Beginning a Revival, on January 1st?
That’s exactly what the Pastor has done where I’m preaching this week. So Debbie and I gladly drove on New Year’s Eve … from our home in north Georgia to central North Carolina, arriving around 10:00 pm I guess!
We are in Burlington, at the New Hope Baptist Church which is led by Pastor Randy Hobbs. His Wife is named Lisa. Here’s a picture of them, made last night after the Service. Brother Randy is willing to “push the envelope” sometimes, in Christian service. And I mean that as a compliment. I’ve had Pastors tell me there would be “no way” they’d ever try to have a Revival Meeting on a holiday!
And they’ve even used the Choir, every Service so far! Faithfully lifting their combined voices to the Glory of God! Singing songs that match the “theme” of my Text this week, too! I am impressed. This photo was made Sunday, New Year’s Day, folks!
And I’ve had sweet liberty preaching, too! So far three nearly sixty minutes Sermons, verse by verse expositions of Scripture … expounding the Bible “line upon line.” The picture I snapped with my phone after the Service Sunday night. That sanctuary was full both Services Lord’s Day past. Nearly “packed!”
Today’s Bible Lesson …
Why all this “news” today?
Because of the Bible Principle it illustrates.
A Church starting a New Year … with a concentrated emphasis on the Word of God, with a time of seeking God for genuine Revival!
Paul believed in giving God the “firstfruits” of one’s labor. Read with me his instructions to the Corinthians about when to give their offerings, finances, to the Lord. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” 1st Corinthians 16:2
See that?
The “first” day of the week!
In the Old Testament God always wanted Israel to give Him the “first” of their crops, too!
In Exodus 23:19 God clearly commands: “The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God.” Wow!
Maybe having a Revival at Church the first week of the year, or at least near that time, is not such a bad idea! In fact doing such may be building on a deeply embedded Bible Truth!
We’ve already given God our trust.
And our talent.
And our tithes.
Maybe now, give him our time, including the first week of every year.
Starting right, in prayer and Bible study and faithful attendance and praise, all to the honor of the One Who saved our lost souls from Hell!
Just an idea.
Do or say or give something “special” to/for your Saviour today, tomorrow, all week, perhaps all month.
They (the sociologists) believe that if you do something often enough (21 times I’ve heard) it will become a habit! Then for sure … start the New Year right, for Jesus’ Sake!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell