Opening Scripture: Col 1:9-10 NKJV “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”
Music Video: Casting Crowns – Thrive (Official Lyric Video)
Joy Unspeakable,
Faith Unsinkable,
Love Unstoppable,
Anything is possible!!!
The Church that Jesus Christ started did seven things that provided every new believer with a personal relaunch out of their old life into God’s new life.
If we want a relaunch in our lives, we need to do what Jesus taught them to do, because that’s what He is teaching us to do as well.
1. They began with repentance.
Repentance is changing our mind to agree with God, and then making the needed changes in our lives to conform to what we now believe.
Acts 2:38-39 NKJV “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Have you repented of your sins and old life, and do you still repent when you drift?
2. They were baptized.
Baptism is changing our identification with the world to identifying with Christ, and His family on earth, the church.
Have you been baptized, surrendering your life fully to the Lord?
3. They received the Holy Spirit.
The disciples of Jesus Christ were asked to wait in Jerusalem until they received an enduement of power from the Holy Spirit. Some treat this as optional today, but Jesus meant for every follower to receive His power to live the Christian life, and be a witness to others.
Have you received the Holy Spirit the way they received the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?
4. Next they continued steadfastly in the teaching of the Word of God by the apostles.
Acts 2:42 NKJV “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Do you continue steadfastly in the teaching of the Word of God?
5. They continued steadfastly in “koinonia” fellowship – intentional relationship building for mutual benefit.
Do you intentionally invest the time needed to build meaningful relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ outside of church services?
6. They continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread through common meals (love feasts) and encouraging faith in one another for the things Holy Communion reminds us Jesus died for
Do you continue steadfastly in sharing common meals, and encouraging faith in one another for the things Holy Communion reminds us Jesus died for?
7. They continued steadfastly in praying together.
Do you continue steadfastly in prayer times with your leaders and church?
Here’s what’s waiting for you if you will take the challenge of these seven steps:
Joy Unspeakable,
Faith Unsinkable,
Love Unstoppable,
Anything is possible!!!
Get ready for a RELAUNCH…your life is not ordinary…God wants you to THRIVE!
