Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "Same Address New Life." Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Psalm 25:1-9
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 18:9-14

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "Same Address - New Life" -Fr.Christopher Caudle

Summary

Fr. Christopher's sermon focuses on Jesus' parable in Luke's gospel about living a "new life at the same address." He explores the idea that transformation and renewal do not always require a physical relocation or a complete life overhaul, but rather an internal change that can happen within one’s current circumstances.

Concept of a New Life at the Same Address

Fr. Christopher begins by contrasting the idea of starting a new life by moving to a new place with the possibility of having a new life while remaining in the same location. He illustrates this with examples such as the birth of a child or significant life events that alter one’s experience without changing their physical address. He also discusses challenges faced by people returning from prison or military deployment who must reintegrate into their old communities with new internal changes, highlighting that a new life can emerge in the same environment.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

The core of the sermon is Jesus’ parable found in Luke 18:9-14, which contrasts two men praying in the temple: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee prays with pride in his righteousness, thanking God that he is not like others who sin, boasting about fasting and tithing. In contrast, the tax collector humbly asks God for mercy, acknowledging his sinfulness without boasting or self-justification.

Fr. Christopher emphasizes that Jesus’ message is not to encourage self-righteousness or looking down on others, but to promote humility and dependence on God's mercy. The tax collector’s prayer, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," is the transformative prayer that sets one right with God and initiates a new life even when one returns to the same old address.

The Meaning and Impact of Mercy

Fr. Christopher explains that God’s mercy is possible because of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled divine justice perfectly, allowing sinners to seek refuge in His righteousness. This mercy leads to a new status, nature, inheritance, community, relationship with God, family, heart, victory over sin, transformation, and destiny for believers. The new life offered by the gospel is comprehensive and holistic, affecting every aspect of a person’s existence.

Living the New Life in the Old Address

Fr. Christopher invites the audience to consider why Jesus often sends people back to their old homes after healing or teaching. The new life is meant to be lived and witnessed in the community where one already belongs. This challenges believers to be "salt and light" in their existing environments, transforming relationships and communities through the new life they have received.

Invitation to Transformation

He concludes by inviting the listeners to pray the tax collector’s prayer if they desire a new life. This prayer does not require a list of accomplishments or perfect behavior but a humble plea for mercy. The new life begins with this prayer, which leads to being set right with God and consequently with family, home, and the world. Even those who feel their new life has grown weary are encouraged to seek renewal through the same prayer.

Fr. Christopher closes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the listeners, drawing them and their loved ones into new life through Jesus Christ.