From Pastor Josh Laxton
“We have to learn how to put to death the old nature, how to put off the old clothes, and to put on the new clothes.”
“Over time, you should be able to see the progress of putting off the old nature and putting on the new nature.”
“The more we know our Creator, the more we know our King. The more we know Jesus, the more conformed to His image we become.”
Colossians 3:5-14 requires a radical reorientation of our lives as followers of King Jesus.
The old person, who we used to be before we were called out of darkness by Jesus, is to be put off. This putting off involves changes we decide to make every day. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and testify that we belong to Jesus, we are called to discard our old lifestyle and all the sinful things that were part of our old nature and build our new lifestyle in Christ’s image. Scripture teaches us to discard anger, wrath, malice, slander, telling lies, sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, and idolatry.
So how does this monumental change of putting on a new life in King Jesus take place? God does it!
God causes this change in our lives as believers through His grace and mercy through the power of the Holy Spirit. We develop our Christian character by daily practicing disciplines like reading the Bible, praying, meditating, fasting, giving, evangelizing, worshiping, serving, being in community and studying about God.
Scripture teaches us to fill our minds with good things and, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the process of transformation begins. The Holy Spirit does a new work in us, developing our mind and character as we become more like Jesus every day. Our lives demonstrate holiness, patience, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, peace, harmony, thankfulness, wisdom and love.
These positive changes in our lifestyle, which result from putting on the new self as Christ followers, are positive and good for us. We also see our new character, godly habits, and spiritual practices become stronger daily, weekly, and year by year. We are definitely different, in a great way, from the world around us. Our lives become a mirror to the world, reflecting God’s love, glory, and power. We are a demonstration of God’s ability to create a new creature. Our positive life changes give us our personal testimony, allow us to share our story of salvation, and point others to their need for Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Main point: God gives you new clothes that reveal to others the new you. (The new you has a new look.)
What are the old clothes and what do they reveal about you?
-The earthly nature, old self.
-We are to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed. (Bring pleasure to ourselves.)
-We are to put off filthy language, slander, malice, rage and anger. (Elevate ourselves in the world.)
What do these old things reveal?
-They reveal idolatry and the wrath of God.
What kind of world do old things create?
-A world of heartbreak, broken marriages and homes, injustice, abuse, deception, violence, shame, racism, corruption and pride.
What are the new clothes and what do they reveal about you?
-Our heavenly nature, new self.
-We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, peace and gratitude.
What do these new things reveal?
-They reveal the image of our Creator and that we are a part of God’s chosen people.
What kind of community do these new things reveal?
-They reveal love, respect, honesty, integrity, justice, care, generosity, serving, unity, confidence and encouragement.
How do we put to death, put off the old things, and then put on the new things?
Summary:
Your Identity + Your Purpose + Your Function = Clothes You’ll Choose to Wear
Think about how exciting it can be to get something new to wear. If possible this week, deliberately and thoughtfully put on something new or something that you have not worn in a long time that feels like something new. How does “putting on” something new feel to you?
Also this week, pray about putting on something new spiritually. Some ideas of positive things to consider asking God to help you put on spiritually are:
–Kindness
–Compassion
–Forgiveness
–Clean and wholesome speech
–Truth
–Honesty
–Humility
–Gentleness
–Patience
–Hard work
–Thankfulness and gratitude
–Love
As you put on these positive spiritual things, what results do you see during your day and how do you feel? How can you continue to put on spiritual things daily so that positive spiritual growth takes place in your life over time?
Lord, we earnestly desire to conform our hearts and minds so that we put on new things that are pleasing to you. We want to throw out and shed the old things, which are hindering our relationship, and walk with you. Help us to be clothed in love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Let us live our lives loving others as you have loved us. Give us thankful and grateful hearts so that in our words and deeds we show the world your goodness, mercy and light. Let us boldly share our faith with neighbors and nations so that they will also come to know King Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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» April 29-30
ALL THINGS NEW| New Power| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» May 6-7
EMPOWERED| Gentiles Come to Faith| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» April 29-30
ALL THINGS NEW| New Power| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
» May 6-7
EMPOWERED| Gentiles Come to Faith| Senior Pastor Josh Laxton
Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23 following our weekend worship services
Are you exploring Northland? Join us for this brief (15-30 minute) informal gathering immediately following each worship service on the weekend of April 22-23. During our time together, you will have an opportunity to learn more about Northland, hear from Pastor Josh, and connect with ministry leaders and long-time congregants.
If you have kids, we are happy to keep them in Children's Church during this time, and you can pick them up afterward.
Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30
Join Northland Church’s antitrafficking ministry, 121Hope, to learn how to be a conscious consumer while shopping in a fun, market-style fashion. This two-day event will be focused on presenting information and engaging in one to one conversations on the topics of labor trafficking and fair trade, while showcasing many amazing brands, both globally and locally, without supporting the world’s modern-day enslavers.
If you have any questions or would like to be part of the market please email 121hopemarket@northlandchurch.net
Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30 during our weekend worship services
Baptism is an outward expression of our inward faith and a declaration to the world that we've chosen to follow Jesus Christ. It signifies the washing away of the old life and helps solidify our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ. If you have never been baptized before this is your chance to take this step of obedience in Christ! If you have recommitted yourself to following Christ and desire to make a public statement of that through baptism, you are also welcome. Be sure to invite your friends and family to celebrate with you!
