The Bible is full of examples of God doing a "new thing" - something that surprises, amazes, or confounds people. Here are some notable ones:
1. **The Exodus**: When God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, it was a completely new experience for them. They had never been free before, and the sheer scale of the miracle (parting the Red Sea, for example) left everyone stunned.
2. **The Virgin Birth**: The concept of a virgin giving birth to a son (Jesus Christ) was unheard of in Jewish tradition or Roman culture. This was God's way of introducing something entirely new: the idea that God could work through human relationships and biology to bring about salvation.
3. **The Resurrection**: When Jesus rose from the dead, it defied all natural laws and expectations. The disciples were amazed, and even Thomas, who had doubted, was overcome with joy when he saw the risen Lord (John 20:24-29).
4. **Pentecost**: After Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon his followers in Jerusalem, empowering them to speak in other languages and proclaim the gospel to people from all over the Mediterranean world. This event marked a new era of global evangelism.
5. **The Early Church**: The Christian community in its early years was characterized by remarkable unity, mutual support, and generous sharing (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37). This was a radical departure from the social norms of the time, where wealth disparities were significant.
6. **The Gentile Mission**: Before Jesus' ministry, the Jewish community had been looking forward to the Messiah's arrival to free them from Roman oppression. But God surprised everyone by sending Peter and other apostles to preach to Gentiles (non-Jews), including Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:1-48).
7. **The Apostle Paul**: Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee, was transformed into the apostle Paul after his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31). This new path led him to become a champion of Christian faith and a pioneer in spreading it throughout the Mediterranean world.
8. **The Reformation**: In the 16th century, God worked through reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli to bring about significant changes in the Catholic Church and establish Protestant denominations. This period was marked by controversy, but also led to a renewed emphasis on Scripture, personal faith, and congregational governance.
9. **Modern Evangelicalism**: The 20th-century "Jesus Movement" or "Charismatic Renewal" saw a massive influx of people from various Christian traditions embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). This movement led to the formation of new denominations, churches, and para-church organizations.
10. **Global Evangelism**: The spread of Christianity across cultures, continents, and languages is another example of God doing a "new thing." In just over two centuries, Christianity went from being a minority faith in Europe to becoming one of the largest religions globally.
These examples illustrate that throughout history, God has consistently surprised people by introducing new ways of expressing love, redemption, and community.
Isaiah 43:18-19 is a powerful passage that speaks to the heart of God's desire to restore and renew His people. Here's what it says:
" Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19)
In this passage, God is calling His people to let go of their past and its memories, whether good or bad. He's saying, "Don't get stuck in what has been; instead, look towards the future I'm bringing."
The phrase "Forget the former things" doesn't mean that we should literally forget them, but rather that we shouldn't dwell on them or let them define us. God is offering a fresh start, a new beginning, and He's asking us to trust Him and His plans for our lives.
The second part of this passage is even more encouraging: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" This is a declaration of God's power and sovereignty. He's saying that He's already at work, doing something new and wonderful in the world, and He's asking us to pay attention and notice it.
This passage can be applied to many areas of our lives, such as:
* Letting go of past hurts or mistakes and moving forward
* Trusting God with our future and His plans for us
* Recognizing that God is always at work, even when we can't see it
Overall, Isaiah 43:18-19 is a beautiful reminder that God is a God of new beginnings, second chances, and fresh starts. He's asking us to trust Him and have faith in His goodness and sovereignty.
A great reference!
"Behold, I will do a new thing" is a famous verse from the Bible, specifically from Isaiah 43:19. The full quote is:
"And who would have thought what He would do, and who could have advised Him? Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth. Not the sound of the former things, shall ye call to me that are putting off His way, and treading the paths of righteousness." (Isaiah 43:19)
This verse is often interpreted as an announcement from God that He is going to do something entirely new and unexpected, unlike anything that has happened before. The phrase "not the sound of the former things" suggests that this new thing will be so different that it won't even have a precedent in past experiences or traditions.
In many ways, this verse can be seen as an encouragement for those who are looking for something fresh and innovative from God. It's as if He is saying, "I'm not just going to repeat what I've done before; I'm going to surprise you with something entirely new!"
This passage has been applied in various contexts, such as:
1. Spiritual awakening: When people experience a deep spiritual transformation, this verse can be seen as an encouragement to expect the unexpected and to trust that God is doing something new and fresh in their lives.
2. Mission and ministry: This verse can inspire Christians to step out in faith and do things differently, knowing that God is capable of surprising them with new and innovative ways to share the gospel or serve others.
3. Personal growth: The "new thing" can represent a personal breakthrough, skill, or passion that emerges unexpectedly, challenging individuals to adapt and grow in new ways.
Overall, "Behold, I will do a new thing" is a powerful reminder of God's ability to surprise us with something entirely fresh and unexpected, often leading to greater growth, excitement, and faithfulness.
A "New Thing" sermon!
The concept of doing something new is an exciting and liberating idea. It's an invitation to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and explore uncharted territories.
Here are some potential sermon points:
1. **God is always calling us to do a new thing**: Just as God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, He calls us to follow Him in faith, even when it means venturing into unknown territory.
2. **The old ways aren't working anymore**: Sometimes we need to let go of what's familiar and try something new. This doesn't mean abandoning our values or principles but rather being open to fresh perspectives and approaches.
3. **God is a God of creativity and innovation**: He created the universe, after all! We can learn from His creative power by embracing our own innovative spirit and trying new things in faith.
4. **Fear holds us back from doing a new thing**: We might be afraid of failure, rejection, or uncertainty. But Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (John 14:27). With God's guidance and empowerment, we can overcome our fears and take the leap.
5. **God is with us in the unknown**: When we step into the unknown, it's natural to feel anxious or uncertain. But we don't have to face those fears alone. God promises to be with us always, even when we're not sure what lies ahead.
6. **The new thing might just be a new way of doing what we already do**: Sometimes the "new thing" isn't about starting something entirely new but rather finding innovative ways to serve others or live out our faith in fresh and creative ways.
Some possible sermon structures:
1. Storytelling: Share personal anecdotes or stories from scripture (e.g., Moses, Peter walking on water) that demonstrate God's call to do a new thing.
2. Expository preaching: Break down specific passages (e.g., Isaiah 43:19, Ephesians 2:10) that highlight God's desire for us to try something new.
3. Illustrations and analogies: Use relatable examples (e.g., trying a new recipe or taking a new class) to illustrate the concept of doing a new thing in faith.
4. Testimonies: Invite people to share their own stories of when they did something new in faith, and how it impacted their lives.
Remember to emphasize that "doing a new thing" is not about being reckless or impulsive but rather about being open to God's guidance and empowerment as we take risks and step into the unknown.
You're referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says "To everything there is a season, and to every purpose under the heaven a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck that which is planted—"
The phrase "I am doing a new thing" is not found in this verse or the surrounding text. However, it's possible you're thinking of Isaiah 43:19, which says:
"I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
In this context, God is announcing that He will be doing something entirely new and unexpected, something that will bring joy and hope to His people.
"Behold, I am doing a new thing" is a powerful verse from Isaiah 43:19!
This scripture speaks to the idea that God is always doing something new and fresh. He is constantly surprising us with His love, provision, and guidance.
In this specific context, Isaiah is describing God's redemptive work among His people. He's saying that in the midst of darkness, despair, and exile, God is doing something entirely new – a fresh expression of His power, compassion, and deliverance.
This verse has been a source of encouragement for many throughout history, including believers during times of hardship or uncertainty. It reminds us that:
1. **God is always at work**: Even when we can't see what He's doing, He is still moving mountains, healing hearts, and orchestrating circumstances.
2. **Change is coming**: Whether it's a new season in life, a fresh opportunity, or a breakthrough in faith, God is always up to something new.
3. **God is our Hope**: In the midst of turmoil, uncertainty, or darkness, Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that we can count on God's goodness and love.
When you're facing challenges or feeling stuck, take heart! Behold, God is doing a new thing – something that will bring hope, renewal, and transformation into your life.
You're referring to Jeremiah 29:11, which says:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
And then it goes on to say:
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
This is often referred to as the "new thing" Scripture because God is promising to do something new in people's lives - to give them a future full of hope and prosperity. It's a powerful promise that speaks to our deepest desires for a better tomorrow.
What about this passage speaks to you? Is there something specific that resonates with you, or is it the overall message of hope and renewal that draws you in?
Exciting!
So, you're trying something new and want to share it with me? What is it that you're doing?
Is it a hobby, a skill, or maybe an adventure? Tell me all about it!