A New Heart and New Spirit
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “A New Heart and New Spirit” inside PodZeus.
The sermon 'A New Heart and New Spirit' uses the metaphor of home renovation to challenge listeners to move beyond superficial spiritual growth and embrace deep, inward transformation. Pastor Anson draws a powerful parallel between fixing an old house and the Christian life: just as a home's foundation must be repaired before aesthetics matter, our hearts must be transformed by God before outward changes can be lasting. He unpacks Ezekiel 36:24–27, emphasizing that God first declares us clean through Christ’s work (justification), then replaces our 'heart of stone'—hardened by pride, pain, and self-protection—with a 'heart of flesh' open to the Holy Spirit. This isn’t passive; it requires our willingness to be receptive. The sermon warns against spiritual performance—presenting a polished exterior while hiding inner brokenness—and calls believers to stop resisting the Spirit’s work. The core challenge? To stop trying to 'look' holy and instead invite God to search, test, and transform the hidden corners of our hearts. The practical takeaway: begin each day with Psalm 139:23–24, asking God to reveal what needs renewal.
God declares you clean not because of your actions, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
A 'heart of stone' is hardened by pride, pain, and self-protection—often hidden behind a spiritual facade.
The Holy Spirit moves us from disobedience to obedience, not by force, but by opening our hearts to His work.
Transformation begins with God’s work from the outside in—cleansing, then renewing the heart.
You can’t be filled with the Spirit unless you actively open yourself to His movement in your life.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Renovation Metaphor: The Outside vs. the Foundation
“Unless you get to the bones of the house or the foundation of the house or what's behind the walls, all of that can be null and void.”
God’s First Move: Cleansing from the Outside In
Anson explains that God’s first act in Ezekiel 36 is cleansing—sprinkling clean water and removing impurities. This is justification: being declared clean not by our works, but by Christ’s sacrifice. This foundational cleansing happens before any inner transformation.
The Heart of Stone: Why We Resist Transformation
“We guard our wounds with pride because we don't want them reopened and so we harden ourselves both against the world and God.”
The New Heart and New Spirit: God’s Transformative Work
“No one has less of God than they want.”
The Danger of Spiritual Performance
Anson warns against the modern church’s tendency to project a perfect image—especially on social media—while hiding inner brokenness. He shares his own struggle with people-pleasing and how he once presented holiness without real transformation.
“you get to like the bones of the house or the foundation of the house or what's behind the walls, all of that can be null and void.”
“This week, my challenge is to allow God to renovate the inside.”
“We guard our wounds with pride because we don't want them reopened and so we harden ourselves both against the world and God.”
Hosts
Jesus
person
Holy Spirit
other
Ezekiel
person
Crossway Christian Church
organization
Psalm 139
book
Chip and Joanna Gaines
person
A.J. Sherrill
person
Fixer Upper
media
Series Introduction
Crossway Pond Sermon Podcast • 34m • 4/12/2026
The Spirit as Teacher
Crossway Pond Sermon Podcast • 33m • 4/26/2026
When the Advocate Comes
Crossway Pond Sermon Podcast • 35m • 5/3/2026
Praying with the Spirit
Crossway Pond Sermon Podcast • 31m • 5/10/2026
Your Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Crossway Pond Sermon Podcast • 36m • 5/17/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “A New Heart and New Spirit” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime