Going Deeper
Fresh Perspective Change
Pastor Jeff Howard Feb. 9, 2025

*Open with prayer.

1. II Corinthians 5:16-21 What a change Christ made in human history!
   He was without sin, but took on the sin of all mankind to make us fit
   to be called the children of God.

   • What is the purpose or job of an ambassador?

- What should we do to be good ambassadors for Christ?

• II Cor. 5:20, Prov. 13:17, Matt. 5:16, Matt. 28:19-20, John 14:28, John 20:21,
  Acts 1:8, I Cor. 10:31, Eph. 2:10, Eph. 6:20, James 2:1-26, II Tim. 2:15,
  I Peter 3:2

  1. Things change constantly. My grandfather, 1891-1991, saw
     incredible change in the world over almost a century of life. Pastor
     Jeff speaks of change (technical and especially social) on Facebook in
     its use for sharing opinions, family and career updates, games, and
     reminisces. Reminiscing is not a bad thing, but almost no one wants
     to live in the past.

• Can you see how looking back in our lives helps us appreciate where
  we are now in life and relationship with Christ? II Cor.5:17

• Overall, do you feel blessed by the changes and experiences in your
  life? (Or have they become forgotten routines?)

• Can you cite ways that your old has passed away and your new has
  come? (Are you willing to share examples?)

1. Everyone has sin and scars. How did Pastor Jeff define them?

   Can you list examples of each? (not necessarily your own).
   

1. In his book, This Is the Day, Tim Tebow warns not to look back
   negatively. Don’t wallow in regret for bad choices and
   disappointments. Instead, thank God for opportunities and seek to
   learn from them for a better future. Prov. 24:16, Rom. 8:10,
   Rom. 8:28, Phil. 3:13, Heb.12:10-11

2. Thank God for our undeserved, unearnable grace! John 1:16,
   Rom. 3:24, Rom. 5:15-17, II Cor. 5:18, II Cor. 12:9, Eph. 2:8-9,
   James 4:6

3. How does our perspective on death change with our maturing faith
   in Christ?

   Psalm 46:1-3, Matt. 22:37-39, John 14:27, John 11:25-26,
   I Cor. 15:51-54, II Cor. 5:8, II Tim. 1:7

   How do you see most of the unbelieving world viewing death?

1. Can you add to Pastor Jeff’s list of things you saw or used while
   growing up that your children will not see or experience?
   

2. Be open to God’s changes (His new thing for us). Trust Him. Don’t
   look at change with fear. Change will happen. Seek God’s plan
   for your life in every situation. Rom. 8:38-39.

3. Read Eccl. 3:1-8. If you can, listen to the old BYRDS’ song about
   Eccl. 3:1-8 titled Turn! Turn! Turn!
   

*Close with prayer.