A Fresh Start with God

A Companion Resource Guide from Mind and Faith Matters Episode 23

 

Episode Summary:

(Gospel = The Good News of what God did in and through Jesus)

Starting fresh begins with Jesus. Salvation is receiving God’s gift of grace through faith in Christ.

The heart of the Gospel is the good news of what Jesus has done for us. God sent His Son into the world to rescue us from sin and brokenness. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died on the cross to take the penalty of our sin, and rose again to bring us forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. Because of His sacrifice, anyone who trusts in Him can have a fresh start with God and walk in new life.

 

Four Truths from the Episode

  1. God loves you. He created you for relationship with Him. (John 3:16)

  2. Our sin separates us from God. He is holy and we fall short. (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)

  3. Jesus died and rose again for you. Through His cross and resurrection you can be forgiven and made new. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

  4. You are invited to respond. Be born again, open the door to Him, confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart. (John 3:3; Revelation 3:20; Romans 10:9-10)

 

Scripture to Reflect On:

  • “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

  • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Reflection Questions:

  • Have I placed my trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior?

  • What does God’s grace mean to me personally?

 

Building New Practices in Your Life

A fresh start also means creating new practices in your life that draw you closer to God. Prayer, Bible reading, worship, and community are important parts of your growth.

Scripture to Reflect On:

  • “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

  • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Reflection Questions:

  • What new spiritual rhythm can I begin this week?

  • Who can I connect with for encouragement and accountability?

 

Who You Are in Christ

This fresh start with God includes knowing who you are. Scripture reminds us of your new identity:

  • You are God’s child
    “Yet to all who did receive Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

  • You are loved and chosen
    “He chose us in Him before the creation of the world… In love He predestined us for adoption.” (Ephesians 1:4–5)

  • You are a new creation
    “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

  • You are forever held by His love
    “Nothing… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

Reflection Questions:

  • Which of these truths about my identity in Christ is hardest for me to believe?

  • How can I remind myself daily of who God says I am?

 

A Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of new life in Christ. Help me to walk in Your truth, grow in faith, and remember who I am in You. Give me strength to follow You daily and courage to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Resources for Your Fresh Start with God

Here are some helpful tools as you grow in your faith:

Fresh Start eBook (The Life Church) - A free digital resource to help you take your first steps in following Jesus and building a strong foundation of faith.

“You Said Yes” New Believer Devotional (Life Church Open Network) A short, practical devotional to guide you in your first steps as a follower of Christ.

Faith Tools (Apps) for New Believers A collection of simple resources and tools to help new believers grow in their relationship with God.

YouVersion Bible App (free): https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/ or https://www.bible.com/

Bible Gateway (searchable online Bible tool): https://www.biblegateway.com/