"Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."
Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
Connect
What’s the last new thing that came into your life?
Did you ever have hand-me-downs?
What was the most memorable new thing you've ever earned or received?
Have you ever renovated or remodeled something you were really proud of?
Discuss
1. Do you believe that we can really be made new? What does that mean?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 and consider Paul's journey and your own.
WHO is he writing about?
WHERE is this new life found?
WHAT is Jesus offering?
3. How have you tried to "fix" yourself in life? How is this different from the promise of restoration?
4. What do you think about the illustration of the 1979 Mustang? How does this make you think of the one who does the restoration, and how God looks at you?
5. Read 2 Corinthians 5:19 and consider HOW Jesus makes our lives new. What do you make of the image of God "reconciling the world to himself?"
6. We learned about kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. But instead of masking the broken places, gold is used in the adhesive to highlight those places. What did you make of this? How does this relate to your spiritual life and God's work in restoration?
Action Steps
The Abundant Conference is coming soon! Register here: https://thecrossing.church/page/805?EventCalendarId=1&EventItemId=757
Fall classes are right around the corner. A great next step could be taking The Genius of One Course: https://thecrossing.church/calendar/32
Recovery at The Crossing begins September 15th. Register here: https://thecrossing.church/recovery
Pray
Father, I want to made new. So I bring all of my sin and shame, all of my insecurities and fears before You, and ask for Your forgiveness and Your restoration. I don't want to be stuck in old patterns or the old way of doing things, but I want to be renewed. More than mere behavioral change, I need a new heart and a new identity, which comes from You. Jesus, I acknowledge You as the only One who can do this work of restoration, the One Who is making all things new. I trust in You, and it is in the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.