putting the first back in the first day

Putting the FirstPutting the FirstBack in the First DayBack in the First Day

Acts 20:7Acts 20:7

• Seek first the kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33)

• Loving God is the first and great command (Mt. 22:38)

• Give yourself first to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5)

First PrioritiesFirst Priorities

• Many no longer put the “first day of the week” first in their life

• Blue laws once existed in this country to limit secular business activities on Sunday; many used to work just five days a week

• How can you put the first back in the “first day of the week”?

The First Day of the WeekThe First Day of the Week

Worship on the First DayWorship on the First Day• The “first day of the week” is not the Old

Testament Sabbath day

• The Old Testament Sabbath was for the Jews of the Mosaic dispensation (Ex. 31:15-17; Deut. 5:2-3,12-15)

• The Old Testament Sabbath ended with the cross (Col. 2:14-17)

• Do not forsake the first-day assembly (Heb. 10:25)

• The Lord was resurrected on the first day (Mk. 16:9; Lk. 24:1) and assembled (Jn. 20:1,9)

• The Lord’s church was established on the first day (Acts 2:1,42; Lev. 23:15-21)

• The Lord’s supper was eaten on the first day (Acts 2:42; 20:7) and a collection made (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

• Focus on the Lord on the first day (1 Cor. 11:26; Rev. 1:10)

The First Day is the Lord’s DayThe First Day is the Lord’s Day

• New Testament Christians gathered on the first day of the week with a positive attitude (Acts 2:42,46; 20:7)

• Rejoice and be glad (Psa. 118:24)

• Give God your first-fruits of self (Jas. 1:18; Rev. 14:4)

Give Your Best on the First DayGive Your Best on the First Day

• When the newness wears off, some forsake the day of worship (Neh. 13:15-22)

• When the newness wears off, some no longer focus on the Lord (Neh. 13:10-14; Haggai 1:4,8-9; Zech. 7:5-6)

• When the newness wears off, some no longer give God the best (Mal. 1:6-14; 3:10)

• Put the first back in the first day!

When First Becomes SecondWhen First Becomes Second