2017 The Three Beginnings

The Beginning of Our World Something existed before our world began – John 1:1-3, 14; Genesis 1:2 Ephesians 1:4 – Plan before foundation of the world 1 Peter 1:19,20 – Christ to be a sacrificial lamb

The Beginning of Our World There are things which came into existence ordained by God All the world and the universe as we know it All living things Relationships, like the marriage relationship - Matthew 19:8

First Pentecost After the Resurrection Acts 11:12-18 – “at the beginning” The spiritual equivalent of a “new creation” A New Kingdom foretold – Daniel 2:44 New Kingdom Christ’s church – Matthew 16:16-18

First Pentecost After the Resurrection Jesus promised it would come with power – Mark 9:1 Time of beginning was pinpointed – Acts 1:4-8 Those obedient to gospel “added to it” – Acts 2:41,47 Such one described as “new creatures” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

New Birth of a Christian into Christ Philippians 4:15 – beginning of the gospel Philippians 1:5 – the first day Acts 16:9-13 – Paul preached, some baptized Acts 16:40 – brethren after they left Romans 6:4-6 – new beginning for us

Things we Learn from New Beginnings The all came from God – James 1:17,18 They all started out GOOD – Genesis 1:3 The doctrine that produced the early church was pure – John 16:7-14 Acts 2:42 – Continued in it steadfastly

Things we Learn from New Beginnings A new Christian is purified from all past sin – Romans 6:17,18 They are freed from sin – 1 Peter 1:22 They have purified their souls Ephesians 2:10 – They are created in Christ for good works

They can all be marred by Sin Physical creation was – Genesis 6:5-7,13 The church was disregarded by men It was prophesied – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-6 Perilous times – 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Some would not endure sound doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:1-4

The Lives of Christians can be Marred by Sin Warning – Hebrews 3:12-14; 4:1,2 Can be in need of restoration – Galatians 6:1 We can be deceived – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Hebrews 10:26-31 - We can sin willfully and be unable to return because of our inability to repent

Temporary vs. Eternal The physical world is temporary – 2 Peter 3:9-12 The church is eternal – Hebrews 12:25-29 Our relationship to God is intended to be eternal – 1 Thessalonians 4:17 But we can lose that relationship be disobedience to God – 1 John 1:4-6; 2 John 1:9-11 The eternal plan is conditional upon our conduct here

What about this New Beginning – a New Year? It came from God It is a good gift We can mar it be sin Time is fleeting, truly temporary – James 4:14

What are you doing with the time you have here? Is it be used to God’s glory and in preparation for eternity?