Scripture References: Exodus 13:17 – 14:31; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 21:1-4

Sermon Notes:

Intro: Continuing our "Redemption" series from Exodus, we arrive at the famous Red Sea crossing. Redemption involves deliverance (freedom), ransom (cost), and renewal (becoming God's people). Today, focusing on shame, we see how God delivers and renews His people, moving them from bondage towards His presence.

Key Points:

1. Led into Testing (Ex 13:17-18): After freeing Israel (justification), God doesn't take the easy path to the Promised Land. He leads them into the wilderness towards the Red Sea. This mirrors our journey of sanctification – a process, not instant arrival, often involving trials. God remains present (pillar of cloud/fire).
2. Trapped (Ex 14:1-12): Israel is pinned: the chaotic Red Sea (fear of the unknown) before them, the pursuing Egyptian army (past shame, bondage, sin) behind them. Many of us feel trapped like this between shame and fear.
3. God's Command & Action (Ex 14:13-31): God tells them: "Fear not, stand firm... see the salvation of the Lord... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be silent." God miraculously parts the sea, providing a path through the chaos. He then destroys their enemy, vindicating Israel. They see their oppressors defeated.
4. Shame: Our Red Sea: Shame (from sin done by us or to us) functions like this trap. It tells us we're dirty, worthless, damaged, stuck. We feel pinned in by our past and fear the future.
5. Jesus: Our Release & Vindication: Like Israel needed God's intervention, we need Jesus. He is our way through the impossible sea of shame. He doesn't just forgive (justify); He delivers us from shame's power and identity. He vindicates us, silencing the accuser.
6. New Creation (2 Cor 5:17): "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone; behold, the new has come." God transfers us from darkness to His Son's kingdom (Col 1:13). This truth combats shame's lies.
7. Personal Testimony Illustration: Pastor Mike shares his past struggle with pornography, hiding, and the eventual freedom from deep shame found only through full confession, forgiveness, and embracing his identity in Christ, leading to deeper marital intimacy.

Conclusion: Just as God delivered Israel through the Red Sea, destroying their enemy, Jesus delivers us from the suffocating grip of shame. He doesn't just offer forgiveness; He offers a completely new identity as a beloved child, free from the past. We are new creations, vindicated by His sacrifice.

Call to Action:

• Acknowledge the shame you carry. Stop hiding or trying to fix it yourself.
• Choose to believe God's voice over shame's lies: You ARE a new creation in Christ.
• Trust Jesus as your release and vindication. Fix your eyes on Him.
• Step out of hiding. Confess sin to trusted brothers/sisters if needed.
• Embrace your freedom. Consider publicly identifying with Christ through baptism (sign-ups available for Easter).

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