Renewed by the Spirit

This is the Introduction to the Sermon. You will receive the full manuscript sermon in Word format when you purchase. Title: “Renewed by the Spirit” Series: A Brand New You: Becoming the Person You were Created to Be Introduction: A church in Naperville, Illinois, in the western suburbs of Chicago is boasting new bells in their belfry. Since the church was built two decades ago, the congregation has held off on its plans to hang bells in a large open space above the sanctuary. Due to limited funds, the congregation suggested mounting a cross in the space or a series of liturgical banners that could be hung according to the seasons of the church year. In conjunction with the church's 25th anniversary, the church finally found the means to spring for three bells to fill the vacant hole – They are beautiful. However, you'll never hear these bells peal on Sunday mornings (or any other day of the week for that matter). And it doesn't have to do with city ordinances or complaining neighbors opposed to bells playing hymns. It has to do with the fact that the bells aren't real – they don't have clappers. Although they look authentic, they are made of resin. [end of illustration.] At some point in our lives, most Christ Followers can relate to those bells. We look, say, and do things that are representative of our faith, yet deep inside we no longer sense the power of God living inside of us. Over the next few weeks I’ll be preaching on A Brand New You: Becoming the Person You Were Created to Be because I sense that a lot of us are in need of a do-over. We need a fresh injection of the power of God in our lives so that we can accomplish what He has called us to as a church and individuals. And the place that we really need to start is with a renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I want us to do some soul-searching today by considering two questions that are vital to Holy Spirit renewal in our lives. The first question we need to consider is this: