Beloved friends, today I bring you a tale of transformation, a story that reflects the magnificent work of restoration we witness in our walk with Christ.  This story is not from the ancient pages of scripture, but from the bustling streets of Charleston, SC.  It’s the story of The Ordinary, a restaurant, but more importantly, a vivid illustration of how Christ can renew and revitalize our lives.  Imagine, if you will, a grand limestone-and-brick building from the 1920s, standing with a dignified aura on King Street.  This building, originally a bank, was not just a structure of finance but a symbol of stability and trust.  Yet, as the years rolled by, the once-bustling halls grew silent, the laughter and footsteps of its patrons a distant memory.  The building, though majestic, slipped into a forgotten realm, much like the hidden corners of our hearts that we often neglect.  Then came a vision, a dream born in the heart of Chef Mike Lata.  Where others saw decay and obsolescence, Lata saw potential and vibrancy.  He envisioned a place where the community could gather, not to exchange currency, but stories, laughter, and life.  With passion and determination, he set about transforming this relic of the past into a beacon of the present.  The transformation was not just physical, but symbolic.  The old bank vault, once a keeper of worldly treasures, was repurposed as a gateway to culinary delights, connecting the main kitchen to the oyster bar.  The towering windows and soaring ceiling, which once echoed with the clinks of coins, now bathed the restaurant in warm, inviting light, welcoming all who entered.  This was not merely a renovation; it was a resurrection of purpose.

As we reflect on this story of The Ordinary, we are reminded of the dramatic change that faith in Jesus Christ brings into our lives.  Just as the old bank was renewed into a thriving restaurant, our lives, when touched by Christ, undergo a profound transformation.  The neglected and forgotten parts of our being are renewed with His love and grace.  Where there was once decay, there blooms hope and purpose.  Our spiritual journey mirrors the meticulous care and dedication seen in the restoration of The Ordinary.  Just as Chef Lata and his team carefully preserved the historical essence while infusing new life into the building, Christ preserves our essence while breathing new life into our souls.  He sees beyond our flaws and scars, recognizing our potential for beauty and purpose.  As we journey through this sermon, let us meditate on the transformative power of Christ.  Let us envision our lives as that grand old building, brimming with untold stories and waiting for the Master’s touch to awaken our true purpose.  In Christ, we are not just restored; we are remade, repurposed, and revitalized.

As we draw inspiration from the transformation of The Ordinary, our journey in faith mirrors this beautiful restoration.  Just as this once-forgotten bank became a thriving hub of life and community, our walk with Christ leads us through a similar path of renewal.  Imagine, if you will, our lives as an old, unused building. Through Christ, we undergo a remarkable transformation.  We move from the old to the new, shedding our past and embracing a future filled with hope and purpose.  This is not merely a change of habits, but a complete renewal of our being, akin to the rebirth of The Ordinary from a mere structure to a place of gathering and joy.

As we delve deeper, we see how Christ brings nourishment to the neglected parts of our souls.  Just as The Ordinary transformed from a dormant state to a vibrant center of nourishment, in Christ, we find spiritual sustenance.  He fills our once-empty spaces with His love, His Word, and His presence, much like the rich and diverse offerings of a well-prepared feast.

Lastly, we explore the shift from isolation to community.  The Ordinary, now a symbol of togetherness, reflects our own journey into the spiritual family of Christ.  We are woven into the tapestry of His community, where we share, grow, and find strength in fellowship – a far cry from the solitude of our previous lives.  As we embark on this exploration of transformation in Christ, let us keep the vivid image of The Ordinary in our minds – a representation of the potential for renewal and revival that lies within each of us through the touch of the Master’s hand.  From the Old to the New.  Just like that restaurant, God looks at us and makes the decision to renew us.  We are, after all, His creatures to begin with.  No matter how badly sins and the ways of this world have waylaid us, God’s aim is always to see His creature’s flourish.

As we explore the transformative journey from the old to the new, let’s delve into the richness of Scripture, which eloquently speaks to this profound change.  Each verse we examine not only stands as a beacon of hope but also connects deeply to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan for us, much like the individual stories that stitch together the grand tapestry of The Ordinary’s transformation.

First, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:17, a verse that succinctly captures the essence of our transformation in Christ.  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  This verse isn’t merely about change; it’s about total renewal.  Just as The Ordinary ceased to be just a building and became a center of community life, in Christ, we cease to be mere individuals defined by our past.  We become new creations, reborn and redefined by our faith.  The old life, with its sins and failures, is replaced by a new life filled with hope and purpose.  It’s a clear and powerful declaration of the transformative power of faith.