Notes By: Makeba Shaw

How Can I Be Sure That I Have The New Life?

We  are saved by grace: Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:3-7

• We were all spiritually dead and separated from God because of our sins.
• God’s nature as a father is so loving and merciful that he was willing to sacrifice himself for our redemption
• He gives us the option to come away from sin and have a right relationship with him.
• At times, we feel like we don’t deserve the life that we are living after all we do
• The most responsible thing we can do is live for God and with him at the forefronts of our hearts and minds and do our best to share why we live for him.
• Definition: forgiveness, love and mercy for those who do not deserve it (that’s everyone)
• Grace- everlasting characteristic of God
• When we find his love, we are provided with salvation that becomes discipleship.
• The gift is the Holy Spirit which is the ultimate gift God can give us
• He is slow to anger
• Actions- creation of the earth, equipping saints
• Key point: Pray before we have conversations to make sure we speak in love

Christ paid the price: 1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23

• One can ask how can I be sure? There are steps to take to be sure that you have access to this new life. We must first understand that there is absolutely nothing we have done or can do to earn this gift. It’s by God’s grace! But because we are sinners, John 14:6 tells us that Jesus said no man comes to the Father but by Him…But by Him?  A transaction had to happen in order for sinners to go before the Father.
• This brings us to Christ paid the price! When it’s time for us to go out on our own: whether it’s college, getting our first place, becoming newlyweds or even new parents, we window shop and look at all of the expensive things we know we’ll need to be successful with the understanding that we don’t have the means to do it on our own. And because we don’t have the means, we cannot go before the store owner with our items or click on the “proceed to checkout” with the items we’ve placed in our cart on Amazon.
• But because our parents love us so much, they can go to the check out line on our behalf to pay the high price for our furniture, food, textbooks etc. And remember, it’s not because we’ve done anything except be their child- that they make such a sacrifice.
• That leads us to 1 Corinthians 6:20- for God bought you with a high price. What can be higher than giving his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life? It was because of Jesus’ obedience that he suffered and died as he took the cup of punishment for our sins. Christ paid the price that we could not pay.
• So as a new believer who understands the high price that God paid for you, 1 Corinthians 7:23 says don’t be enslaved by the world. The Greek translation says don’t become slaves of people. That reminds me of Pastor Blue’s sermon on Sunday where she spoke on How much more? So much more! Pastor Blue reminded the church that worrying about the world will not add a single moment to our lives. Worrying about our children, our jobs, our significant other, money or whatever your worry is- keeps us enslaved. Instead, we should seek the kingdom of God AND his righteousness AND all these things shall be added unto us. Amen
• He paid the price for each and every one of us and doesn’t ask for much in return.
• We have been bought with a price. We are released from blame (redeemed).
• Our body is a temple that we should be mindful of what we put inside our bodies and how we use our bodies

We receive it by faith: Romans 5:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:16-17

• Whatever ever need, want, and desire that aligns with Christ will happen if you faith
• Must remain consistent in prayer and the word
• We trust and believe that God will do what he says through faith
• Key word: faith justified peace and works
• Justified means declared or made righteous in the sight of God
• This happens by faith
• By doing those things, we have peace
• The works we do by our hands don’t matter
• No matter how we feel or what our emotions are saying, we have faith that it is already done

It is the love of God: John 3:16; 1 John 3:16

• It’s easy to be focused on yourself and see what you do and not what other people are doing
• God gave us an example through his son
• Bojangles: people would pay it forward in the drive through for the person behind them without waiting for recognition
• There are a lot of ways to show love in life. It can be as simple as saying good morning
• It’s important to show love because you never know how it will impact the next person
• Put others before you
• God loved us so much that he sent his son on an assignment to save us.
• Jesus loves his father so much and loves us so much that he fulfilled his assignment.
• If we love God so much, we will lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (not be selfish)
• Don’t just read the verse that’s give, read before and after to understand context

Sin came through Adam, but LIFE came through Jesus: Romans 5:15-19

• Faith brings joy
• We have been made right in God’s sight through our faith
• Adam- sin entered, condemnation came, disobedience came, judgement
• Christ- sin forgiven, salvation came, obedience came, love/discernment
• Adam was the cause of the law and Christ was the fulfillment of the law
• we are not righteous apart from Christ

Where Can I Find The New Life?

The new life can only be found in the LORD Jesus Christ: John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 8:12

• Jesus was the earthly God and the people shall follow his rules
• Put him first, give ourselves to him, follow his rules and we will be protected by him

Week 3 Homework

Study the assigned scriptures on your own and with your partner. Then prepare a 2 minute reflection on how it connects with you and your partner’s lives.

HOW CAN I BE SURE?

We are saved by Grace:- Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:3-7. 

1. Johnathan B. & Eric Br.
2. Kemeka H. & Patricia W.

 

Christ has paid the price:- 1Cor. 6:20, 7:23.

1. Aliah J. & Makeba S.
2. Katrina O. & Erika G.

 

We receive it by faith:- Rom. 5:1, 2Cor. 5:7, Gal. 2:16-17

1. Virginia H. & Shiyana B.
2. Tamika B. & Kwanisha J.

 

It is the love of God:- John 3:16, 1John 3:16.

1. Veronda B. & Angel J.
2. Brea D. & Amber P.

 

Sin came through Adam, but Life came through Jesus:- Rom. 5:15-19

1. Aiyanah A. & Malika G.
2. Kwabena K. & Brenda M.

WHERE CAN I FIND THIS NEW LIFE?

The New Life can only be found in The LORD Jesus Christ:- John 14:6. Acts 4:12. John 8:12

1. Taylor H & Millisa Y.
2. Kiya M. Isaiah D. Josiah J.
3. Patricia H. & Erica H.
4. Nyla W. & Selena M.