The starting point of faith for the very first Christians was not the Bible. Their starting point was a belief that Jesus was the Son of God who died and rose again.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have died. (1 Corinthians 15:3-6) We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)

SIN

20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not inherit the kingdom of God. 21 “You have heard that it was said… ‘Do not murder….’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother…. 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28

Sin. It’s bad. It’s wrong. It’s more than a “mistake.” And we’re not just “little sinners.” We’re all big sinners. The good news? Jesus wants to restore us, not condemn us – but you have to face your sin head- on and admit you need a Savior.

The rebellious son (Luke 15:11-32) 21 “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.”

The rebellious son (Luke 15:11-32) 21 “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” The honest-with-God tax collector (Luke 18:9- 14) 13 “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Our STARTING point: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” UsGod SINSIN

Our STARTING point: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” UsGod SINSIN Our RE-STARTING point: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” UsGod SINSIN

Our STARTING and RE-STARTING point: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”