This message invites us into a profound truth that resonates deeply at the start of a new year: God specializes in fresh starts. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, we're challenged to stop dwelling on our past failures and mistakes, because God himself says He's doing something new in our lives. The sermon unpacks a practical formula for starting over using the word START itself—Stop making excuses, Take inventory of your life, Act in faith, Refocus your thoughts, and Trust God completely. What makes this teaching so powerful is its honest acknowledgment that we've all made mistakes, both before and after becoming Christians. Yet God isn't stuck in our past; He's far more interested in our future. The message reminds us that when we confess our sins, God doesn't just forgive—He literally forgets them, as stated in Isaiah 43:25 and Hebrews 8:12. This isn't about turning over a new leaf through our own effort; it's about receiving a completely new life through being born again. The practical wisdom here challenges us to stop the pity parties, quit making excuses, and understand that the only person who can truly ruin our life is ourselves. Success in the Christian life isn't about trying harder—it's about living smarter by giving God control.

CopyRegenerateChapters

Chapter 1: Stop Making Excuses and Accept Responsibility

0:00 - 15:00

We must stop making excuses for our failures and accept responsibility for our part in life's problems to receive God's fresh start.

Chapter 2: Take Inventory and Learn from Your Experiences

15:00 - 25:00

We need to evaluate all our life experiences and learn from them by asking what we've learned, what assets we have, and who can help us.

Chapter 3: Act in Faith and Stop the Pity Parties

25:00 - 40:00

We must act in faith rather than fear, stop feeling sorry for ourselves, and learn from past failures instead of rehearsing them.

Chapter 4: Refocus Your Thoughts on God's Word

40:00 - 50:00

We must change the way we think by replacing negative thoughts with God's Word, which transforms our feelings and actions.

Chapter 5: Trust God for Your New Beginning

50:00 - 60:00

We must trust God completely and be born again spiritually to receive the new life and fresh start that only He can provide.