God makes new things | Pastor Raph | Sep. 29, 2024

vinecast · Sep 29, 2024

Notes

God makes new things

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

The Lord is bringing us to a new level of faith. Understand that pity does not move God. Our pain can always allow us to experience God's comfort and healing. But we must grow in our faith to see the miraculous.

Fasting and prayer will strengthen your faith to a new, powerful level in the coming weeks. Say, “Lord, You are doing something new in my life. I believe in Jesus' name. Amen.”

These first 12 years have been incredible, and now it is time to look ahead because God is doing something new in our midst.

Before God does anything on earth, he uses the Spirit and the Word. Genesis tells us that Spirit was hovering over the face of the water, and God said, and all came to exist.

God has something better ahead

God is not just bringing something novel, fleeting, or trivial. He is doing something transformative that comes from Him and will impact our lives deeply. The world may offer temporary innovations, but they do not have the power to change your family or spiritual life. When God does something new, it is profound and life-changing.

In order to experience the new ( Isa 43:19) the condition is only one, you must forget the old (Isa. 43. 18).

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing[...].

Forgetting the past does not mean devaluing the good that has happened; it means opening our hearts to what God still has in store. To receive this, we must leave behind the pain, mistakes, and even past victories that may hold us back. God has something better ahead for each of us.

God never consults your past to define your future

In Jesus, we can always begin anew. Yesterday's failure does not define tomorrow, for God is doing something new in your life.

Three things to forget:

Your pass failure.

The past mistakes of others against you.

The past is victories.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

(2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

This verse applies to the moment of conversion and throughout our Christian lives as God leads us to new levels of faith, spiritual growth, and maturity. To live in God’s newness, we must leave the old behind.

It’s not a reform. God is going to do something new: new perspectives, new visions, new dreams, a new position of influence, of authority, new connections, new abilities of the Spirit. Things that the Lord will put in your heart. However, the old must be left behind.

The promised land is a new place

The Israelites left the desert for the Promised Land, which symbolized a successful spiritual journey. It was a place of joy, with cities already built and wells already dug. Transitioning from the wilderness and desert, they would enter a land abundant with resources. God desires to guide us to places of triumph, influence and prosperity.

For that "new of God," it seems that the Bible indicates that Moses had to pass away for Joshua to lead the people;

Moses here points to the law, the religion. Joshua, [יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yhowshua; Yhwh saves].

Joshua 1:1-2 (ESV) 1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.

Old things must “die” in our lives so that God’s newness can flourish.

The mentality of merit and self-righteousness must die before we enter the new.

If you are facing difficulties, it may be that God is allowing certain things to end because He wants to start something new. Surrendering those “dying” areas to God can be the beginning of something great He desires to accomplish in your family.

Whether your marriage or finances remember that what is collapsing may lack a strong foundation.

Hebrews 12:27 (ESV): Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

God wants to rebuild something new and solid.

Peter’s fall was the prelude to his rise as a great leader. God can turn your tragedy into triumph, surrender it all.

Jesus said:

Luke 5:36 (ESV): [...] 'No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.'"

We often think we are good and specialists in one thing. But God allows us to reach the end of ourselves to realize how much we need his grace.

Many of us cling to the past out of fear. We focus on what we lack rather than seeing what God is trying to give us. For God’s newness to flourish, the old must often be released—control, hurt, resentment, or even past achievements.

God is speaking to you now, calling you to leave the old behind and embrace the new. Let go of hurt, resentment, and injustice. Forgiveness is essential for experiencing God's freedom and newness.

God starts a new day in the night

Interestingly, the day begins at midnight. God begins the day when we are powerless and resting. He acts only when we rest.

Every night eventually gives way to morning, and though some nights may feel long, no darkness lasts forever.

God is doing something new here—He is making things new. He created night and day to remind us that there is always an opportunity to begin again.

Consider Joseph, who was persecuted, thrown into a pit, and later imprisoned. He was forgotten and abandoned, yet in a moment, God transformed his circumstances, elevating him to become the governor of Egypt.

God can change your situation in the blink of an eye; His power knows no limits. God is ready to change quickly. He is just waiting for you to humble yourself. God knows what you are going through, and He is calling you to let go.

Just as an alpinist clinging to a rope in darkness. The climber called out for God’s help. God responded, telling him to release the rope, but the climber, afraid of the unknown, froze to death. When the morning came, it was revealed that he had been only inches from the ground.

God knows the height. Let go of what you are holding onto—whether it’s your hurt in your marriage, stress in your finances, failures, or your shame. Allow God to be God in your life.

Accept the complete forgiveness of God.

You must leave behind is the guilt. You make mistakes, and you don’t forgive yourself. You torment yourself: "I did wrong, I spent what I shouldn’t have, I said things I shouldn’t have, I gave in to temptation, I ruined everything."

It feels like there’s no way to fix it. However, no sin is too great for God to forgive or too dirty for Him to wash clean. You are forgiven.

You condemn yourself, "I committed a crime." Christ paid for that crime on the Cross, and no crime can be punished twice because that would be unjust. If Jesus has already suffered for our sins, God will not punish you again. And if God has forgiven you, who are you to refuse to forgive yourself? Accept God’s forgiveness.

Do you know the difference between Judas and Peter? (Matthew 27:3-5 vs. Luke 22:61-62) Both of them betrayed Jesus. Judas tried to atone for his wrongdoing by his own strength, which led to his suicide. He didn’t know that just a few hours later, Jesus would pay for his sin on the Cross. Peter, on the other hand, accepted forgiveness. That was the difference.

Stop trying to pay for what you did because it’s already paid for. Don’t diminish the work of God. Pray, "Lord, help me believe in Your forgiveness."

Whenever Satan wants to trap you in condemnation, the devil speaks badly of God to you and of you to God. He will remind you of your past, whether it’s something from long ago or something recent. That’s how he accuses us.

But, Every time the devil brings up your past, remind him of his future—the lake of fire is waiting for him. You no longer have a past.

"I will remember their sins no more" (Hebrews 8:12 ESV).

One day, I called a brother to come help me with a business deal because he was good at it. When he arrived and opened the door, he started crying and confessed all his sins. I hadn’t even said anything. I was looking for his help.

We live in a world full of guilt and condemnation, which produces anxiety. This anxiety is the raw material for all kinds of psychosomatic illnesses: panic attacks, fear, depression, and so many others. Cut off the guilt, and you’ll cut off the source of these emotional burdens. How do you do that? By meditating on the Word day and night. I want to challenge you: Take part in this fasting and devotional for the next 21 days.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

(Romans 12:2 ESV)

Stop consuming junk for a little while and start feeding on the gospel. You’ll see your health improve, and you’ll gain joy and strength for your work.

Religion consistently portrays God as an angry judge, eager to punish and send people to hell. That’s not the God of the Bible. We need to tell people that there is forgiveness.

In one of our churches. Some sisters brought a transgender person to the pastor. They found them in the women’s restroom. This person came to me and said, “Pastor, I’m a transgender woman. I’ve had surgery and no longer have male genitalia. I’m a drug addict, and my life is a mess. I heard about forgiveness, and I wondered if there is any hope for me."

The pastor said, “Of course, there is hope for you. There is no sin that God cannot forgive, and no stain that His blood cannot wash clean.”

They prayed together, and that person accepted Jesus, crying through the prayer. Afterward, he asked, “Now, how do I talk to God? As a man or a woman?” The pastor said, "I had never read an answer to that in any book. But you don’t need to worry about whether you’re a man or a woman. You are a son of God, and now you have a Father. Talk to Him as His child. That’s all that matters."

Let go of resentment

Four things often lead to the downfall of Christians: sexual immorality, the lust for power, the pursuit of fame, and greed. These are common pitfalls.

However, there is another danger that affects everyone: Holding onto injustice, allowing it to feed bitterness and resentment. It is destructive.

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV):

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled."

One may reject the gift of grace by holding onto resentment. Some scholars argue that harboring bitterness may indicate an internal rebellion against God because it is the same as the unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

A king decides to settle accounts with his servants, and one servant who owes a massive debt (10,000 talents) is brought before him. Unable to pay, the servant begs for mercy, and the king, moved with compassion, forgives the entire debt. However, that same servant goes out and finds a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount (100 denarii). Instead of showing the same mercy he had received, he demands payment and throws the fellow servant into prison. When the king hears of this, he becomes angry and reverses his forgiveness, throwing the first servant into prison until his debt is repaid. Jesus concludes the parable by warning that this is how the Heavenly Father will treat those who do not forgive others from their heart.

Unforgiveness drains the soul. It is like a form of self-destruction.

[Romans were known for many forms of brutal execution, such as crucifixion, beheading, and being thrown to wild animals, but the specific practice of tying a corpse to a living prisoner is not well-supported by historical records.]

But think of one tied to a corpse, slowly killing them by the dead weight. Maybe that is why Paul writes,

“Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

(Romans 7:24-25 ESV)

Hatred and resentment act as a dead body tied to a person. When you forgive, you are freed from that weight and can experience the new things God has in store for you.

Yet, it is impossible to experience the new if you are unwilling to let go of the old. The first "old thing" you must release is any person who has wronged you.

Stop trying to heal a wound that was inflicted 20 years ago. "I was abused by my uncle." I feel compassion for that pain, but the person who was a victim of an attempted abortion or who was abused is gone. Only the name remains the same, but that person no longer exists. They died in Christ. You are a new creation. This truth will heal you once and for all. New life, new person. Forget the past—it will do you no good. Stop seeing yourself as a victim. You are not a victim. You are a child of God.

Every time someone is offended, a spirit of vengeance will try to control you, prompting the desire for retribution. That is why Jesus said,

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

(Matthew 5:44 ESV)

It is not a matter of kindness. However, harboring anger will ultimately harm the person carrying it.

It is pride that makes forgiveness seem impossible, as people believe no one should offend them.

Be honest and humble; it will become easier to extend forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy, but it is necessary.

Remember, our sin against Christ was far greater than any offense you could ever receive. God forgave us completely, so we must also forgive.

Forgive your spouse, forgive your leaders, forgive your employer. Release any resentment toward others. Let go of the old grievances even if you were cheated.

Heaven isn’t a place for the "good"—it’s for the forgiven. God is the one who transforms lives. Everyone in hell deserves to be there. They deserve it. But no one in heaven deserves to be there. They’re there because God forgave them.

There is more. People aren’t in hell because they sinned. They’re there because they didn’t believe their sin was paid for. And, you are here to tell them there is forgiveness.

There's no benefit in dwelling on it. Life is too short, and holding onto past wrongs isn't worth losing sleep over. Instead, trust that God's mercy will bring restoration when the time is right. Believe, no one can actually rob you, for God will always restore what has been lost. Holding onto resentment will only keep you trapped in the past, making you unable to move toward the new.

Be honest with God. Speak the truth because God loves honest prayers. He does not listen to hypocritical prayers. What is a hypocritical prayer? It's like when a spouse asks, "Is everything okay?" and the response is "Yes," when things are clearly not fine. Speak the truth! "I’m upset, I’m hurt, and I can’t get over it." Tell that to God. Say, "Lord, I want revenge, but I know it’s wrong. I can’t do it; help me. Take it away from me." And God will take it away if you are honest.

God is raising up a church that doesn’t condemn. Don’t be among those who criticize. We disagree with many believers, but we don’t condemn anyone. We pray for them. That’s the spirit of grace.

Leave behind accomplishments

Have you met people who can’t stop talking about what they used to do? "I played on that team, I won all these championships, I’ve got a shelf full of trophies at home." But now, they don’t play anymore. That was in the past. God wants you to leave it behind, no matter how good it was.

"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."(Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)

It’s great that you were a champion, but now put the trophies away because a new race has begun for you, and God has already given you the victory. some people spend their whole lives stuck in the past. "Oh, it was so good back when our church was just four people."

You have access to the bread of life. If you don’t resolve this, you’ll remain trapped and unable to move forward.

What is the new way? It’s a life without bargaining, without merit, pure and undeserved favor. The old way of living with God was through the law—thinking, "If I do good, I deserve it; if I sin, I don’t." Stop living that way. Forget it completely.

God is doing something new. What He will do doesn’t depend on your abilities or efforts. Don’t worry—it’s all God’s will. He is the one who will make it happen in your life.

Read, Listen and speak.

But in order to live the new life that God is offering you, you have to meditate on the Word day and night, just as God told Joshua. He also told him to never stop speaking the Word. I gain faith when I read it in a book or hear a sermon. But when I speak it, it becomes a part of me.

God gave Joshua a serious command: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night."

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

(Joshua 1:8 ESV)

God told him to speak, meditate, and live according to the Word. Then, he would be successful in everything he did. Today, under the New Testament, what is the Word of God? It is the gospel of grace. God is telling us the same thing now: "You’re about to enter your Canaan, and I’m doing something new, a glorious place that I’m leading you to. So meditate on the gospel day and night."

The devil doesn’t accuse you just every 15 days or only when he’s angry. No, the Bible says he accuses you day and night relentlessly. We need the gospel day and night.

He is making a new way. So don’t stay trapped in your past. Forget what’s behind you and move forward. God is doing this in your life.

Do you not perceive it?

God wants to lead you into your new purpose, but you need to recognize it.

Isaiah 43:19 “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

God’s people were in the wilderness. In the wilderness, there is no path. When we are in a wilderness in any area of our lives, we have no direction, we can’t find a way out. But God creates paths where there are none. In the middle of your wilderness, God is creating a way. He will give you direction and lead you to a new place. Whether in your finances, emotions, relationships, marriage, dreams, or projects.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 ESV).

The way He is making for you is not the way of the law, so it’s not based on merit or self-righteousness. It is the way of Christ, the way of His grace and undeserved favor.

It is necessary to let the Spirit move in our lives. I believe this. The Lord is revealing something now that He hadn’t revealed before. I prayed and asked, “Lord, where are You leading us as a church? God led me to

Here is the full passage with Isaiah 61:1-2 and Isaiah 61:5-7 combined:

Isaiah 61:1-2,

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor;

he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

to proclaim the year of the LORD'S favor,

and the day of vengeance of our God;

to comfort all who mourn;"

Isaiah 61:5-7 (ESV):"Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks;