The New You

Dale McDonald: Hello, I'm Pastor Dale with Atlin Family Church, and this is Engaged Faith. I am so happy you joined me once again to jump into the Word. today I'm gonna be speaking on one of my favorite subjects. it's very basic, but unfortunately, too many Christians, I believe, get to the step of that I'll be talking about today and then they stall. They don't go any further. and as a result They're not reaching their full potential, their ministry isn't being fulfilled through them. you know, there's so much more that God wants for you and for me as we are obedient to each step that He puts in front of us. So most of us have heard about programs or products. And guess what? They promise a whole new you. I mean, that's what we all want, right? A new version. sometimes are so called miracle drugs. maybe it's a diet or an exercise program, or you know, any other program that's self improvement that's going to bring a change or promises to bring a change to the current version of you. Been there, right? Unfortunately, most of us no, it comes with a personal cost. you typically you exchange your finances for knowledge, their knowledge, right? and then that's when we find out if it worked or it doesn't work. you may take a step of faith, but it's in their system or the person that's selling that product. I'd rather put my faith in the Lord. How about you? So today I'm going to be discussing the only decision Or step that will cause real change in your life. And guess what? It's absolutely free. It's a gift to you. the good news is you don't need to wait to change anything. You don't need to wait to take the step. God will meet you where you are. I want you to know that. but he does want you to take the step of faith in him, trust him. you may have already taken the step towards the new you. a Christian, that's step one. But did you take the second or the third? that's what we'll be discussing today. And maybe you dropped the ball in your personal new you journey. Sorry. If this sounds like you guess what? You're not alone. I have and many others have dropped the ball. We've let life distract us. So I'm here today to encourage you. I do ask that you hear me out. and I'm my hope is to that you renew your passion. you know, with finding some of the tools so that you can succeed in the journey towards the new you. I spell it out like that 'cause that's the title of the message if you didn't see it. So since I don't know where you're at in your personal journey It is a journey. It's steps towards as I said, a new you. which is a step really towards God. And why I say it that way is God only wants the very best for each of us. we have to remind ourselves that Everything God does and did is for us, for the love that He has for us to be shared through us. we need to keep that front and center. that, everything that He speaks to us, shows us in the Word, you know, and we as we take a step in faith towards that promise that He has for us, it's a step towards the plan that he had for us from the beginning. it's so amazing, our our God. his plan is is to bless us and those around us. I've said that in other messages. it's so important that, each of us individually step into the plan that he has for us so that we can fulfill and continue the ministry of Jesus. I'm getting ahead of myself. I do want to open this message with prayer. Father, we thank you once again. You've said in your word that where two or more are gathered, there you are in our midst. So I welcome you. I thank you for the words that you've given me. I ask you, Lord, that you would anoint these words, that whoever hears this video and watches, that the anointing of your word would come into their heart, that they would be changed. that they would begin to trust, that their faith would come, for your word says that faith comes by hearing. as I read scripture today, I believe faith grows. I believe faith comes. And then as you lead and direct Father, the trust is built and people can step into their destiny, the plan that you would have for them. And I thank you for that, Father. I thank you for your love. so much more than we can comprehend. But as we seek you, Lord, and we seek your kingdom, we know, Lord, that you provide for all of our needs, including our our physical needs and our spiritual needs. We give you all the glory and praise in Jesus' name Amen. So let's start with the basics. Okay? And then we'll move towards the supernatural power the super supernatural power I'm referring to is you and I have been given the power to perform miracles. We can and we should and we're commanded to command evil spirits and heal the sick. And it's like you might be going, Whoa, well that's a lot. Stick with me. I do wantto Let you know where we're going. Most people unfortunately fail to take the first step or they fail to take the second step that we see in the word. every step we take, it's a step towards a new version of you. we have a desire for change, I think most of us, but we may not have a comprehension of what that change is that we're actually craving on the inside. And really what it is is it's God gently tugging us towards Him to grow, to stretch in Him. And we feel that. We may not always know it. Like I said, to to comprehend and to to know, it can take time, it can take growing maturity. and that's okay. We're all on a journey. this message I hope helps you take another step. I've heard some people say that the the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. it's about just saying, Okay, Lord, I trust you. I know you want the very best for me. I know you love me with all your heart. I want to move forward. And and when we ask him, he's right there. The word says he'll never leave us nor forsake us. So wherever we're at, wherever you're at, he's there. To help you take that next step. So you're not on your own. You got that? And Atlin Family Church, we're here for you as well. so I just wanted you to know that. So like I had mentioned, too many people fail to take steps towards their self improvement. Or they're maybe they fail soon after the excitement wanes, fades, or subsides. Been there, done that, yeah, I know. telling on myself that, you know, I I believe that you probably have been there too. So to be successful in our life journey, we all need help. We need God's help. the reality is our flesh is weak and the world offers a lot of distractions is what I call it. it's you know, so easy to get off of what the plan of God has for our lives 'cause we're human. trying to follow a spiritual plan, you know, we need to train ourselves to to discern what that is. Holy Spirit just told me this. Don't look at the end result, because none of us know that. Take a step. One step and then more clarity will come. Then take another step, more clarity will come. If The reality is if if Holy Spirit showed us the big picture of our lives, showed us the end from the beginning, most of us would would faint. It's too much. because our God is a too much God. It's that simple. He has more in store and he totally sees us without looking at the weaknesses. Because as we get to know his word and his promises and walk in faith, then he works through us. it's not us doing it alone. It's him and I, him and you. we we need to enlist the help of God. We need to be born again. If this is new to you, the term born again, I'll explain it soon from the Bible. Stick with me. if you are born again, we need to trust God in his word to take us to the next step. I really encourage you, don't stumble or freeze on step one. We need to take step two and three and four. However many he gives us, we need to take it. and it's not just for us. I've said this in other videos, it's for those around us. So it's so important that we do take every step that is presented. let's read some some words. we see in John chapter three, verses three through seven. I'm gonna read out of the New Living Translation. This is Jesus speaking. Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, unless you're born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. What do you mean? exclaimed Nicodemus. How can an old man go back into his mother's womb and be born again? Jesus replied, I assure you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say you must be born again. So, even in Biblical times people had questions. they heard a new concept and it was spiritual. So in their human brain They had to understand it, and Jesus would explain it and sometimes he would explain the parables, different ways of saying the same truth. and we see that example there as Nicodemus goes like what? and reading in Acts chapter four verse twelve New Living Translation, referring to the born again experience again, there is salvation in no one else. God has given no other name under the name of heaven by which we must be saved. Thank you, Lord. So if you've been wanting to know what it means to be a Christian or what God, Jesus, or the church is all about, then I believe God had you watch this video to this point. so He could reach out his hand through me to you. if you're not born again, then today is a great day to take that step. Remember I'm talking about taking steps to a new version of you? Being born again is Step one in Christianity. So if you haven't actually taken the time or ever had the opportunity to pray and to ask Jesus to come into your heart, let's just do that right now. Let's take that time to become born again that first step. For you. So please say the prayer with me. Jesus, I believe you came to earth to make known the way back to God, to reconcile people unto yourself. You were crucified on the cross, you died, and you were buried in a tomb. You rose from the dead, and now you are sat at the right hand of God, according to the Bible. So through your death I now have a new life, today and for eternity. Jesus, I believe in my heart and I say with my mouth, You are my Lord and Savior. Amen. Welcome to the family of God. You are now a child of God, a new creation. For it says in the word, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. That's first John 5, verse 1. New Living Translation. So again, if this is the first time you've prayed and committed your heart to Jesus, let us know. We love to celebrate. and the most important thing. Like I mentioned, don't stay on step one. Let us help you take more steps in the word towards the new you. maybe you've heard this teaching before, you've said their prayer in the past at some point, and then life happened. I get it. You're not alone. we can't comprehend the plan that He has for us. so wonderful. And here's the thing, He expects each of us to grow, just like a a natural father, you know, parents of children. We expect our children to grow and to mature and to step into Whatever life they feel called to. God expects the same thing in Him to continue the ministry on earth. His ministry. maybe if you have said the the prayer that we just did in the past and then stalled, first of all, forgive yourself. I encourage you don't remain stuck. with this message today, I do hope and pray that it does bring you encouragement, it it brings you hope that you would take the next step towards the the new you. we all need to take the steps. It's our personal journey towards God and a new you or a new me. I'm not done taking steps. I'm just maybe on a different place on my journey than you are. That's okay. When we're born again we're never alone. You now have God and you have his Holy Spirit on the inside of us helping us with every step. So you know here's something to keep in mind. God's not helping us from heaven. Holy Spirit, when we make the the decision to become born again and believe it in our heart, speak it out of our mouth, Holy Spirit now comes to to live inside of us according to the Word. This body is his temple. it's more than we can comprehend, but that's what the word says and it becomes more and more real as we take steps towards him to to fully comprehend that. So just to remind you again, God lives in the inside of us, his Holy Spirit is within us, our body is his temple, and as we take these steps, we're not alone, it's not in our own ability. And we see that in the Word. Let's read first John chapter four, verses thirteen through sixteen of the New Living Translation. God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. Furthermore, we've seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us. And we put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. So we see it in the Word. when we first hear that or or read that, again, yeah, it takes takes faith to take those steps to comprehend. but it's so worth it. Question I have for you. Who is the new you? Well, the new you is a world overcomer, superhero. I've said it before, I know that's gonna get old, but we see that in first John chapter five, one through five, and the new living translation. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. Everyone who loves the Father loves his children too. We know we love God's children if we love God and obey His commandments. Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, And we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those that believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe Jesus is the Son of God. I hope as you said that prayer earlier with me, you believe that Jesus is the Son of God. That's what we prayed. And if you've said that prayer in the past and stalled perhaps. Take the step. Continue to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. that's step one. So once we become aware of of all of you know the scripture and and start to take these steps, we're never the same. When we become born again, we get revelation. Revelation starts to come as to who we are, who God is, what it all means. and I mean it does take renewing our mind according to the word. there's effort on our part. It just doesn't happen. That's why I mentioned before some people Say the prayer of faith and then they stall. It's because God doesn't force feed us. That wouldn't be a loving God. He expects us to start to eat on our own, feed on his word, and take those steps willingly towards him. When our spirit is born again, we, which is our our spirit, that's our true cells, becomes a new creation. Our flesh doesn't change. You know, you yeah, I know. You're probably hoping it would, but no. nor does our mind change. As I've mentioned, we we need to renew our mind. We need to retrain it, retrain our flesh, take control of our flesh because we control this flesh. It craves different things but it it ultimately it's up to us to control that. As we renew our mind, we develop a personal relationship with our Creator, God. You become the new you as you renew your mind to God's word and more importantly as we act on it and take those steps Let's read Second Corinthians chapter five verse seventeen, New Living Translation. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone, a new life has begun. Speaking of steps, put it behind you. Step towards a new one. you know, I can't say it enough. There's benefits and abilities given to us that we must learn from God's Word before we can have them or experience them. The world doesn't have the benefits that we do as a born again believer. When we're born again, we're in Christ. And by being in Christ we have all that Jesus has. We have access to that now. When we're born again we receive the love of God also, living on the inside of us, through his Holy Spirit. Nothing can ever separate us from His love or His Spirit within us. we need to keep reminding ourselves. Some people, I messed up, so God doesn't love me nor you know He's not with me anymore. That simply isn't true. That is a lie from the enemy. You need to know that. Let's read Romans eight thirty eight. through thirty-nine, New Living Translation. And I'm convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love, neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, nor fears for today, nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in earth below. Indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that's revealed in Christ Jesus Our Lord. That's a lot, but there it is. It's in the scripture. We need to believe it. We need to remind ourselves of it. We need to renew our mind. If we doubted in the past, go back to this scripture over and over. God loves you. Nothing, nothing in all creation can take that from us. Let's go on to read John chapter three, verses sixteen through seventeen. New Living Translation. For this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. The new you has authority to use the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. And it's available to born again believers, which is the church. It's not just given to pastors or teachers, it's given to every born again believer. And that group of people is the church. this is a whole nother teaching. It's not about the building, with the cross on top of it. That is a a building where believers can meet, yes, but The church is you, me, anybody that's born again becomes the church. So when you're reading the word and it says the church, don't think about the the building down the street. Think about the group that you now belong to as a born again believer. And the power is typically is talking about the power we have, the responsibility that we have, as a believer. so The church, which is you and I. We should expect the same results from our ministry and your ministry that the early church did. They were believers and they used the name of Jesus, that power that was given to them, the authority that was given to them, and miracles happened. The miraculous wherever they went. We'll see that in the word here Let's read Acts chapter four verses ten through twelve of the New Living Translation. Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel He was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, for Jesus is the one referred to in the scriptures where it says The stone you builders rejected was now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else. God has given no other name under the heaven by which we must be saved. You may say, I can have faith to be born again, but Pastor, you're saying I can do more than I'm comfortable with. That's okay. It'll always be that way. God will stretch us. I mentioned that in the last video. He asks us more than we feel we're capable of, but he knows us. He knows that as he works through us, we can take that step. We need to build that trust and faith in his word, which is scripture or spoken to us directly. and here's reality. It's the word of God. It's not my opinion. But secondly, it's not just you, it's God working through you. Trust in Him. He will do the work as we step out. Our part is just to have a willing heart and growing our faith by hearing the Word. That's the step we need to take. As a reminder, when you step into the new you, remind yourself who's doing the work through you and with you. Let's read Second Corinthians chapter five verse seventeen again. But this time I'm gonna read from the amplified classic version. therefore if any person is engrafted in Christ, the Messiah, he is a new creation, a new creature. all together. The old previous and spiritual condition has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come. That sounds like a pretty big step to me, but again, it's it he's made it easy. It's a gift. we now have access to God directly through Jesus. You see that in John sixteen, verses twenty three through twenty five, New Living Translation. And this is Jesus speaking. So in verse twenty three, at that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth. You will ask the Father directly, and he will grant you your request, because you use my name. And speaking of authority. So reading on in verse twenty four, you haven't done this before. Ask using my name and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. I do. Whenever I see the word of God coming to pass, it brings joy. And the word says, The joy of the Lord is my strength. So again, take the step, joy comes, gives us strength. We get momentum. Let's read Mark chapter sixteen, verses twelve through twenty. New Living Translation. afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them. Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief, because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. So even back then there was unbelief. So reading on to verse fifteen. And then he told them Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe. They will cast out demons in my name, they will speak new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt They'll be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed. So are we doing all of that? If you're not, we we need to ask the question why? It's in the Word. Jesus said that we can do it. The early church did it. Reading on in and continuing in verse nineteen. When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up to heaven and sat down at the place of honor at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. So as I mentioned before, the early church they operated in the in the miraculous. They preached, they acted on it. And we see, there was the results. So that's the purpose of the new you. The new you needs to begin to take the God given authority that you have been given. Let's read Matthew twenty eight verses sixteen through twenty, New Living Translation. Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some of them doubted. Jesus came and told his disciples, I've been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you, And be sure of this. I am with you always, even to the end of the age. So the new you and Holy Spirit, you're a winning partnership. Holy Spirit is a gift to the born again believers, the power to continue the ministry of Christ today. We see it in the Bible that Jesus taught his disciples. He's also speaking and teaching born again believers today. The Bible is his word to us. it's him speaking to us as we read the word. Remind yourself of that. Jesus is speaking to me. And remember I mentioned you're not alone? We read it also in other scriptures. But let's read Acts chapter one, verses one through five, the New Living Translation. In my first book I told you, Theopolis, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways he was actually alive, and he talked to them about the kingdom of God. Once he was eating with them, he commanded them, do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends a man. The gift he promised. As I told you before, John baptized with water, but in a few days you'll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. I can just imagine they probably didn't comprehend what he was saying, but they trusted and they they took the steps to follow his instruction, and I'm so thankful they did. Because as we read in Acts chapter two, one through four of the New Living Translation. On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And every one present was filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. So As a born-again believer, the second step is to receive the gift of the Spirit, which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. And Since we do not always know what to pray, we are to pray in our understanding and pray in the spirit. We see that in the word. Let's read Romans chapter eight verses twenty six through twenty eight, New Living Translation. Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father, who knows all hearts, knows what the Spirit is saying. for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purposes for them. Read on in Acts chapter nineteen, verses one through six in the New Living Translation. Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus. On the coast where he found several believers. Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? he asked them. No, they replied, We haven't even heard that there was a Holy Spirit. Then what baptism did you experience? he asked. And they replied A baptism of John. Paul said John's baptism called for repentance from sin, but John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus. as soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. So did you did you see that? It's two separate events in the Christian's walk. One as in water baptism, it's a outward expression of an inward decision. The second is where we invite Holy Spirit into our body for the power of the ministry. And we saw that in the word as, they hadn't heard of the second step. So Paul laid his hands on him. They received the Holy Spirit and the evidence was speaking in tongues and prophesying actually at the time. Let's read first Corinthians chapter fourteen verses thirteen through nineteen, New Living Translation. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. But if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit. And I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say, Amen? at your giving of thanks, since he doesn't understand what you say. For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all, yet in the church I'd rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also than ten thousand words in a tongue. The disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit. We just saw that in the Word. Remember Acts two verse four of the New Living Translation which I read already? And I'll read it again just to remind you. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as Holy Spirit gave them the ability. Wow, what a moment for the disciples. they'd never experienced that before, but They would have sensed that power. They would have sensed that step in their faith. And, I believe they felt like they could take on the world. I really do. because I've I felt similar, you know, when when Revelation comes, it's just like, Okay, I can do this. Through him, working through me. It gave them power to fulfill their ministries. and as a born-again believer, you have a ministry. It may not be in the fivefold ministry, like you know, pastors or prophets or teachers, but it may be in a school or it may be in your workplace. But it is needed. Wherever you are, you are needed, and God will use you. So now let's look at the result of the power of Holy Spirit that the disciples experience that we just read about. More and more people believed and were brought to the Lord. Crowds of both men and women. that's what the church is all about helping them take the steps that we're talking about today, Let's read Acts chapter five, verses twelve through sixteen of the New Living Translation. the apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people, and all the believers were meeting regularly at the temple in the area known as Solomon's Colonnade, but no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord, crowds of both men and women, And and here it is. As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out on the streets on beds and mats, so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed. And reading on in John chapter fourteen verses twelve through fourteen and this is one of my favorite scriptures. They all are. And I'll read this on a the NLT. Verse twelve, I tell you the truth. Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I'm going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I'll do it. So that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. So there we see. The authority, him working through us, the partnership. once we become born again, we work together with the creator of the world. Did you get that? Anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done. And even greater works. And reading first John chapter five verse four, New Living Translation, for every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. We again, we are a new creation. We are God's children, the church, the bride of Christ. We are in him, he is in us, so we can do what he did. And remember, even greater works. Like come on people. It's it's so exciting to be a child of God, amen? So today I encourage you to take three steps towards becoming the new you. one is to believe who you are in Christ, what you have in Christ, and what you can do in Christ. Plus, here's another step. being baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking of tongues. And don't worry, we'll be teaching more on the on those steps soon. So I hope this message has been an encouragement to to take the initial steps, continue taking steps towards being baptized in the Holy Spirit. And every step that the Lord asks you, take it. Trust Him. And Atlin Family Church is here to help, wherever we can. help you discover all of the above. that's our mission, our passion. so it know I encourage you to reach out today if you have any questions. AtlinFamily Church dot ca. I also want to say today a special hello to our Wednesday night Bible study family. If that sounds new to you, it is. We just started this week. Atlin Family Church, which is my wife and I, as pastors, is now offering Bible study and prayer at our church office, which is also our home, right here. two four fourth street, right here in Atlin. And we'd love to have you join us either at Bible study or at Sunday ten AM. That's when we have a a full message and it's at the same location. So just stop in, door's always open, love to meet you or to see you again. And speaking of that, see you in the next video. Be blessed.

1 John 5:1