Have you ever played a video game and, when things weren’t going as planned, hit the RESTART button to try again? Did you know Jesus offers us the chance to restart in life? Living the Christian life can be challenging, and sometimes we mess up, but it’s never too late to begin again. No matter how messy your life—or your friend’s life—may be, God offers a fresh start.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16335658

In this episode, Pastor Chris Teien unpacks Philippians 3:12-14, showing how to let go of the past, refocus your priorities, and press on toward the life God created you to live. Be inspired to move forward with hope and confidence and equipped to help others do the same.

Message Outline

1. Your Progress
   • Perfection isn’t the goal; progress is.
   • Paul says, “I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me” (Philippians 3:12).
   • Celebrate growth and trust that God is working in you, even when you feel far from perfect.
2. Your Past
   • Let go of failures and mistakes that hold you back.
   • Paul writes, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
   • Seek forgiveness, release regret, and move forward with hope.
3. Your Pursuits
   • Reevaluate priorities and focus on what truly matters.
   • “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize” (Philippians 3:14).
   • Dedicate time to spiritual growth, relationships, and living for God’s glory.
4. Your Prize
   • Keep your eyes on eternity with Jesus as the ultimate goal.
   • “We will be like him, for we will see him as he really is” (1 John 3:2).
   • Let the promise of eternity motivate you to live with purpose today.

Personal Stories and Illustrations

• Restarting video games as an analogy for hitting “restart” in life.
• Examples of daily restarts, like Bible reading and health goals, and how God’s grace meets us there.
• Testimonies of how God turns past failures into stepping stones for His glory.

Quotes

• “Perfection isn’t the goal; progress in Christ is.”
• “You can’t change the past, but you can leave it behind and press forward.”
• “God’s grace gives you the power to restart, no matter how many times you’ve fallen.”
• “Run your race with purpose, focusing on what matters most—eternity with Jesus.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Reflect on one area where you need a restart—prayer, Bible reading, or relationships—and take action today.
• Practice forgiveness for yourself and others, freeing yourself from the weight of the past.
• Set realistic goals for spiritual growth, like 15 minutes of daily Bible reading or prayer.
• Focus on eternity and let it guide your daily decisions and priorities.

Scripture References

• Philippians 3:12-14
• 1 John 3:2
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
• 1 Corinthians 10:13

Keywords

Restart your faith, Christian growth, letting go of the past, pressing forward, grace, biblical priorities, spiritual renewal, perseverance, hope

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The WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast shares practical and encouraging Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you grow in your walk with Christ. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church in Virginia, MN. Follow and review on your favorite platform. Send comments to: [email protected]