MAIN POINT:

Every believer has become a new creature in Christ and is called by God to His service.

ICEBREAKER:

Probably in elementary school you learned the principle of metamorphosis: The caterpillar spins its cocoon, then breaks out of it as a butterfly. Can you think of other life-changing events?

INTRODUCTION:

Change usually happens in every life. In the history of our nation this change did not occur overnight. The first settlers arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620. It was not until 1776 that colonists won their war for independence. Because these early Americans continued to stand firm in their quest for religious freedom, we today can worship freely and openly without fear of being arrested. Another type of metamorphosis occurs in every individual who seeks salvation. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we become new creatures. As Christians, each of us is called to serve God. Out of love for Jesus we answer that call and seek God’s direction.

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17.

1. When one plant is grafted onto another plant, is the resulting plant like either of the first two?

2. If a person loses much weight, he/she is quite different physically. This verse 17 says, “…the old has passed away.” What kind of change is this?

3. When America won its independence, many things changed. What kind of changes happen in a new Christian?

Read Acts 13:2-4.

4. While the church at Antioch was worshipping and fasting, what instruction did they receive?

5. What did the church do to send off Barnabas and Saul?

6. Which Christians are called by God?

7. Do all of us have a task to do?

8. How can we know what is our calling?

LEADER NOTES:

1. No. Emphasize that the result is a new creation.
2. According to the Amplified Bible, the “previous moral and spiritual condition” is gone.
3. Sample answers: addictions broken, peace inside, no more hatred. Some are immediate, others are gradual.
4. They were to set apart Barnabus and Saul for work God called them to.
5. They placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul to bless them.
6. All are called (Matthew 9:37-38, Romans 10:15).
7. Yes. Some preach, some teach, some encourage, some serve. (Romans 12: 6-8)
8. Discover one’s spiritual gift through attending a class at Faith Promise. Try serving in a place that interests you. If you find that it’s not working, talk to the leader of that place, then try another. Be sure to let the leader know that you are attempting to find your place of service.