New Year, New Me

Primary Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 Supporting Texts: John 3:16–17; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:9–10; Mark 1:15 Anchor Phrase: Hear the News. Face the Need. Respond in Faith.

Introduction: “Back-to-School Life Reset”

Every August we buy new shoes, new notebooks, promise a ‘new me’—but what if what you really need isn’t a reset, it’s a new life?

Tonight is about one thing, the Gospel. Not tips for better behavior, but news from God that can change you from the inside out, right now.

Let’s start where the Bible itself defines the gospel.

Point 1: Hear the News (What the Gospel is) — 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 NIV

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Now I would remind you… of the gospel… that Christ died for our sins… was buried… was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

Gospel = News, not advice.

Greek: εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) = good news, an announcement about what’s been done for you—not steps you climb to reach God.

Key truth: Christianity begins with news you receive, not a ladder you climb.

It’s about a Person and His work.

“Christ died for our sins” (substitution), “was buried” (really died), “was raised” (victory verified).

“According to the Scriptures” = God planned this rescue long before you were born.

It’s to be received and stood upon. (vv. 1–2)

The gospel you receive is the gospel you stand in. It holds you, not the other way around.

News vs Advice

“If I announce your team already won the championship, that’s news. You don’t perform it—you celebrate it. The gospel is that kind of news.”

Why do we even need this news?

Because we all share a problem we can’t fix.

Point 2: Face the Need (Why we need the Gospel)

Our Problem: Sin.

Romans 3:23—“All have sinned…”

Romans 3:23 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Greek: ἁμαρτία (hamartia) = ‘missing the mark.’ Not just mistakes—falling short of God’s holy standard in our thoughts, words, and loves.

Our Consequence: Separation and Death.

Romans 6:23—“The wages of sin is death…” Separation from God now and forever. We don’t need a coach; we need a Savior.

Romans 6:23 NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s Heart: Love and Grace.

John 3:16–17—God loved and sent His Son not to condemn but to save.

John 3:16–17 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Greek: χάρις (charis) = grace: a gift you don’t earn.

Ephesians 2:8–9—Saved by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Hurdles To Jump

“I’m not good enough.” — That’s why it’s grace.

“I’ll fix myself first.” — You don’t get clean before the shower; you come to be washed.

“I grew up in church.” — Being in a garage doesn’t make you a car. Proximity isn’t salvation; Jesus is.

So, how do you move from knowing this news to owning it?

Point 3: Respond in Faith (How we receive the Gospel)

Repent and Believe.

Mark 1:15—“Repent and believe the gospel.”

Mark 1:15 NIV

“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Greek: μετάνοια (metanoia) = a change of mind that turns your direction; πιστεύω (pisteuō) = to trust/lean the weight of your life on Jesus.

Not ‘try harder,’ but ‘transfer trust’—from self to Christ.

Confess Jesus as Lord.

Romans 10:9–10—Believe in your heart God raised Him; confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord. Salvation is personal and public.

Romans 10:9–10 NIV

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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Simple Picture of Faith (live prop if possible): The Chair

You can say a chair will hold you all day, but you haven’t trusted it until you sit down. Faith is not admiring Jesus from a distance; it’s resting your weight on Him—His cross and resurrection—for your forgiveness, new heart, and new life.

There’s no magic prayer, Jesus saves, not a formula. But calling on Him is how you express turning and trusting.

Invitation Transition:

“This is your back-to-school moment, not a fresh coat of paint, but a brand-new heart. Tonight, you can move from ‘I know about Jesus’ to ‘I belong to Jesus.’”

Invitation & Response Plan

Guided Moment:

“If you’re ready to turn and trust Jesus, I’ll lead you in words you can make your own.”

Sample Prayer (brief): “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and my way. I trust You as Lord and Savior. Make me new. I’m Yours. Amen.”

Call to Action:

Option A (in-room counselors): “If you prayed to trust Christ, raise your hand now and keep it up—leaders are coming to you.”

Option B (move to stations): “Head to the ‘NEW LIFE’ banners at the sides—our leaders will meet you, pray with you, and get your info so we can help you take your next steps.”

Next Steps:

Baptism: public declaration that you belong to Jesus.

Bible/Community: start in John; join a small group.

Invite: bring a friend next week to hear what changed you.

“A new school year promises a new you. Jesus promises new life. Tonight, you heard the news, you faced the need—now respond in faith.”