A Renewed Heart | Revival 2026 | Session 4 | Pastor Mike Fabarez

Main message: Regeneration (being born again) is the beginning of the Christian life; sanctification is a lifelong, cooperative process in which God renews your mind and heart as you actively engage the means he provides so you increasingly become like Christ.

Key points:

• Regeneration is the starting line, not the finish; the Christian life is ongoing growth (sanctification).
• The mind is the battleground: transformation happens "by the renewal of your mind" as you fix your thoughts on Christ (the "mirror/beholding" illustration).
• Sanctification is synergistic: God works in you, but you must work—avoid passive Christianity and avoid prideful self-reliance.
• Four primary means God uses to renew the heart: Scripture, prayer, faithful preaching, and fellowship with other Christians.
• Expect internal struggle (the flesh vs. Spirit) but pursue the process so the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) increases; commit to the disciplines and be willing to be changed.

Scriptures mentioned: Romans 12, 2 Corinthians 3, Matthew 28, 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Psalm 62:8, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 10:24–25, Psalm 1:3, Psalm 13, Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:17, 1 & 2 Thessalonians