2010 – The Year to Begin

As we begin 2010, let’s look back at the first century church and remember a few important facets of the Christian life. Acts 2:42-47, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

There are at least six factors to consider here. First, we need to make sure that as we begin 2010 we know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Do you know for sure if you were to die right now, you would go directly to heaven? If not, please believe on Him today.

Next, as believers, we need to read the Bible and pray every day. 2010 is your year to begin. Note the example of the Pentecostal Church in Acts 2:42 and 46. Paul exhorted Timothy to teach and study the Word. In 2 Timothy 2:2 he told him (and us) to teach these things and then in verse 15 he tells us to “study” so we will not be “ashamed”.

Paul went on to establish the importance of scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Then in 1 Thessalonians he told us to “pray without ceasing”.

My own personal experience has been that the Bible and prayer will keep me from sin or that sin will keep me from the Bible and prayer. Basic Biblical knowledge and understanding is at an all time low in our nation. In one survey done by George Barna, most “Christians” were not familiar with: 1) The “great commission” [Matt. 28:19-20], 2) The term evangelical, 3) John 3:16 or 4) The definition of the “gospel” [I Corinthians 15:1-4].

Evangelicals are persons who are "marked by their devotion to the sure Word of the Bible; they are committed to the inspired Scriptures as the divine rule of faith and practice. They affirm the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, including the incarnation and virgin birth of Christ, His sinless life, substitutionary atonement, and bodily resurrection as the ground of God's forgiveness of sinners, justification by faith alone, and the spiritual regeneration of all who trust in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ". (Carl F. H. Henry)

A third point that was vital to early Christians was regular church attendance. Note Acts 2:42, 44, 46 and 47. We are exhorted in Hebrews 10:25, “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” 2010 is your year to begin!

The first church also majored on encouragement and accountability, Acts 2:45. In Galatians 6:2 we are told to "bear one another's burdens", in Ephesians 4:29, 32 to edify one another and be kind to one another and in I Thessalonians 5:11 to "encourage one another".

Then the early church really got serious. They believed in giving as is evidenced by Acts 2:45 and 4:34-35. Other passages such as 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-7 make it abundantly clear that the early church took giving seriously.

I have personally found that giving the tithe, (10%) of our income, has meant personal blessing for me and my family. I began tithing when I was a teenager and have practiced it consistently ever since. So has my wife!

And number six, we need to witness to the lost. Begin 2010 with the purpose of telling people about Jesus Christ. (DISCLAIMER: If it an’t workin in ur life… please keep it to urself.) We need living breathing examples of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. No one is perfect, but if Jesus is working in your life, you will have a testimony that someone needs to hear. Share Him with a friend. Acts 2:47 says, “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

2010 is your year to begin. Will you do it?



Pastor Mike Padgett