Sunday Message · October 20, 2026
In Christ: A New Creation — What Changes When You Receive Jesus?
You do not have to wait to become someone new through your own strength. In Christ, God has made you new. That was the foundation of Pastor Nick Bowlin's October 18 Sunday message at River Church Frankfurt.
Start with what God has already done
The first message in the In Christ series began with 2 Corinthians 5:17–18. In Christ, the old has passed away and all things have become new. This is not a slogan to admire from a distance. It is a truth to believe and live.
Pastor Nick challenged the church not to confuse knowing the language of Scripture with obeying it. In 1 Corinthians 3:1–3, Paul addressed believers who were still allowing strife and division to govern their conduct. James 1:22 calls us to be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
Born of God: a new nature
Jesus said in John 3:6–7 that what is born of the Spirit is spirit, and that we must be born again. The new birth is God's work, not a self-improvement program. Through receiving Christ, a person receives new life.
The message also drew on 2 Peter 1:4: God's promises call believers to live as partakers of the divine nature. The question is not whether the Word has power. The question is whether we will allow God's Word to settle who we are.
Made alive and brought into His kingdom
Ephesians 2:4–5 says that God, rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ. Eternal life is not only a future hope; 1 John 5:11–12 says that this life is in His Son.
Colossians 1:13–14 declares that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His Son. In Christ, the believer has redemption and forgiveness. Romans 6:14 reminds us that sin shall not have dominion over us.
A child of God with a new walk
John 1:12–13 and 1 John 3:1–2 speak of the privilege of being called God's children. This identity is received through Christ, not earned through performance.
Ephesians 2:8–10 holds grace and action together. Salvation is God's gift; good works are the fruit of His workmanship. Romans 6:4 calls us to walk in newness of life. That new life should become visible in our words, our relationships, our decisions and our responses when life presses on us.
Hear the message and respond
The October 18 message ended with a call to receive Jesus Christ and live according to what God has already done. Romans 10:9–13 points to believing in the risen Lord and calling upon Him.
Watch the full Sunday message, 'In Christ: A New Creation,' and join River Church Frankfurt on Sunday at 11:00 in Frankfurt-Rödelheim. Services are bilingual in English and German.
River Church Frankfurt
Hear the full message.
Watch Pastor Nick Bowlin's October 18 Sunday message and continue growing in God's Word.
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