Author: Robert

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For Wednesday, October 29, 2014
“Help for the One Who Abuses”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 29, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9).

We are but two days away from ending Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As we bring this month to a close, I want us to focus on offering help. Yesterday, we focused on those who are victims of abuse. Today, I want us to look especially toward those who may be abusive.

I need to begin today by repeating what I said yesterday. I’m not a professional counselor. I have no formal training in counseling whatsoever. I am a concerned individual who wants to see things change in the area of domestic violence.

Could it be that I am talking to someone who has identified himself or herself as abusive or potentially abusive toward your spouse? Could it be that I am talking to someone who mistreats his or her significant other in a dating context? I realize that this is a daily podcast for Christians. But, as we have noted earlier this month, domestic violence situations appear among those inside of the church as well as outside of the church. So we need to discuss this today.

What can be done to help someone who is abusive toward his or her spouse? Well, first, let me say this. If you are identifying bad trends in the way you treat your spouse, then now is the time to act on changing that behavior. Don’t put it off; don’t excuse it, just do something to make it better and right.

It all begins with repentance. We studied the concept of repentance last week, on episode 117 of The New You. Repentance is a change of heart that will lead to a change of actions. To change your heart means to change the way that you think.

Domestic violence is a heart problem. It stems from a skewed view of your role as a husband or wife and the responsibility that you have to your spouse. You need to ask God to forgive you, and you need to demonstrate fruit of repentance, that is, evidence that you have actually and fully repented. Further, you need to ask your spouse to forgive you. You need to talk with her or with him about how you have “come to yourself” and how you have realized how inappropriate your previous behavior really was. Then, you need to show your spouse that you have truly repented, again by manifesting that fruit of repentance.

Secondly, I want to encourage you to take a look at the profile of an abusive person. I have links to two such profiles in today’s show notes at thelightnetwork.tv/tny124. As you go through them, ask yourself this question: does this describe me? It’s important that we see ourselves as we really are, not who we think we are. Be warned: this could hurt, especially your pride, but this is important.

Third, you may need to consider finding a Christian counsellor. As I said yesterday, notice my emphasis on finding a Christian counsellor. You need someone who is a New Testament Christian, a member of the Lord’s church. He will be able to help you in a way that is in accordance with Scripture. I recently interviewed Jerry Martin and Lonnie Jones on my other show, Preachers in Training. They offered some incredible insights on domestic violence. You can check out those episodes at thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

Let’s wrap it up: There’s much more than could be said, but this will have to suffice for now. I want you to know that God expects you and me to repent of all sin in our lives. “God commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). You don’t have to live in sin. If you’re an abusive person, know that you don’t have to be. Give your life to the Lord and let Him direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Memory Verse: Sometimes we may feel that life overwhelms us. Remember what God said to Joshua in Joshua 1:9:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite part about sharing the gospel? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite part about sharing the good news of Jesus is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 5 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

**NOTE: Copy the following links to the show notes. Place them above the transcript:

http://www.focusministries1.org/articles/CobrasAndPitBulls.pdf

http://www.focusministries1.org/articles/CharmersAndConArtists.pdf

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For Tuesday, October 28, 2014
“Help for the Victim”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 28, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

Our emphasis on Domestic Violence Awareness is quickly coming to an end as we move closer and closer to the end of October. With that in mind, I want us to spend some time focusing specifically upon help that is available for someone is in an abusive relationship.

First, though, I feel compelled to offer some disclaimers. I am not a licensed counsellor. I am merely a concerned individual who has spent a little time studying this issue. I have availed myself to people who do have experience in helping those in an abusive relationship, and I have consulted resources that they have recommended relative to this subject.

Maybe you have been shocked as you have listened to The Light Network’s podcasts about Domestic Violence. Perhaps for you, the shock was not only because of the details and nature of domestic violence, but also because you have identified yourself as a victim of domestic abuse. Today, I want to arm you with some resources that could help if you are in an abusive relationship. First, though, I need to urge you to exercise care as you continue. If you are in need of help, be sure that you have a plan to ensure your safety.

So, let’s talk about safety plans. I want to take you to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has been around for 17 years to help people in domestically violence situations. You can call the hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). They also have a website at thehotline.org. Be aware that internet activity can be monitored. If accessing the hotline online could endanger you, then call in a safe place. You will also find ideas for creating safety plans at womenslaw.org.

Next, let’s discuss finding a Christian counsellor. Notice my emphasis there on a Christian counsellor. You need someone who is a member of the Lord’s church, a New Testament Christian who has professional training in counseling. He or she can help you to be safe and to find help. Further, he or she can help you find that help within the framework of God’s plan for your life. That’s why it’s so vital that you find one who is a New Testament Christian. On another show here on The Light Network, Preachers in Training, I interviewed two excellent Christian counsellors, Lonnie Jones and Jerry Martin.

Third, let’s talk about finding help in your state. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has some great resources that will help you find support in your state. Similarly, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a state coalition list.

Regarding identifying an abusive individual, I want to point you to two profiles of abusive behavior, both of which are made available from focus ministries. The first is called Cobras and Pit Bulls – Men Who Batter, the second is titled Charmers and Con Artists. Of further help may be the Power and Control Wheel made available by the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.

If you are dating and think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are some resources for you, too. I have three documents, two PDFs and one blog post that I want you to see: Red Flags to Look For in an Abusive Personality, The Dating Abuse Resources Booklet, and the blog titled Do you know the danger signs of an unhealthy dating relationship?.

Finally, let’s talk about questions regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage. For Christians, this is going to be an issue because of what the Bible clearly teaches regarding this issue (see Matthew 19; Romans 7; 1 Corinthians 7; Genesis 2; etc.). Wayne Jackson, a brother in Christ, wrote an excellent article on the website for The Christian Courier titled Some Questions about Divorce and Remarriage. You will find it to be thoroughly biblical.

Let’s wrap it up: We want you to know that help is available. That’s why I’ve walked you through these resources today on the show. You will find all of these resources – most of which are free – available in our show notes for this episode. Just go to thelightnetwork.tv/tny123 to access them all. Now these links contain much helpful and truth information about domestic violence. However, I cannot offer a wholesale endorsement of all of the content on any of the sites. As I would advise with anything you read, view or study — apply your faculties of discernment, seek truth and hold fast to what is good.

Memory Verse: Our verse this week is Joshua 1:9. Listen to what the Lord told Joshua:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite part about sharing the gospel? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite part about sharing the good news of Jesus is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 5 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

**NOTE: Copy links from Culture Shock ep 63 to the show notes. Place them above the transcript.

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For Monday, October 27, 2014
“You Can Trust God”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 27, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him (Psa. 34:8)!

In the thirty fourth psalm, David tells us that he knows of God’s provisions and of God’s providence from first-hand experience. I love this psalm because it reminds me that we can – and should – put our trust in God. Sometimes we feel all alone and hopeless in our situations. I imagine one who is in a domestically abusive situation might feel this way. What can David teach us about trusting in God? Notice two points from the thirty fourth psalm.

First, an explanation (Psa. 34:1-10). The psalm begins with three verses of praise. David says that he will kneel down before the Lord at all times – before trials, in trials, and after trials! “His praise shall continually be in my mouth,” the psalmist declares in verse one. But that praise isn’t just on his lips, it is also in his heart. “My soul shall make its boast in the LORD” (Psa. 34:2). Then, in verses four through seven, David tells us why he can be so confident in his trust in God: it’s because of God’s provisions for him! Look at the words David uses to describe what God has done for him: God heard him (Psa. 34:4), delivered him (34:4), saved him (34:6). Further, “the angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them” (34:7).

Then, David points out that our trust in God has to do with our perception of Who God is and what God does. He says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psa. 34:8). When David says, “taste,” he means to perceive, to discovery by experience. Then he says, “see that the LORD is good.” That word “see” means to realize, to know. You can have a relationship with God! You can trust God completely! This leads us to our second consideration today.

Second, an invitation (Psa. 34:11-22). David invites you and me to learn how to trust God. “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD,” he writes (Psa. 34:11). He offers some precepts for those who wish to live good days and to have hope in God (Psa. 34:11-14). Then, he moves on to the providence of God in verses fifteen through eighteen. God hears our cries (Psa. 34:15, 17); He delivers us (34:17); He is near to us (34:18); He saves those who “have a contrite spirit” (34:18). Finally, David points to the protection that we find in the Lord. The Lord delivers us, guards us, and redeems our souls (Psa. 34:19-22).

Let’s wrap it up: What a powerful passage of Scripture! As we think about the problem of domestic violence, which has our attention throughout this month of October, I am reminded that God is there for us at all times. As David put it, God is there for us before the trials come, while the trials are here, and after the trials are over.

If you are in an abusive situation, seek help from God through His Word and from God’s people. Know that God doesn’t expect you to suffer through this alone or in silence. Know that God is there to help you. He didn’t design the home to be an abusive environment – quite the opposite, in fact!

Finally, remember this verse from the psalm before us today. This is from Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

Memory Verse: This week, we have selected a verse from the Old Testament. This is an incredible statement that the Lord spoke to Joshua, when Joshua was selected to be Moses’ successor as the leader of the children of Israel. Here’s Joshua 1:9:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! Let’s work together to make the Internet a better place. Each week, I’ll give you a challenge, and I want to encourage you to take to social media with that challenge, followed by the hashtag #NewYouChallenge.

This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite part about sharing the gospel? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite part about sharing the good news of Jesus is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 5 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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For Friday, October 24, 2014
“Why the Entitlement Mentality is Unbiblical”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 24, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:8-10).

One of the major problems that exists today is the problem of entitlement. I guess I should begin by being a little more specific with what I mean. Yes, I know that there is a sense in which every person is entitled to some basic human rights. Absolutely! That’s not the type of entitlement to which I am referring. I am also aware of entitlements in the form of a government program guaranteeing access to some benefit by members of a specific group and based on established rights or by legislation, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans’ Administration programs, and the like. I’m not talking about that, either.

Today, I want us to talk about this false sense of entitlement that too many people seem to have in our culture. This idea of, “I’m here, and you are supposed to give me something.” You see, this applies to a domestic violence situation in this way. Someone who is abusive toward his or her spouse often feels a sense of entitlement. It’s as though they deserve to be in control because they have had a bad day or because things aren’t going their way. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least five reasons why this type of entitlement mentality is unbiblical.

1. A sense of entitlement leads to a skewed view of salvation. I don’t deserve my salvation. There’s nothing I could ever begin to do to deserve God’s grace! The Holy Spirit makes that clear in Titus 3:4-7. Salvation was according to God’s kindness, love, and mercy, “not by works of righteousness which we have done.”

2. A sense of entitlement bypasses biblical contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11-13). I think we Americans especially need to do a better job at learning biblical contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

3. A sense of entitlement is selfish. Entitlement takes away the servant attitude that we as God’s people are supposed to have! Think about our Lord’s example. Jesus stated that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mat. 20:28).

4. A sense of entitlement lulled the rich fool into a false sense of security. When his ground “yielded plentifully,” it was as though the rich fool thought that he deserved what he had received. He built bigger barns in which to hoard all of his goods and planned to sit back, relax, and coast through the rest of life. However, God required his soul of him that night (Luke 12:13-21).

5. A sense of entitlement could cause some people to be surprised on judgment day. Jesus told of some individuals who will evidently be surprised when they are denied access into heaven. In Matthew 7:21-23, we read of them explaining all of the things that they had done in the Lord’s name. It is as if they thought their works could merit their salvation. They were shocked to find that being “good enough” was not actually sufficient. “I never knew you,” the Lord declared to them, “depart fro Me,  you who practice lawlessness” (Mat. 7:23).

Let’s wrap it up: No one owes you anything. In fact, many people will mistreat you, and life will often give you more than what you might consider your fair share of disappointments. But that doesn’t give you the right to go off and demand that others conform to your will. While it is true that no one owes you anything, there is something that you owe everyone else. Paul recorded it for us in Romans 13:8: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

Memory Verse: I bet you have this week’s memory verse down by now! What a great verse to keep before our minds! Here’s Ephesians 3:20.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week, we’re focusing on this question: What moves you most about the cross of Christ? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “What moves me the most about the cross of Christ is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 4 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

Over the weekend: Be sure to worship God on Sunday, the Lord’s day. Assemble with God’s people in your area and worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Need help locating a place to worship? Check out the interactive map (available from our friends at In Search of the Lord’s Way) that will help you find a congregation of God’s people in your area! Just go to thelightnetwork.tv/worship.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To find out more about The Light Network’s campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence, visit thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great weekend!

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Thursday, October 23, 2014
“Abuse is Cyclical”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 23, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries (Heb. 10:26-27).

When we’re discussing domestic violence and domestic abuse, it is important for us to understand the nature of abuse. Abuse is not an isolated incident; it is a pattern of behavior. In many ways, this characterizes one’s lifestyle. Now this is not to say that the one who is abusive cannot change. He or she certainly can! In fact, they must! Nevertheless, they demonstrate a pattern of behavior.

Many people say that abuse is cyclical, that is, it follows a pattern of some type. Some have described the pattern to have three phases.

First, there is the tension-building phase. In the tension-building phase, communication often breaks down. In a “classic” situation in which the male is abusing the female, he turns her words against her and stores up things to use against her at a later time. She feels like she needs to stay out of his way so that he won’t get mad. She constantly questions herself. See, she’s been manipulated into thinking that his behavior is her fault. Consequently, she asks herself, “What am I doing wrong?” She tells herself that, if she would be a better wife, then he would act better. She tells herself that because she has been told that. She is confused, tired, and thinks she is going crazy.

Second, there is the acting-out phase. In this phase, he may use any form of abuse. He can be one man in one moment and then it’s like he is a totally different person the next moment. Perhaps he becomes aggressive and raging. He intimidates her, a form of abuse, as he tries to control her into getting what he wants – whatever it might be. She feels that everything is her fault for not being more careful. The more she tries to calm him down, the angrier he becomes.

Third, there is the honeymoon phase. The acting-out phase passes and, over time, it seems like things are getting to the way that they should be. He may apologize for his actions, and he may even promise not to do it again. He still blames her for this, but he does it in a way that seems reasonable, at least, it does to her. She loves him and she wants to do whatever will help him, so she complies and even agrees that it’s her fault. He gives gifts, takes her on trips, and promises that he’ll never act that way again. The more he says and does, the more she believes. Her hope for their relationship is renewed. Unfortunately, this is only an illusion. It won’t be long before the cycle gets back around to the tension-building phase.

Let’s wrap it up: This is sad, isn’t it? But it’s an important discussion, my friend. Do you see how this is a lifestyle? The one who is abusive chooses to act this way, to keep this family and loved ones in this cycle. It’s all because he or she is hungry for control; they must get their way.

Listen to me: one who chooses to live in a sinful way is walking on very dangerous ground. Hebrews 10 says that there is no more sacrifice for his or her sins (Heb. 10:26-27), and that they should fear the day of judgment. Peter states that it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than for them, having known it, to turn from it (2 Pet. 2:20).

By contrast, John tells us that someone who is a child of God is going to keep himself from sin. John says, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him” (1 John 5:18). The key word there is “keep.” What separates the child of God from the one described in Hebrews 10 and 2 Peter 2? Faithfulness. That makes all of the difference. If the one who chooses to live in sin would simply return to God, casting off his or her own will and conforming their lives to God’s Will, they could be saved! They wouldn’t have to dread the judgment day any more!

It is my prayer that those who choose to live in sin will repent and live faithfully to God. It is my prayer that neither you are not and that I am not ever among that number who chooses to live in sin.

Memory Verse: You may feel as though you are “in too deep” to be pulled out of sin, but remember that God is able. He is exceedingly abundantly able! Here’s Ephesians 3:20.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week, we’re focusing on this question: What moves you most about the cross of Christ? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “What moves me the most about the cross of Christ is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 4 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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For Wednesday, October 22, 2014
“The Media and Domestic Violence”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 22, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me (Psa. 101:3).

Let’s talk about the effect of the media on the issue of domestic violence. Consider the amount of violence in general that exists in the media. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that there are 812 acts of violence shown on television every hour. By the age of 18, the typical American child, with average viewing time, will witness over 200,000 acts of violence in their selected television programming, including well over 10,000 murders. That information from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry via Joe Wells in his excellent book, Game Plan, page 142.

Going specifically to the issue of domestic violence, we could talk about music videos, conceptualizing the lyrics of their corresponding songs. There was a time when more than half of music videos involved violence – usually violence against women. Today, music videos as a whole have moved away from the portrayal of violence against women. However, they continue to objectify women as objects of lust, sliding even further down the dark slope of sexual immorality.

What about NFL players who have been in the news recently for domestic violence? As recently as a couple of months ago Jonathan Dwyer, running back for the Arizona Cardinals, was arrested and suspected of aggravated assault in an incident involving a woman. Quincy Enunwa, wide receiver for the New York Jets, was also arrested in September of this year on charges of domestic violence. On August 30, 2014, Ray McDonald, defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers, was arrested, having been suspected of domestic violence against his pregnant fiancé, who showed police bruising on her body. We could also talk about Greg Hardy, defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, or Ray Rice, who has been indefinitely suspended from the NFL. All of these were arrested for domestic violence related issues just this year alone!

Listen, the media has an affect on us. Whether it’s news or something that is designed to be entertaining (I still don’t understand how violence is entertaining.), any type of violence negatively affects us. Study after study has shown the validity of what I just said. In fact, it has reached the point where people are now saying that we’ve had enough studies. Let’s move away from research and more toward doing something about the problem!

The Bible confirms this even clearer. Jeremiah talked about those who had become so desensitized that they had forgotten how to blush (Jer. 6:15; 8:12). They lost their sense of shame. These types of media do that, you know? They desensitize us to the horrors of our world. It’s one thing to be informed. I’m not saying let’s live under a rock. But it’s another thing to see and hear this stuff so much that it becomes a part of who we are.

Let’s wrap it up: The Psalmist vowed, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me” (Psa. 101:3). Is that my mentality when it comes to what I watch or that to which I listen? You may think, “It doesn’t affect me.” But it does, my friend. As Christians, we are to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thes. 5:22). That includes that types of evil that we can feed our minds through the media.

One way that we can help ourselves to avoid domestic violence in our lives is by turning off the trash that comes to us from the media. Don’t be influenced by it. Don’t let it compromise your soul. Are movies, TV, music or the Internet really worth that?

Memory Verse: When we consider our almighty God in relation to the things on this earth that we think are important, we find that nothing really matters more than God. Nothing is more important than serving Him and glorifying Him in my body. Ephesians 3:20 helps me to appreciate the God of heaven.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! Let’s work together to make the Internet a better place. Each week, I’ll give you a challenge, and I want to encourage you to take to social media with that challenge, followed by the hashtag #NewYouChallenge.

This week I want us to answer this question: What moves you most about the cross of Christ? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “What moves me the most about the cross of Christ is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 4 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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For Tuesday, October 21, 2014
“Love Does No Harm”

 

 

 

 

 

• Email: robert@thelightnetwork.tv
• Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448)

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 21, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Rom. 13:10).

We can’t discuss the issue of domestic violence without discussing the true meaning of love. It seems to me that one who is domestically abusive has forgotten what true love actually is. Romans 13:10 reminds us that love does no harm, that is, it doesn’t work evil, it only works good. Further, this verse reminds me that love is active, it reaches out to others. Paul says, “love does no harm to a neighbor.” You remember that Jesus taught us about our neighbors. A neighbor is anyone with whom we come in contact. We are to feel and to show love to everyone.

In his book Just-if-ied Never Sinned, Dan Winkler makes six observations from 1 Corinthians 13 about a love that does no harm. In dealing with others, love is …

… Kind, not avenging. The great “love chapter” says that “love suffers long and is kind” (1 Cor. 13:4). When it says that love “suffers long” it literally means that love is long in coming to anger. What about you? Does that describe you?

… Serving, not selfish. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 says that “love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up … does not seek its own.” That word “envy” means to covet, to be jealous toward. That’s not love. Love does not attract attention; that’s what “parade itself” means. It is “not puffed up,” which means that love is not arrogant or inflated. So, what about you? Does that describe you? Does that describe me?

… Patient, not quick-tempered. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 further states that “love … is not easily provoked” (according to the King James translation). The English Standard Version translates it this way: “love is not irritable.” The Greek word means to sharpen alongside, to exasperate, to stir. Love is not easily stirred; it is not quick-tempered. Does this describe you?

… Courteous, not crude. 1 Corinthians 13:5 says that love “does not behave rudely.” The word means to behave in an unbecoming manner. Love leads us to act like gentlemen or ladies. Does this describe you? Does this describe me?

… Godly, not lurid. Something is lurid that causes shock or disgust. Notice how love behaves: love “thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:5-6). The word translated “thinks” in this text actually means to calculate, to innumerate. So, love does not calculate or innumerate evil. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. Further, love is not happy to see sin, it doesn’t rejoice in iniquity. Love chooses the truth. What about you? Does this describe you?

… Gracious, not suspicious. Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:7). To bear is to protect and support. Belief entails trust. Hope includes encouragement. Endurance means that love gets along with others. Love is gracious. Love gives people the benefit of the doubt. What about you? Does this describe you?

Let’s wrap it up: If you went through 1 Corinthians 13 and replaced your name every time you read the word “love,” would you be reading an accurate description of yourself? To me, the love chapter is a very challenging chapter. The Holy Spirit did not reveal this information to us just so we could frame these verses and hang them on our wall to make us feel good. These verses are here to teach us how to deal with others. These verses teach us exactly what it means to do no harm to others.

Memory Verse: This week’s verse reminds us of the effectiveness and power of prayer. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think! Amazing! Here’s Ephesians 3:20.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! Let’s work together to make the Internet a better place. Each week, I’ll give you a challenge, and I want to encourage you to take to social media with that challenge, followed by the hashtag #NewYouChallenge.

This week I want us to answer this question: What moves you most about the cross of Christ? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “What moves me the most about the cross of Christ is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 4 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!

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For Monday, October 20, 2014
“What is Repentance?”

 

 

 

 

 

• Email: robert@thelightnetwork.tv
• Voicemail: 903-26-LIGHT (903-265-4448)

Previous Episodes

• Click here to see all of the episodes of The New You.

Subscription Links

 

Episode Transcript:

Today is October 20, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 17:30-31).

What is repentance? I think the question may be best answered by first looking at what repentance is not. That being the case, our plan today is to look at repentance from two perspectives: first, what repentance is not and, second, what repentance is.

But before we even get to that, let me address this: why am I dealing with this in the middle of domestic violence awareness month? The answer is because there could be someone who is listening to me today who is abusive to someone else. If that is the case, we want to make no mistake about it: you must repent. In fact, anyone in sin must repent. How do we do that? Let’s return to today’s considerations.

First, let’s look at what repentance is NOT. Repentance is not conviction, that is, the awareness of a sinful condition. Conviction plays a role in leading to repentance, but it is not, in itself, repentance. Further, repentance is not fear. The Bible often discusses the punishment for the unfaithful, and this may bring fear to one’s heart – it should! But being scared and repentance are two different things. Next, repentance is not sorrow. Some people are sorry that they got caught for doing something, but they are not sorry for what they did. Think about the rich young ruler of Matthew 19 who “went away sorrowful,” but, as far as we know, never repented. The New Testament states that godly sorrow will lead to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10), so sorrow is certainly involved in repentance, but it isn’t itself repentance. Finally, repentance is not reformation of life. This is a fruit of repentance; it’s what happens when one repents. Paul preached that people”should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance” (Acts 26:20).

So fear, confession, being sorry, awareness of sin, prayer, remorse, even coming forward is not repentance.

So, what IS repentance? When Jesus commanded that one must repent, or perish (Luke 13:3, 5), and when Paul preached on Mar’s Hill that God commands all men everywhere to repent, the Greek word that was used is a compound word that literally means to think afterward, or to think differently. Repentance means changing the way you think.

James Meadows has been a gospel preacher for many years. I like his definition of repentance because he not only tells us what repentance is, but he also includes the components that surround repentance. Bro. Meadows says that repentance is a change of mind (mental act) that is brought about by godly sorrow which results in (leads to) a change or reformation of life. That’s a great definition and explanation of repentance. Inasmuch as the heart, or the mind, is the seat of your activity, what you think becomes who you are. Therefore, repentance does have an affect on your actions, but repentance itself is not a change of life. It is, biblically speaking, a change of heart that leads to a change of life.

Let’s wrap it up: Change doesn’t happen over night, does it? Repentance is a process. Sometimes people worry because they say they don’t remember when they repented. That’s because repentance is not a “one-and-done” situation. It is an ongoing process – especially for weak human beings who give in to temptation and sin.

You and I must understand that if we find ourselves in sin, our hearts are at the core of the problem. So do you struggle with domestic violence? That is, at its core, a heart problem. You need to repent. If you struggle with lying, that is, at its core, a heart problem. Do you struggle with gambling? That is, at its core, a heart problem.

Simply put, sin is a heart problem. It begins on the inside (James 1:13-16). It will only be solved by transforming your mind (Rom. 12:2), renewing your mind (Eph. 4:23), and putting on the new man. That is repentance.

Memory Verse: Our memory verse for this week is Ephesians 3:20, which describes our amazing, powerful, almighty God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Eph. 3:20).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! Let’s work together to make the Internet a better place. Each week, I’ll give you a challenge, and I want to encourage you to take to social media with that challenge, followed by the hashtag #NewYouChallenge.

This week I want us to answer this question: What moves you most about the cross of Christ? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “What moves me the most about the cross of Christ is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 4 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv.

To check out all of our content related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, go to thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

I welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions for the show! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

This is The New You, I’m Robert Hatfield, and I hope you have a great day!