Change (2 Corinthians 5:17)- Pastor Justin Fortenberry

This will be my first blog post here, so I will start off simple. Every morning I wake up, have my coffee (non-negotiable), spend some time with my family, attempt to get in a workout, and then try to work. If I am robbed of my morning routine, it can throw my entire day into disarray. Why? Because as finite and fallible beings, we get very comfortable in the familiar. We know how to respond, and we know what to expect.
But when it comes to salvation, we know this means massive change, and for most human beings, change is uncomfortable. Before we come to salvation in Christ, our routine is in sin. It’s what is familiar, and we know how to operate in it. When Jesus saves us, He disrupts everything. He causes us to hate our sin because we are new creations. Paul tells the church at Corinth that God doesn’t just make us better versions of ourselves; He makes us into entirely new creatures. In other words, Jesus causes us to hate the old, sinful routines we used to find comfort in. Perhaps that is why so many people avoid church, avoid prayer, and avoid the Bible—they are terrified to have their familiar, sinful routines disrupted by a Holy God.
I want to challenge you this week to look at those in your life who are outside of a relationship with Christ. Challenge them to face the reality and the ruin of their sinful routine. Remember, someone once loved you enough to disrupt yours with the Gospel. Do not fear the change Christ brings. Embrace it.