Did you Mess Up? It's Time to Restart*

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/16335658In 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 OutlineYour ProgressPerfection 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.Your PastLet 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.Your PursuitsReevaluate 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.Your PrizeKeep 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 IllustrationsRestarting 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 TakeawaysReflect 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 ReferencesPhilippians 3:12-141 John 3:21 Corinthians 9:24-271 Corinthians 10:13KeywordsRestart your faith, Christian growth, letting go of the past, pressing forward, grace, biblical priorities, spiritual renewal, perseverance, hope18m0310de The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [email protected]