Back to BASICS in 2026
A call to return to biblical foundations by building Apostolic saints in the city, the community, and the church for the Savior.
Text: Acts 2:42-47 / Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV)
Service: GIFT Worship
Theme for 2026: “GIFT’s for Maximum Impact”
Monthly Theme: “Building Apostolic Saints in the City”
Introduction
Song: Passion, God You’re So Good
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers…”
Acts 2:42-47 (KJV)
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…”
Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV)
The early church lived with devotion, unity, generosity, and power. God responded by adding to the church daily those who should be saved. These foundations are not outdated. They remain essential for the church today.
Proposition
GIFT family, it is time to start a new chapter in the pages of our life’s journey.
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Plato
For most people, the most difficult step is the first one. It often involves commitment, whether committing to discipline or letting go of unhealthy habits.
First things must come first. We must learn to prioritize and clearly identify what we should be doing.
“Finishing well is just as important as starting well.”
It is not how you start, it is how you finish. It is easy to start strong and later lose focus. Passion can fade if it is not guarded.
“Our story may have many endings, but its start is a singular choice we make today.” Faisal Khosa
Topic
Back to B.A.S.I.C.S. in 2026
Building Apostolic Saints in the City for the Savior
Fire @ Bridge
“The only way you can stay on top is to remember to touch bottom and get back to basics.” Shane Black
Back to basics means returning to a simpler, biblical way of living and thinking. Change must begin within us. A healthier spiritual life requires restored values such as empathy, tolerance, compassion, trust, love, and obedience.
Body
The Focus of Building
- Building Apostolic Saints in the city for the Savior
- Building Apostolic Saints in the community for the Savior
- Building Apostolic Saints in the church for the Savior
I. Apostolic Christians
Apostolic Christians are not ordinary believers. They are believers grounded in the foundation, doctrine, and practices of the apostles.
II. In Doing So, We Must First
Remember Who We Are and What He Has Done
Ephesians 2:11-22
Once far off, now brought near by the blood of Christ. No longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.John 15:16
We did not choose Him. He chose us and ordained us to bear fruit that remains.1 Peter 2:4-5
Living stones built into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.1 Peter 2:9-10
A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.
Remember who you are.
Remember His people.
Remember His promise.
The Basics
Apostles’ Doctrine
- Acts 2:42
- Romans 16:17
- 1 Timothy 4:13, 16
- 2 Timothy 4:2-3
“There is one body, and one Spirit… One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all…”
Ephesians 4:1-6 (KJV)
Foundational Truths:
- One God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 43:10-12)
- Born again (John 3:3-7)
- The Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Luke 24:45-49; Acts 2:38-39)
- Holiness (Hebrews 12:14)
- Brotherly love (John 13:34-35)
- Unity (Psalm 133:1)
- Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 10:13; Revelation 2:10)
- Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)
Good Christian Conduct
1 Thessalonians 5:12-23 (KJV)
Live with peace, patience, gratitude, prayerfulness, discernment, holiness, and joy.
Observations:
- We live in a world where the enemy is trying to change everything
- The character of the church and nations depends on the character of the family
- Entertainment addiction has altered church culture
- Worship can drift toward performance and showmanship
- God’s commandments transcend time, tradition, and culture
- Focus remains clear: let the church be the church
GIFT Focus
Every Member a Minister and a Great Leader
Pillar Framework:
- Transform – Membership (Orientation, Transformation, Incorporation)
- Teach – Maturity (Continuation, Indoctrination, Instruction)
- Tap – Ministry (Connection, Ministration, Supplication)
- Train – Mission (Management Training, Leadership Development)
- Transcend – Multiplication (Celebration, Great Commission, Maximation)
Growing a church is not easy.
- Good preaching and great music are not enough
- Good doctrine alone is not enough
- Systems deliver the vision
- Growth is not optional
- Churches face an average 6 percent attrition rate
Principles to Grow By
Commitment
Discipleship takes time. Commitment to people matters to God.Community
We are created for relationship. Discipleship is produced through connection.
John 6:60-69 reminds us to intentionally create environments of belonging and accountability.Compassion
God blesses us so we can bless others.Contentment
Ministry is not meant to be miserable. Success in God’s Kingdom is faithfulness, not numbers.
To hear Him say “Well done” is the highest goal.
“There is an appointed time in our church when God is going to move mightily. It is going to happen for you.”
Our Priorities
Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-4Preach and Teach the Truth of God’s Word
The Kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of earth will always be in conflict. Government cannot change the world.Be a Model
Acts 2:42-47
When Apostolic believers live Apostolic lives, the church becomes a powerful witness. What we say and post publicly reflects our testimony.
The Early Church Pattern
Acts 2:42-47 presents a picture of believers living life together through teaching, fellowship, communion, prayer, miracles, generosity, and worship.
They loved, forgave, served, encouraged, exhorted, prayed, equipped, confessed, and cared for one another as one body.
Vision: GIFT Life Groups
Acts 2:42-47 / Acts 20:20
Life groups create small, intentional environments where Spirit-led, life-giving experiences can flourish.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
John 13:34-35 (KJV)
The true mark of discipleship is not buildings, programs, or numbers.
It is love lived out in community.
Conclusion
Back to B.A.S.I.C.S. is not moving backward.
It is returning to the foundations that allow the church to move forward with clarity, power, unity, and purpose.
If we remain faithful to doctrine, committed to one another, and centered on Christ, we can be confident that our future is secure.