Author: Robert

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Friday, September 12, 2014
“In His Presence: Transformation after Worship”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
They have ears, but they do not hear;
Nor is there any breath in their mouths.
Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them  (Psalm 135:15-18).

So what happens to those who worship idols? That was the question I asked you yesterday. This psalm indicates that we become like the object of our worship. I’m sure there were idol worshipers who were sincere in their worship. Yet, those false gods were empty. Their promises were futile. They had nothing to offer. As a result, the psalmist said, “So is everyone who trusts in them.” By contrast, what about those who worship God?

Worship is about God. We explicitly established that Biblical fact earlier this week, and we have implicitly emphasized over and over. Yet, there are certainly byproducts of worship. No one leaves God’s presence unchanged. So today, let’s look at five things that happen when we conclude our worship service and leave the assembly.

First, when I leave a worship service, I should be CLOSER to God. Through worship, we draw near to God. We find joy in His presence (Psa. 16:11). Consequently, God draws near to us (James 4:7-8).

Second, when I leave worship, I should be reminded of my CONNECTION to Christ. I love that I get to eat the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day. Some would say that taking it weekly ruins the effect, but that’s not true. It is God’s plan for us to eat it each Lord’s day. That’s what the first century church did (Acts 20:7). Further, I need that weekly reminder. I am deeply thankful that Christ has paid my debt. I’m thankful that I can remember Him until He comes again (1 Cor. 11:23-27). I’m thankful that I can begin my week with a memorial of what He has done.

Third, when I leave worship, I should be reminded of my COMPANIONSHIP with my brethren. It is not an accident that God designed the church to be a family. We need to be reminded that we are not in this by ourselves! There is strength in numbers! Ecclesiastes 4:9 says that “two are better than one.” I think our worship assemblies illustrate that fact to us. Numbers aren’t the most important thing. A congregation of any size can come together and be encouraged from one another. They can assemble and reminded that they are not alone. That is a blessing that will get us through the week and will help us to overcome Satan’s temptations.

Fourth, when I leave worship, I should be reminded that God is in CONTROL. When I worship God, I like to think about How great He is. I love it when we sing this song:

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
Then I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
how great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Those are powerful words. They remind me that God is bigger than I am, and that He is in control. Listen to the words at the end of one of my favorite Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psa. 46:10).

Fifth, when I leave worship, I should be CHALLENGED to live for Jesus. Perhaps there are things in my life that don’t match up to God’s pattern for me. Worship should invoke a feeling of awe in God’s sight and a desire to be nearer to Him! Sometimes the sermon touches my heart in a way that points me to a need to improve my life in certain areas. Thanks be to God! Perhaps the worship of the church reminds me that all are invited to be a part of the Lord’s body, and thus I’m challenged to go spread the gospel. Whatever the case in your life, I think we can both agree that worship challenges us to be better for the Lord.

Let’s wrap it up: Worship is an amazing privilege. You can go into the presence of God each Lord’s day! You can have that “burning bush” experience! God is worthy of our worship; He is worthy of our absolute best. As we draw nearer to Sunday, the Lord’s day, let us seriously consider preparation for worship, contemplation on worship, and transformation after worship so that we can glorify God and faithfully serve Him.

Memory Verse: Do you have this week’s memory verse down? I know a special girl named Hannah Kate who does! Let’s review it one more time together:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

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.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

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.

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!

I’m Robert Hatfield, and I’ll meet you right here on Monday for another edition of The New You. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, September 11, 2014
“In His Presence: Contemplation on Worship”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

“Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’ ” (Mat. 15:7-9).

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that it’s important to get worship right. Worship is not something to take lightly, and it isn’t always easily done.

Jesus taught that true worship is to be offered “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). In other words, worship done right will involve both mind and body, heart and actions. Today, let’s focus on both sides of worship. First, we will see the “in spirit” side, that is the mind and heart part of worship. Then, we will move to the “in truth” side of worship, which has to do with our bodies and our actions.

A sincere disposition must characterize the worshiper’s mind. The mindset in which you approach worship to God is just as important as the actions that you employ to express that worship. Empty actions are just that – empty. They’re vain. That’s the entire point of the text that I read at the beginning of today’s episode, Matthew 15:7-9. Jesus told of one who came to worship with an arrogant attitude (Luke 18:9-14). The Lord did not speak favorably of that proud prayer. In the Old Testament, God commanded the people to stop offering their empty sacrifices because they were hypocrites (Isa. 1:11-17). In Matthew six, Jesus tells us that basing our religion off of entertainment – that is, to be seen of men – is foolish (Mat. 6:1-4).

By contrast, the Bible outlines for us the disposition with which we should approach worship. First, we should approach the worship humbly. James 4:10 reminds us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. Second, we should come reverently. Listen to Habakkuk 2:20: “The LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Third, we should come with a servant’s heart. We are rendering service to God through our worship of Him (John 4:24; Col. 3:17). Finally, we ought to worship intentionally. Remember that it is impossible to accidentally worship. Abraham planned his worship (Gen. 22:5). So did Paul (Acts 24:11). You and I must plan to worship and put forth mental effort in offering our spiritual sacrifices before God in worship.

Scriptural deeds must comprise New Testament worship. This is the “in truth” side of the worship equation. We can observe from our brothers and sisters in the first century church exactly what worship should look like. They partook of the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day (1 Cor. 11:23-27). They sang praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). They prayed together (Acts 2:42). They gave of their financial blessings (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). The word of God was taught (2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 20:7).

Let’s wrap it up: True worship will be comprised of both parts of Jesus’ equation: “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). You can’t have true worship without scriptural deeds, but you also can’t have true worship without the sincere disposition. May we seriously contemplate the honor and the responsibility of worship to God, and may we express that worship as He prescribes. He is worthy of our absolute best.

Memory Verse: We return once again to our perfect pattern, Jesus Christ, who shows us how to interact with others and to be more like Him:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Read Psalm 135:15-18 and answer this question: what does the Psalmist say happens to those who worship idols? I’ll have the answer to that question tomorrow.

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.

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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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
“In His Presence: Preparation for Worship”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:16).

We’ve been talking this week about worship. And what an important topic this is! Worship is honor paid to Deity (bowing before God) expressed through purposed, intentional avenues that are detailed in the New Testament. Worship itself begins in our hearts, and is then manifested and offered through the actions that the New Testament prescribes.

What is it that excites the heart for worship? In Colossians 3:15-17, I believe that Paul gets right down to the foundation of our worship. He talks about that which causes our hearts to overflow with joy, thanks, praise, and glory to God in heaven. Do you know what that is? Actually, the question should be phrased this way: do you know who that is? In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul gives significant attention to Jesus Christ. In verse fifteen, he says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (ASV, ESV). In verse sixteen, he says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly in all wisdom.” And in verse seventeen, he says, “Whatever you do … do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

We have many reasons to praise and glorify God, but perhaps the greatest reason of all is Jesus Himself. It is impossible to over-emphasize what Jesus has done for our souls.

Think for a minute about the five avenues through which we express our worship. The New Testament says that we worship through singing, praying, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, hearing the gospel read or preached, and giving of our financial means. Now think about the affect of Jesus on each of these and how He excites our heart to worship the Lord in these ways:

• The Lord’s Supper is taken in His memory!
• We can sing because He gave us a song!
• In prayer, He is our Intercessor, Mediator, and Advocate!
• His gospel is preached.
• We give  so that His work can be accomplished.

This is the foundation of worship: a heart that is filled with praise and thanksgiving as a result of what God has done for us and as a result of our recognition of who God is.

You know, we prepare for a lot of things in life. Some of the things for which we prepare are really important, and other things are less so. But nothing is more important than preparation with respect to God and what He requires of us. That being said, you and I ought to put significant thought into preparing for worship. Here are eight practical suggestions for how you can be prepared to worship this Lord’s day:

• Get a good night’s sleep on Saturday night.
• Get up early enough to avoid rushing.
• Eat breakfast to avoid a growling stomach and slowed senses.
• Avoid disagreements with spouses or children, or anything that leaves nerves on edge.
• Fill out the contribution check or count the cash before you arrive.
• Bring your own Bible and notebook instead of counting on one being there.
• Leave early enough to arrive in time to get settled and focused before the service begins.
• Sit in a place where you are least likely to be distracted by babies, heating and cooling, etc.

Let’s wrap it up: These practical suggestions will help you be prepare your mind for the task of worship. When you couple these practical suggestions with living a holy life that has regular times of prayer and Bible study, you will find that you are ready to worship on the Lord’s day!

Memory Verse: One great way to be ready for the Lord’s day is by living like the Lord! So we return to Ephesians 4:32, where we find His perfect example combined with a challenging command:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Return to John 4:23-24 and contemplate on the words of Jesus when He says that God wants us to worship “in spirit and in truth.” More on that tomorrow, Lord willing.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

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. I particularly want to recommend our podcast called Ready to Worship, which is released each Saturday from The Light Network. Chris Clevenger does a great job helping us to prepare our minds for worship. You can find Ready to Worship in iTunes and, of course, on our website, thelightnetwork.tv

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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Tuesday, September 9, 2014
“Worship is About God”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24).

Victoria Osteen recently went on the record with these statements about worship:

I just want to encourage every one of us to realize that when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God — I mean, that’s one way to look at it — we’re doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we’re happy. That’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.

So, I want you to know this morning: Just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy.

Does God want us to be happy? Of course He does. Think about how often the Bible emphasizes concepts such as contentment, happiness, and joy. There’s no question about it: God wants you to be happy. But the real question is: what is true happiness? Read Ecclesiastes to find the answer. I’ll give you a hint: true happiness is only found in God (Eccl. 12:13-14).

So let’s return our attention to this week’s theme: worship. Victoria Osteen says that worship is done for ourselves, and not for God. Really? The Bible disagrees.

In John 4:23-24, Jesus Himself gives us three important criteria about worship. The Lord discussed the proper object of worship, the proper attitude for worship, and the proper actions in worship.

Worship’s Object is God. Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, said “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Mat. 4:10). At the end of the book of Revelation, John “fell down to worship before the feet of the angel” who showed him such great things. But the angel quickly stopped John. “See that you do not do that,” the angel said. “Worship God” (Rev. 22:8-9). In John 4, Jesus said that God is seeking true worshipers. He made it clear that worship is about God.

Perhaps sometimes we don’t do as good of a job at communicating the true object of our worship. Maybe it’s the way that our church buildings are structured: there’s a platform that looks a lot like a stage, and there are either pews or individual seats that are on the floor, all facing the platform. If we’re not careful, we may be tempted to think that we – the ones sitting in the seats on the ground floor – are the “audience.” Sometimes I’ve even been guilty of referring to those who are listening to me preach as the “audience.” We’re not the audience, my friend. God is the audience. We are all worshipers, priests officiating in some of the most sacred activity known to mankind. We are worshiping the God of the universe!

Jesus taught us about the proper attitude for worship. Jesus said that true worshipers will worship God “in spirit and in truth.” The “in spirit” part is our focus here. I think we’ve discussed this before on The New You. My heart and soul is to be employed in worship. In the same way that I can give with the wrong attitude (2 Cor. 9:6-7), I must also be careful not to have the wrong thoughts or attitude when I approach all of worship to God. It’s not about the time it takes. It’s not about the way the song leader does or does not lead the songs correctly. It’s not about how long or how short the prayers are. It isn’t even about how hot or how cold it is in the building. It’s about giving our best – and doing whatever it takes to give our best – with the proper attitude, and with the proper focus: God in heaven.

Finally, notice the proper actions for worship. Jesus said that true worshipers will worship God “in truth” (John 4:24). There are proper actions associated with worshiping God. Do you know what this means? This means that there is a right way to worship God, and that there is a wrong way to worship God. Jesus spoke of worshiping in vain (Mat. 15:9), Paul talked about those who worship based on whatever they way (Col. 2:22-23), and Acts 17 indicates a type of worship that is done ignorantly, that is, they just don’t know better (Acts 17:22-23).

As we progress throughout this week, Lord willing, we will focus on the right way to worship. That is, the way that pleases God.

Let’s wrap it up: Worship is honor paid to Deity (bowing before God) expressed through purposed, intentional avenues detailed in the New Testament. You can’t accidentally worship God, it takes purpose. And you can’t worship God acceptably without focusing on Him. Worship is all about God.

Memory Verse: Do you want to be more Christ-like? Ephesians 4:32 gets to the crux of the matter and shows us exactly how to have the heart of Jesus.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Read Colossians 3:15-17 and think especially about worship. Tomorrow, we’ll use this text to find three principles that will help us be better prepared for 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.

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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Monday, September 8, 2014
“In His Presence: A Burning Bush Experience”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

And the Angel of the LORD appeared to [Moses] in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Exo. 3:2-5).

What if you could have a “burning bush experience”? What would it be like to come into the presence of God and to commune with Him? You and I both know that we don’t live in an age in which God manifests Himself through miraculous means (such as He did in Exodus three with the burning bush that was not consumed). However, we actually can – and should – regularly commune with God. We can come into His presence each Lord’s day when saints assemble to worship.

This week, I want us to take some time to appreciate worship. Today, let’s focus on the privilege of coming into God’s presence. We’ll use six points today pertinent to the joy of worshiping God.

First, God’s presence is a place of CONSECRATION. In Exodus three, when Moses comes to check out this strange burning bush, He is told to remove his sandals because the place where he stood was holy ground (Exo. 3:5). When we come into God’s presence, we are entering a holy place. In Old Testament times, priests had specific cleansing requirements as they prepared to officiate in worship to God. Today, you and I are a part of a royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9). We officiate in our own worship to God – no one does it for us. As such, we ought to be holy, just as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16-17).

Second, God’s presence is a place of ADORATION. Moses was afraid to look upon God because of how great God is (Exo. 3:6). Similarly, we ought to be extremely reverent as we approach the worship of the church. This is nothing to play around with.

Third, God’s presence is a place of CONCENTRATION. We absolutely must pay close attention to the task of worship. God spoke to Moses from the burning bush and told him about the cries of Israel from their Egyptian bondage. I imagine that Moses was locked into every word that God said to him. As we offer our spiritual sacrifices of worship to God, we ought to do the same. Let’s hang on every word that God, through His word, speaks to us. And let’s carefully weigh each word, each song, and each thought that we submit before Him.

Fourth, God’s presence is a place of COMMISSION. We are often challenged by our worship to God. When the preacher opens the Bible and begins to allow God to speak to us, we receive words of exhortation, correction, encouragement, and hope. When you read Exodus 3:10-22, you see Moses being sent to the people. God says, “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of bondage.” Similarly, you and I receive a commission in God’s Word to go into all the world and help people be delivered from the bondage of sin by the power of Jesus’ blood.

Fifth, God’s presence is a place of CONVICTION. When I come away from a period of worship, my faith is strengthened in my God and in His Word. Moses came away from the burning bush experience with no reason to doubt. The Lord showed Moses great signs so that the people “may believe that the LORD God of their fathers … has appeared to you” (Exo. 4:5).

Sixth, God’s presence is a place of CONCESSION. That is, we concede that God’s Will is best, and thus, we submit to His plan for our lives. Moses stood before the Lord and attempted to offer excuses as to why he wasn’t the right guy to be sent to deliver God’s people from bondage. God was not interesting in Moses’s excuses. God expected Moses to go, and, ultimately, he did (Exo. 4:13-17).

Let’s wrap it up: Worship is a powerful experience, one that is directed at God and that, in turn, strengthens God’s people. Let’s approach it with reverence and let’s leave the assembly transformed, convicted, and ready to serve the Lord.

Memory Verse: This week’s verse is a great one for everyone to internalize. Remember that our Lord commands us to love – our friends, our family, our neighbors, and even our enemies – just as He has loved us. The verse is Ephesians 4:32.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Read John 4:23-24 and consider this question: What – or Who – is worship all about? More on that tomorrow.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

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.

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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Friday, September 5, 2014
“Barnabas, the Visionary”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

[Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

Barnabas got his name because he was a great encourager. His original name was Joses, or Joseph (Acts 4:36), but the apostles began to call him Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement, because of his generosity and love for the church. When I look at Barnabas in the book of Acts, I see someone who was a visionary. Barnabas often saw something in people that others could not see in them. In fact, sometimes Barnabas could see things in people that they could not even see in themselves! I submit to you that this encouragement was one way that Barnabas was so effective as a gospel-sharer.

First, let’s look at Barnabas the visionary as is evidenced in Acts 9. This entire chapter is focused on the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who, of course, comes to be known as Paul. The reputation behind that name Saul had spread far and wide. You remember that Jesus spoke with Saul while he was on his way to Damascus to get Christians, bring them back to Jerusalem, and continue his persecution of them (Acts 9:1-2). So, after he became a Christian, Saul attempted to be among the disciples in Jerusalem, but they wouldn’t have anything to do with him. The Bible says that “they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). That’s when Barnabas enters the scene. I wonder what Barnabas saw in this man, Saul. There was something there that others could not – or, perhaps, would not – see. Barnabas was a visionary. “Barnabas took [Saul] and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27). That’s all it took!

Next, let’s look at Barnabas the visionary as evidenced in Acts 15. Here is where we read about the dispute over John Mark. Do you remember reading about this? Paul, Barnabas, and Mark had been traveling together, but Mark departed from them and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). For whatever reason, he left the others to finish the rest of the trip and he returned to Jerusalem. Well, here in Acts 15 it’s time for the group to set out again. The Bible says that “Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work” (Acts 15:37-38). Paul didn’t feel that Mark was ready to go out again, but Barnabas insisted that he was. Ultimately, Paul and Barnabas decided to go out separately: Barnabas with Mark and Paul with Silas. I imagine that this resulted in twice the amount of work for the Lord being accomplished at that time!

Let’s wrap it up: Think about what Barnabas’s words meant to Paul in Acts 9 when no one else believed that he had become a Christian. I wonder how John Mark felt to know that Barnabas believed in him even though perhaps Mark had made a mistake by bailing on the previous trip. I remember that, later, Paul mentioned Mark and said that he was useful for the ministry (2 Tim. 4:11). Barnabas saw things in people that others just couldn’t see.

Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs some help from time to time. Barnabas was the guy who was always there to help and to encourage. Let’s try to be more like Barnabas today as we seek to reach the lost and as we encourage our brethren to observe all of the things that Jesus has commanded us to do.

Memory Verse: Let’s look one last time at this week’s verse, 2 Corinthians 4:7

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

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 our interactive map that will help you find a congregation of God’s people in your area! Just go to thelightnetwork.tv/worship.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

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.  If you’re interested in hearing The Light Network’s coverage of Polishing the Pulpit this year, you can listen on our website, thelightnetwork.tv, by clicking on the “TLN Specials” show. I think there will be some things there that you will enjoy.

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!

I’m Robert Hatfield, and I’ll meet you right here on Monday for another edition of The New You. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, September 4, 2014
“Lois and Eunice, the Virtuous”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

You’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. I’m Robert Hatfield, and here is today’s Scripture:

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also (2 Tim. 1:3-5).

Today we are focusing upon a pair of godly ladies: Lois and Eunice. The New Testament introduces them to us in just one context: motherhood. Lois was Timothy’s godly grandmother, and Eunice was Timothy’s godly mother. Their influence in Timothy’s life helped to train him in the way that he should go (Prov. 22:6). They helped him to develop his genuine faith.

Now all this week we have been focusing on evangelism. In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” That word “preach” simply means to proclaim. That’s something that all of us can – and must – do. But the question is this: how do we carry out this Great Commission? Well, look at how Lois and Eunice did it.

These two ladies helped to raise Timothy in a godly environment. Acts 16:1-2 tells us that Timothy’s father was a Greek. Apparently, he was not a Christian. All we know about him is what the text says here in Acts 16. Perhaps it was difficult for Eunice to raise Timothy in a way that he would learn to love the Lord, since her husband and Timothy’s father was not a Christian. I’m sure there were difficulties that arose from the situation. Yet, Timothy was commended – and so were his mother and grandmother – for having a faith that was “the real deal.” It wasn’t hypocritical, it was genuine (2 Tim. 1:5).

When godly mothers and fathers raise their children by the Bible’s parenting pattern so that their children grow “in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52), what do you call it? I suppose we could and should call it good parenting, right? But is it not also a form of evangelism? Are those parents not helping a soul – once that child reaches an accountable age – to come to know the Lord? Are they not assisting that son or that daughter to become a child of God? If that’s not evangelism, then what else is it?

Let’s wrap it up: I look at Lois and Eunice as a good grandmother and mother respectively for sure, but I also see them as great examples of evangelism. Parents, don’t underestimate what you’re doing in teaching and training your children to love the Lord. It’s so important. You’re helping your children to go to heaven!

Memory Verse: Let’s remember that we are the earthen vessels, carrying the saving Word to a lost world.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

Sometime today: Look at Acts 9:26-27 and see what Barnabas did to encourage his new brother in Christ, Paul. More on Barnabas tomorrow, the Lord willing.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

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.

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!