At the start of every year we lean in and learn together, right across New Zealand, with a theme for our year. 2025 is a year of BRAND NEW beginnings at Equippers! We’re believing for fresh opportunities, bold steps into new territory, and the fullness of new life in Christ.
Every day is a fresh start when we live with Jesus. He has made us brand new, but He also has new things for us to take hold of!
“Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Together, let’s embrace everything God is making brand new this year.
To get the most out of this study, can we encourage you to get involved in an eGroup this month, dive into the daily readings on the Equippers App, attend church each Sunday to hear the Word preached, and pray fervently for a significant year for us all - individually and collectively – as we live BRAND NEW.
We are praying for you.
Blessings,
Ps Sam and Kathy Monk
Brand New
CONNECT
Spend time connecting with each other.
KEY THOUGHT
In Session One of Brand New, we explore 1 Peter 1:3-4, highlighting how Jesus is the means by which we are made new. Transformation isn’t something we achieve ourselves — it is the work of Christ through the cross and because of God’s great mercy. This study will challenge us to consider our view of God, our personal need for mercy, how this truth has changed us, and where we can embrace hope.
KEY SCRIPTURE
1 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG)
"What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven — and the future starts now!"
QUESTIONS
Q: What is your view of God? (example: is He is an angry God or a merciful God?)
Q: What do you understand about God’s mercy?
Look up these scriptures together:
- Ephesians 2:4-5
- Titus 3:5
- Romans 9:15-16
- Micah 7:18-19
Q: How have you allowed that truth (His mercy) to transform you?
Q: What do you need mercy for? Do you think you need mercy? And do you feel worthy of it?
Q: What are some things that you had a renewed hope in once you became brand new? Where have you felt you can hope again and believe that things could come back to life?
PRACTICAL
Share with another member of your eGroup an area where you felt challenged from today’s topic, and make a commitment to encourage each other this week as you decide to make a change in that area.
PRAY
We will finish by praying for these 3 things:
- A Fresh Revelation of God’s Mercy – Pray that each person would have a deeper understanding of God's mercy, seeing Him not as distant or angry but as a loving and compassionate Father who delights in showing mercy.
- Transformation Through His Mercy – Ask God to help each person fully receive His mercy and allow it to change them from the inside out — letting go of shame, striving, or self-reliance and embracing the truth that they are made new through Christ.
- Renewed Hope for the Future – Pray for hope to rise in every heart, that where there has been discouragement or doubt, God would restore faith, dreams, and a sense of purpose as they walk in the reality of being brand new in Him.
SESSION 2: NEW TERRITORY
CONNECT
Spend time connecting with each other.
KEY THOUGHT
Paul’s life is a powerful example of what it means to live out this Brand New life. His encounter with Jesus didn’t just renew him — it transformed everything. His relationships changed, his purpose shifted, and his mission became extending the church. In the same way, the transformation in us isn’t just for us. We are made brand new for something brand new. Now that we are saved, we see differently. Our motives shift, our hearts change, and we become burdened for the needs around us.
KEY SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
QUESTIONS
Q: What have you been thinking or learning about over the last week in terms of BRAND NEW?
Q: In what ways do you see the difference between being renewed and being transformed?
Q: Paul’s transformation changed his relationships and his mission. How has following Jesus changed the way you relate to others?
Q: What does it mean to have a new heart toward the world around you? How does that shape your actions?
Q: Do you know the mission that God has called you to? What do you believe God has created you for? How does that shape the way you live?
Q: In what ways can we avoid becoming familiar or complacent in our faith?
PRACTICAL
Share with another member of your eGroup an area where you felt challenged from today’s topic, and make a commitment to encourage each other this week as you decide to make a change in that area.
PRAY
- Pray to be fully transformed — seeing life, purpose, and mission through God’s perspective.
- Pray for fresh vision and a burden for the needs around you.
- Pray that your Brand New life would not just impact you but also bring change to others.
- Ask God for the courage to step into your unique calling and make a difference where He has placed you.
