Discussion Guide | Jan. 4, 2026

January 5th, 2026

Introduction

"Re:Generation" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon explores the concept of regeneration - not just as a New Year's resolution, but as a complete spiritual rebirth through Christ. Pastor Lisa uses examples from nature (lizards, worms, salamanders) that can regenerate body parts to illustrate how God offers us complete spiritual regeneration. The message focuses on the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader who knew scripture but needed to be born again spiritually. Pastor Lisa emphasizes that many Christians live in shame, trying to perform rather than understanding they are truly free from condemnation through Christ's sacrifice. True regeneration means being adopted into God's family, receiving a new identity, and becoming ambassadors of reconciliation to break generational cycles and establish a new foundation for future generations.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us. We ask that You would speak to each person here, wherever they are in their spiritual journey. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and knowledge, and be open to Your Spirit moving in our lives. Show us areas where we need Your regenerating power, and give us the courage to respond to Your call. We pray that this time together would draw us closer to You and help us understand more deeply what it means to be born again in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you remember being fascinated by as a child that could grow back or regenerate (like a lizard's tail, a plant regrowing, etc.)?

Main Study

Key Verses

John 3:3
Romans 8:1-2
Romans 8:15
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Titus 3:5

Questions

How does Pastor Lisa's illustration of breaking out of prison versus being legally freed change your understanding of salvation?
What's the difference between associating with God's family and actually being adopted into it? How might this apply to your own spiritual journey?
Nicodemus was a religious leader who knew scripture well, yet Jesus told him he needed to be born again. How can knowledge about God be different from truly knowing God?
Pastor Lisa mentions living as a 'people pleaser' while trying to hide sin and shame. How does performance-based Christianity differ from grace-based relationship with God?
What does it mean that 'you don't live differently to earn a new identity, but you live differently because you have a new identity'?
How does understanding that God's Spirit moves us to follow His decrees change the way we view obedience to God?
The sermon mentions breaking generational cycles through regeneration. What patterns or habits would you want to see changed in your family line or sphere of influence?
What does it mean to be an 'ambassador of reconciliation' and how can you practically live this out in your daily life?

Life Application

This week, examine your relationship with God honestly. Are you living as someone who has 'broken out of prison' (still carrying shame and trying to perform), or as someone who has been legally freed and adopted into God's family? If you recognize areas where you're still carrying shame or trying to earn God's love through performance, bring those to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you truly understand and live in the freedom of your new identity in Christ. Consider sharing your testimony with someone this week as an act of being an ambassador of reconciliation.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

True regeneration is not self-improvement but being raised from spiritual death to new life in Christ
Many Christians live in shame and performance mode rather than understanding their complete freedom from condemnation
Being born again means receiving a new identity as an adopted child of God, not just forgiveness of past sins
God's Spirit within us moves us to obey Him out of love, not out of trying to earn His approval
Regeneration breaks generational cycles and establishes a new foundation for future generations through our transformed lives

Ending Prayer

Father God, thank You for the incredible gift of regeneration through Your Son Jesus Christ. We pray that You would help each person in our group to fully understand and live in the freedom of their new identity in You. For those who may still be carrying shame or trying to perform for Your love, we ask that You would reveal the depth of Your grace and adoption. Help us to be bold ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing this message of hope with others. Break any generational cycles that need to be broken, and use us to establish new foundations built on Christ. Transform us from the inside out by Your Spirit, and help us to walk in the joy and freedom that comes from knowing we belong to You. In Jesus' powerful name, Amen.

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