness, of new beginnings, and of serving the Lord with joy. Let's leave the past behind and look to the future with hope and anticipation. And let's remember that no matter what the future holds, we're not alone. We're in Christ, and He's with us every step of the way.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today with grateful hearts, thanking you for the gift of forgiveness and the promise of a new beginning. Help us to leave the past behind and look to the future with hope and anticipation. Give us the courage to serve you with joy and passion, and help us to remember that you are always with us, guiding us and directing us every step of the way. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.