1. 2017
The Three Beginnings

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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: We can sin willfully and be unable to return because of our inability to repent

11. 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

12. 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

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