The Quest for the New (Part 3)

Published On: February 2, 2025By Categories: Ecclesiology, Life, Local, Salvation, Sin, The Church, UniversalTags:

Sermon Title: The Quest for the New – Part 3
Preacher: Pastor John Walls
Date: February 2, 2025
Primary Texts:

  • Ezekiel 36:24–28

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

We don’t need a new leaf — we need a new life, and that only comes through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

In this third part of his “Quest for the New” series, Pastor John Walls explores how God’s desire for our renewal goes far beyond our human pursuits of novelty—new jobs, new relationships, or new possessions. Drawing deeply from Ezekiel 36 and 2 Corinthians 5:17, Pastor John contrasts shallow worldly quests for change with the spiritual transformation, reformation, and renewal that God offers through Christ.

He teaches that transformation is what God does to us and in us, giving us a new heart, a new spirit, and a renewed mind. A sensitive heart allows the believer to hear the “mind impressions” of the Holy Spirit, leading to conviction, obedience, and direction. The renewed mind enables believers to think differently—about God, others, and themselves—according to Romans 12:2.

Reformation is our response to transformation, reflected in new priorities, behaviors, and habits. Pastor John emphasizes the practical application of Scripture in daily life, expressing concern that many Christians claim belief but fail to let those beliefs shape their behavior. He illustrates this with personal stories, including his grandfather’s gift of a Bible and his own early neglect of it.

Pastor John also offers a strong call to renewed prayer, using the ACTS acronym (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) and sharing moving examples of how prayer has changed lives, including that of a timber man turned pastor. He reminds the congregation that prayer isn’t just about seeking God’s hand for help but seeking His face for relationship.

The message closes with an altar invitation, urging people to surrender whatever they’ve held back and respond to the Spirit’s prompting with openness and obedience.

Discussion & Reflection

Transformation:

  1. How does Pastor John define the difference between “turning over a new leaf” and experiencing true transformation?

  2. According to Ezekiel 36:26–27, what are the signs of a new heart and a new spirit?

  3. Have you ever experienced God’s Spirit “making an impression” on your mind? How did you respond?

Reformation:

  1. What’s something God has transformed in your life—and how have your actions reflected that change?

  2. Pastor John said, “Reformation is what we do with the transformation we’ve received.” What are practical ways to live this out?

  3. How do you balance acknowledging your imperfections with pursuing a standard of behavior that honors Christ?

The Word of God:

  1. Pastor John emphasized submitting to the authority of Scripture. How has God’s Word shaped your thinking or behavior recently?

  2. What are some habits or tools (e.g., Bible studies, devotionals, commentaries) that have helped you grow in biblical knowledge?

Prayer Life:

  1. Which part of the ACTS model do you find most natural—and which is most challenging? Why?

  2. Pastor John warned that we sometimes only seek God’s hand (help) instead of His face (presence). What does it look like in your prayer life to seek God’s face more intentionally?

Sermon Topics