Fall Sermon Series I: New Beginnings
Without exception, we look for a new normal and a new life after over 2.5 years of battle with the global pandemic. The new school year has started, and a new season is just around the corner. Wesley Day reminds us of a new church season to kick off and resume our fellowship and ministries after the long summer season. With this Worship Series, let us get excited about God’s great plan for our spiritual growth as individuals and the church.
September 18 – “New Beginnings: New Creation in Christ”
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NRSV)
Anybody who has a clean slate? This message teaches us that we are neither perfect nor flawless, but we all can become a new creation in Christ. Jesus Christ, our Savior, invites all to be new with Christ. Christ doesn’t ask us about our past; instead, Christ embraces all of us, even our sinful and broken past. This is a message of hope. This is also the doctrine of new birth. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, defines the new birth as “the great work God does in us.” Let us explore deeply what it means to be a new creation in Christ.
September 25 – “New Beginnings: New Purpose”
Scripture: Mark 1:32-39 (NRSV)
Jesus was actively involved in the healing ministry for those who were sick or bound by an evil spirit. Those whose lives were touched by Jesus’ ministry found new purpose in their lives. The center of their life-changing experience was to meet Jesus personally in their lives. The change in their lives was not from reading a written book or hearing from another person; It was possible only when they met Jesus – person to person. The previous Sunday’s message focuses on newness in Christ; this message teaches us on new purpose as Jesus’ followers and disciples in the world. Let us explore the new purpose of our lives and learn what is most important in our lives.
October 2 – “New Beginnings: New Heaven and New Earth”
Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7 (NRSV)
Holy Communion will be served during the service
This passage is often shared at a funeral service for those who are in pain and sorrow in the loss of their loved ones. The funeral is when people need to be reminded of a message of hope the most. In the meantime, while waiting for the time of new heaven and new earth, let us find and keep hope in our current time as we serve and look forward to God’s great work through our personal lives. World Communion Sunday truly shows us a sign of new heaven and new earth that all ethnicities, nations, and Christian churches are united as the Church by sharing one loaf of bread and one cup of salvation as a sign of unity with Christ.