Message Notes
Making a Fresh Start with God

January 4, 2004

 

1 Corinthians 11:23-32 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

²⁷ Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. ²⁹ For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. ³⁰ That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. ³¹ But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. ³² When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Some Questions to Ask Yourself…

1) Do I have a REAL RELATIONSHIP with Christ?

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

 

A Prayer to Begin a Relationship with God: Dear God, thank You for bringing me here.  I knew something was missing in my life, I just didn’t know it was you.  Thank You for seeking me even when I’ve ignored You.  Today, I recognize the gift that You sent at Christmas. Today, Jesus, I want to accept You into my life and I ask you to forgive me for all of the things I’ve done wrong.  I want to accept Your gift of help to help me in the present time.  I want to accept Your gift of eternal life for the future.  I ask You, Jesus Christ, to start changing me from the inside out beginning right now. In your name I pray, Amen.

2) Do I have any SINS TO CONFESS?

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

3) Do I need to ATTEMPT TO PATCH a relationship with a Brother or Sister in Christ?
Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

 

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

 

4) Am I really committed to FOLLOWING CHRIST as the Leader of my life?

-          Am I growing closer to him in worship?

-          Am I growing closer to other believers?

-          Am I becoming more Christ-like in my lifestyle?

-          Am I using my mouth and my life to tell others about Jesus?

-          Am I serving in his church?

 

5) Am I fully aware of CHRIST’S PAYMENT for my sin?

Romans 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. ⁸ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.