Series Details
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, I want to ask you: Are you truly living, or are you just passing the time? Many of us approach a new calendar with a list of resolutions, hoping to change our habits, but Jesus came to offer us something much deeper than a habit change. He came so that we might have life, and have it abundantly.
In this message, ‘Living the Life,’ we look at what that abundance really means. It isn’t about the size of your bank account or the absence of trials. In fact, some of the most ‘abundant’ lives I’ve ever seen were lived in the middle of deep suffering. Abundant living is the life of Jesus Christ being lived out through you. It’s the shift from a ‘scarcity mindset’—where we fight for what we want—to an ‘abundance mindset,’ where we rest in what He has already provided. My friend, don’t settle for a dull, boring, or futile existence this year. Let’s look at how to step out of our small shells and into the expansive, joyful life that only the Savior can provide.
As the calendar turns, many of us feel the pressure to reinvent ourselves through resolutions that rarely last. In this special New Year’s message, Chuck Swindoll offers a different approach. Rather than focusing on temporary changes, we are challenged to “get a life”—specifically, the life God intended for us to live. This series serves as a spiritual reset, encouraging us to trade the frantic pursuit of the “next big thing” for a steady, meaningful walk with the Lord.
Message 1: Another Year . . . Get a Life!
Sermon Summary The arrival of a new year often brings a mix of nostalgia for the past and anxiety for the future. Chuck addresses the tendency to drift through life without a clear sense of purpose or divine direction. By examining what it truly means to have “life” in the biblical sense, this message provides a roadmap for living with intentionality, joy, and spiritual vitality. We learn that a life well-lived isn’t about the quantity of our activities, but the quality of our connection to the Author of Life.
Key Facts & Themes
- Spiritual Intentionality: Moving from a passive existence to a proactive pursuit of God’s will.
- The Gift of Time: Recognizing each new year as a stewardship opportunity granted by God.
- Vitality in Christ: Understanding that true life is found in a relationship with Jesus, not in external achievements or resolutions.
Primary Scripture Reference
- John 10:10: The promise that Christ came so that we might have life and have it abundantly.
Common Questions about Starting a New Year (FAQ)
Why do New Year’s resolutions often fail? Most resolutions fail because they focus on outward behavior modification rather than inward heart transformation. True change begins when we align our desires with God’s Word and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than just our own willpower.
How can I find my purpose for the coming year? Finding your purpose begins with seeking God’s kingdom first. Instead of asking what you want to achieve, ask how God wants to use your specific gifts and circumstances to honor Him and serve others in the year ahead.
Is it biblical to plan for the future? Yes, stewardship involves wise planning. However, the Bible reminds us to hold our plans loosely, always submitting them to the sovereignty of God and acknowledging that He directs our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
How do I overcome the regrets of the previous year? The Gospel provides the ultimate solution for regret: grace and forgiveness. By confessing past failures and embracing God’s mercy, you can move into the new year with a clean slate, leaving the “trash” of the past at the foot of the Cross.
