Author: Robert

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Wednesday, September 3, 2014
“Apollos, the Waterer”

 

 

 

 

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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:

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-6).

What part do you play in executing the Great Commission? You know that Jesus has commanded you and me to take the gospel message to the entire world, to make disciples of every person, and to continue teaching them – even after they have become Christians – so that they can know to do all that Christ has commanded us to do.

This week, we’re studying great men and women throughout the New Testament who are good examples of how we can use our talents to be evangelistic. Today, we come to a man by the name of Apollos.

We are first introduced to Apollos in Acts 18. Aquila and Priscilla, the husband and wife evangelistic team, have made their way to Ephesus with Paul. When Paul continues on his journey, Aquila and Priscilla, the dynamic duo, remain in Ephesus. One day they happen to catch a lecture being delivered by Apollos. But there’s a problem with what he is saying. The record says that “he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:25). He was stopping short now that Jesus had come and His church had been established. So here’s what Aquila and Priscilla did: “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26).

Now, let’s notice two points about Apollos that are worthy of our emulation today. First, he was teachable; second, he was a team player.

First, Apollos was teachable. How does Apollos respond to Aquila and Priscilla attempting to correct his teaching? Does he become frustrated with them? Does he turn up his nose in disgust that someone would dare to challenge the way that he interprets scripture? No, none of that. Instead, he listens and he learns. Apollos is teachable. In fact, he takes that knowledge that he learns from Aquila and Priscilla and uses that to “vigorously [refute] the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ” (Acts 18:28). We could all learn from Apollos’s example. There’s certainly something that all of us can learn, there are areas in our lives in which we can all improve. Let’s be willing to listen when the truth is presented to us.

Second, Apollos was a team player. From the moment that he learned the complete message of the truth, Apollos became an extremely valuable team player. He was evidently well respected among the Christians of his day because they attempted to divide under his name (1 Cor. 1:12). Of course, that wasn’t what Apollos wanted them to do; certainly it wasn’t what Jesus desired (1 Cor. 1:10). When we get to 1 Corinthians 3, we see all the more clearly that Apollos was a team player. Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:5-6).

Think about that phrase for a minute. It seems that Paul was making initial contact in evangelism by planting the seed, the Word of God (cf. Luke 8:11). Then, perhaps sometime later, Apollos was following up by “watering the seed.” Apollos is the waterer! Perhaps Apollos isn’t necessarily the one who is assisting someone in baptism. Perhaps Apollos isn’t the one who secures the initial Bible study, but Apollos has an important part in the evangelistic process!

Let’s wrap it up: What part do you play in helping someone to know Jesus? Are you willing to schedule a time to study the Bible with someone else? Are you willing to talk about the Bible when you have opportunity (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15)? Are you willing to follow up to someone you know who is considering obeying the gospel? Apollos was a team player. Let’s be sure that we are team players, too, working together with our brothers and sisters in Christ to accomplish God’s will in our lives.

Memory Verse: I’m thinking about what Paul said regarding Apollos and himself: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?” (1 Cor. 3:5). That’s what you and I are to be, too: ministers. That word simply means “servant.” That’s why I’ve chosen 2 Corinthians 4:7 for our verse to memorize this week. It reminds us that we are servants.

“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 2 Timothy 1:5 and consider the role of Lois and Eunice mentioned there. Were they evangelizing through what they did? 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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Tuesday, September 2, 2014
“Andrew, the Guide”

 

 

 

 

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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:

One of the two who heard John speak, and followed [Jesus], was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus (John 1:40-42).

Hold that passage in your mind for a few minutes and move with me over to Matthew 28, where Jesus gave the Great Commission. Remember that the Lord said that we are to “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things” that Jesus has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). You know, Jesus didn’t give this charge specifically to preachers or to elders in the church. Not at all. Instead, He charged His disciples to go and to make more disciples. It’s the same principle that Paul told Timothy over in 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Teaching others about the gospel is certainly done from platforms like pulpits, but it is also done on a more everyday-life kind of level in the day-to-day routine of Christ’s disciples. But how do we do it? I mean, some people are introverts while others are extroverts; some people have certain talents and other people have a totally different set of talents. Yet, the command to be evangelists is given to us all.

That’s why this week on The New You we are going to focus on some people in the New Testament who were evangelists. They went about spreading the message of the gospel in a practical, day-to-day kind of way. They didn’t overcomplicate the task of evangelism, they just did it.

So look at Andrew in today’s text, John 1. He had come into contact with Jesus, the Messiah, as a result of the teaching of John the baptizer. Andrew believed in Jesus as the Christ and began to follow Jesus. But look at what happened next: “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41-42).

Two points about Andrew, the guide. First: notice the fire that is within him. He has seen Jesus! He is convicted that Jesus is the Messiah, or, the Christ. Those convictions that Andrew has – based on the evidence, what he has seen – now drive him to tell others about Jesus and to lead them to the Lord!

Second, notice the one to whom Andrew goes first: a member of his own family. John 1:41 says that “he first found his own brother Simon.” That word “first” indicates order. The very first person that Andrew thought of was Simon, whom we also know as Peter!

Stop for a minute and consider what Andrew’s evangelistic deed did not only for Peter, but for the Lord’s church! It is Peter who offers that confession in Matthew 16:16:  “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It is Peter who is given the keys to the kingdom (Mat. 16:19). He used those keys in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost when he, along with the other apostles, preached the very first gospel sermon. The Lord added people to the church that day (Acts 2:47). Further, it is Peter who encourages us through his inspired writings to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). Finally, it is Peter who would serve as an elder in the Lord’s church of the first century. Peter wrote: “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder…” (1 Pet. 5:4).

Peter’s impact on the church was profound as he was converted to Christ and as he followed Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4). But don’t forget about how Peter was led to Christ. His brother, Andrew, sought him out and helped him to begin following Jesus.

You know, in comparison with the amount of inspired material about Peter, we don’t read a lot more about Andrew. But what we see here is incredible. Here was a man who followed Jesus, and who helped his brother to come to follow Jesus, too.

Let’s wrap it up: Do you have family members who are not New Testament Christians? Have you tried to reach them for Jesus? Who knows what profound impact on the church you might have by introducing another soul to the saving message of the gospel of Christ.

Memory Verse: This week’s memory verse reminds us that the power doesn’t lie within us, but within the Word that God has given to us. We are merely the vehicles carrying that powerful, soul-saving message.

“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 1 Corinthians 3:4-6 and pay special attention to Apollos. What was his role in the evangelistic process? 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, August 29, 2014
“Benefits of Christian Friends”

 

 

 

 

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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:

As iron sharpens iron,

So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Prov. 27:17).

As always, the Bible is spot on! My wife and I have spent this week at Polishing the Pulpit, an annual conference for families. We went to PTP for the first time several years ago, and decided then that we would attend every year unless it was just not possible. To date, we have attended every year since we made that initial commitment.

PTP is a great place for families. First, the lessons there are always Biblical, practical, and challenging. Second, there are so many great people to meet at PTP! This year, there were over 3,400 attendees!

What a week it has been! As I take a few minutes to think about what I’ve learned and how I’ve benefited from the week, I can’t help but think about the major advantages of having good, Christian friends. Here are three:

Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my faith. We all know that it’s really hard to stand up for your convictions – especially when they counter culture to the extent that so many biblical teachings do. In a world where groups such as the ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation sue everyone who dares to show their religion in a public way, and in a world where alleged scientists claim that evolution is the only stance on human origins for anyone with common sense, in a world where atheism is among the fastest growing movements in the United States, it is ever so easy to feel lonely as a Christian. Godly friends who are unified in the faith help us to effectively accomplish Jude’s command to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3).

Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my fight with sin. It’s not that the thought of my friends messing up brings me comfort. Instead, it’s knowing that their struggles are similar – if not identical – to mine. They can relate to my shortcomings because they are in the trenches, fighting the Christian’s battle every day just like I am. It’s only natural, then, that we share our triumphs and our tears; that we praise one another and pray for one another, all while thanking God and glorifying our Father that we can partake in Christ’s sufferings (1 Pet. 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:8).

Christian friends remind me that I am not alone in my family values. Some people (including Christian people) just don’t understand why Emily and I would choose to closely follow the biblical plan for the home. You know the one: where the man is the head of the house and the wife is the keeper of the home. They don’t understand why our family time (even though it’s just the two of us) is so important. They don’t get why we would choose to spend “time off” doing church work. For whatever reason, this is often the case especially for preachers and their families. And my Christian friends get it. They’re trying to live it, too. They help me not to give up or to conform to society’s view of “marriage.” They are godly husbands and godly wives. They’re happy and content. They’re excited about their homes – and it’s contagious. They are proof that God’s way is best.

These three reasons affirm the positive truth to the negative warning given in 1 Corinthians 15:33:

Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.

Let’s wrap it up: You may or may not have attended PTP during this week. If not, that’s fine, of course. But let me encourage you to seek Christian friends. Make sure that you have positive influences in your life. I need it, and you do, too.

I’m thankful for godly friends who challenge my thinking, encouragement me to live better, and excite me for heaven, where we will never have to pack up and go our separate ways.

Memory Verse: Let’s focus one more time on James 1:21. I’ll say it once, then ask you to repeat it with me the second time around.

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)

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.

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, August 28, 2014
“Keep a PENITENT Heart”

 

 

 

 

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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:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

If you want to enjoy communion with God and with God’s people, then you will stay on the path (as we discussed yesterday from 1 John 1:7), and you will keep a penitent heart! That’s our focus today – keeping a penitent heart – as we approach 1 John 1:9. This verse tells us something that we say and then something that God sends. Let’s look at it together.

First, We SAY. John says that we are to “confess our sins.” That word “confess” is an interesting word. It means to say the same thing, to speak together. It implies a dialogue between God and myself, a sinner. God describes the condition of me, a sinner, and I respond by confessing that God is right in what He has said about my state. I say the same thing as God says about my sin. I recognize it as that which separates me from Him, and I respond in obedience to His will. John uses the present tense when he says that we must confess our sins, which means that we are to keep on confessing our sins. This is our part, and notice that this is a condition. “IF we confess our sins” – that’s when we can expect God’s forgiveness. Which leads us to the second point for today.

Second, God SENDS. When we keep on saying what God says about sin, then there is something that God does. The texts says, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). That word “forgive” is worthy of our consideration. It literally means to send away. When we confess our sins, God sends them away! We say, and God sends! Amazing! Listen to these Old Testament passages that describe how God sends away our sins:

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psa. 103:12).

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake;

And I will not remember your sins (Isa. 43:25)

I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,

And like a cloud, your sins.

Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. (Isa. 44:22)

He will again have compassion on us,

And will subdue our iniquities.

You will cast all our sins

Into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19).

We say the same thing that God says about sin, and God sends those sins away from us. Now, remember, we are also walking in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). We are saying what God says and living what God says, therefore, we are in compliance with His will.

Finally, notice John’s confidence that God will forgive us and cleanse us. John says that God is “faithful and just.” In other words, He is true to His promise! Think of those Old Testament promises that God made to the prophets. Today, those promises can be enjoyed. God is faithful! God is just! May we never forget it.

Let’s wrap it up: This is the essence of The New You. We have been born again (John 3:3, 5), all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). So remember to say what God says about sin, and then remember that God’s promises are faithful that He will send those sins far away and will cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Memory Verse: That forgiveness and cleansing is going to begin with our rejecting that which is impure and clinging to what will save our souls. Hence, our verse of the week, James 1:21:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)

Sometime today: Read Proverbs 27:17, a verse about friendship. That’s what I want us to discuss 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, August 27, 2014
“Stay on the PATH”

 

 

 

 

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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 if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

Do you want to have fellowship, or communion, with God? In the verse before us today, the Holy Spirit tells us what we must do to have that relationship with our heavenly Father. It involves a condition, a communion, and a cleansing.

First, there is the condition. Notice that John says, “IF we walk in the light as He is in the light…” (1 John 1:7, emp mine, RH). That “if” is important. Yes, we can have fellowship with God and with His people, but that is conditional upon our walking in the light. Remember that, in 1 John 1:5, John said that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” Now, John tells us to walk in the light. See the correlation? “Walk” is a figure of one’s lifestyle. In fact, John uses the present tense when he commands us to “walk,” indicating that we are to continually walk or keep on walking in the light. This is more than a one-time action that is completed at the point of our baptism. This is a lifestyle. Truth is always exhibited in a person’s life through obedience, so John tells us to walk in the light, to believe and to practice the truth.

Second, there is the communion. The result of our obedience to the condition of walking in the light is this: “we have fellowship with one another.” The “one another” here refers to our union in Christ as brothers and sisters, that is, Christians. But it is only through fellowship with God that fellowship with the brethren is possible (1 John 1:3). Therefore, walking in the light is that condition for a communion with my Father and with my brethren, God’s people. Notice that this is more than just a claim to fellowship (like the false teachers did); this is actual fellowship, it’s a fact! You can know that you have fellowship with God! Incredible!

Third, there is a cleansing. John says, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We are cleansed by the blood of Christ. It is interesting that the blood is specifically mentioned, not just the general idea of Christ’s death. The blood is more specific. It points to the sacrifice that Jesus was on the cross for us. His blood was shed, and that shed blood is what cleanses us from our sins. How do I access that blood? By walking in the light. It begins with baptism, when I step into the light (Rom. 6:1-4), and continues as I continue to walk in the light. In fact, John uses the present tense with the word “cleanses” just as he used the present tense with the word “walk.” If we continually walk in the light, then the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us of sin! And again I say: incredible!

Let’s wrap it up: We’re not talking about a once-saved-always-saved type of doctrine. Far from it. We’re talking about a Christian who gives his or her life to the Lord and then continues to live for the Lord as long as he or she lives on earth! We are to be faithful and to remain faithful (Rev. 2:10). When we fulfill the condition, then we can enjoy the communion with God and with His people, and we can be cleansed from our sins. Stay on that path and it will lead you right to heaven by God’s grace.

Memory Verse: This week’s verse elaborates on what it means to walk in the light. Let’s focus once again on James 1:21:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)

Sometime today: Look at 1 John 1:9 and notice what God’s people are to do when they sin. The Lord willing, we will examine that together 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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Tuesday, August 26, 2014
“FELLOWSHIP with God: Based on RIGHTEOUSNESS”

 

 

 

 

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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:

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

Do you want to enjoy fellowship, or communion, with God? It begins with understanding Who God is so that you and I can strive to be more godly. In 1 John 1:5-10, John offers us a contrast between God in heaven and the human false teachers who claimed to have fellowship with God, but did not really have it because they lacked the truth of God’s Word. In so doing, John points us to four important facts: God is DIVINE, the false teachers are in DARKNESS, they are DECEIVED, and they DEFAME God. Let’s examine each of these together.

In the first place, God is DIVINE. 1 John 1:5 teaches us that “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” Light refers to God’s holiness, His righteousness in the absolute sense. Note that John does not say that God is “a” light, or that God is “the” light. No, John says that light is part of God’s very nature; God is light. Consequently, “in Him is no darkness at all.” James 1:17 says that there isn’t even a shadow in God. It is God who has called us out of darkness into the light (Col. 1:12-13), and who calls us to walk in the light (Eph. 5:8). In other words, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16).

By contrast, the false teachers were in DARKNESS. John says that they claimed to have fellowship with God, but walked in darkness (1 John 1:6). Remember that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. So someone whose lifestyle is filled with sin does not have fellowship with God, regardless of what he might claim to have. In fact, John says that someone who claims to have fellowship with God but walks in darkness is actually a liar and does not practice the truth (1 John 1:6)! John’s strong words indicate the seriousness of this offense before God. May we be careful that our claims and our actions are consistent.

Next, the false teachers were DECEIVED. Typically, I think of false teachers deceiving others, but 1 John 1:8 says that they also deceive themselves! John says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” James reminds us that those who hear the word but do not practice what the word teaches have deceived themselves (James 1:22). Note that the Gnostics were claiming that they had no sin. This is happening today, isn’t it? People deny sin. Some say that something is just natural, so it’s not really sin. Yet God’s Word specifically condemns that activity. Others claim that they are relatively good people, so God surely wouldn’t send them to hell. But this matter is too important to excuse or to sugar coat. Heed John’s warning and do not be deceived.

Finally, the false teachers DEFAMED God. This is found in 1 John 1:10, where John writes, “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Some said that they were not guilty of any sin in their lives, but if their claim is true, then God is a liar. God’s Word tells us that all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). The Gnostics claimed that they were above sin and, in so doing, called God a liar. They blasphemed God. They sinned.

Let’s wrap it up: May we recognize Who God is and may we strive to walk in His light. Further, let’s study God’s Word to be informed regarding His will for our lives, and let’s be sure that, when we find error in our lives – and we will – that we are willing to seek God’s forgiveness, obey God’s Will, and be pleasing in God’s sight.

Memory Verse: James gives us a key to communion with God in James 1:21:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)

Sometime today: Look at 1 John 1:7 and contemplate what it means to walk in the light. Further, what will happen when we do walk in the light? More on that tomorrow, the Lord willing.

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, August 25, 2014
“FELLOWSHIP with God: Based on REALITY”

 

 

 

 

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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:

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3).

The epistle of 1 John is short, but profound. In just five chapters, the Holy Spirit through John concisely, yet confidently affirms our faith in Christ and in the promises of God. John was responding to a false teaching called Gnosticism that was in its early stages at the time that John penned this letter. At its core, Gnosticism denied the deity of Jesus of Nazareth, claiming that it was impossible for the perfect Son of God to be manifested in human form on earth. They believed that the earth was inherently sinful and, thus, the Christ could not be incarnated. Further, they claimed that they had a type of higher knowledge that placed them above the first century Christians.

It is in these conditions that John writes and affirms the reality of Jesus. In 1 John 1:1-4, He offers the proof, the preeminence, the preaching, and the purpose of Christ and of His coming.

First, the PROOF. John was an eyewitness of Jesus. In fact, all of the apostles were. That’s why John uses the term “we” through 1 John 1:1-4; he’s referring to the apostles who were also eyewitnesses. They provide for us a reliable testimony for Christ. In 1 John 1:1, John says: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). John says he has heard Jesus, seen Jesus, looked upon (that is, he consciously, willfully took a close and steady gaze at) Jesus, and touched (handled) Jesus. In verse two, John says that Jesus was manifested, seen, and that he now bears witness and declares Jesus Christ to them. John has the proof! And he wants his readers to have that confidence in Christ, too!

Second, there is the PREEMINENCE. Did you catch how John described Jesus in 1 John 1:1? “That which was from the beginning,” referring to the fact that Jesus is eternal. The Bible tells us that Jesus was not created. No, He is God the Son. He has always existed (Heb. 1:1-3). Further, John says that Jesus is “the Word of life.” He is the Word in the sense that He is the subject and the source of the gospel message. He is the Word of life because He brings the hope of everlasting life to all men who believe on and obey Him (John 3:16; 14:6). In verse two, John says that Jesus “was with the Father and was manifested to us.” This Jesus, God the Son, came to earth and dwelled among men! Amazing! Jesus is supreme; He has the preeminence, that is, he surpasses all others (Col. 1:18)!

Third, notice the PREACHING. John says that he is writing to declare Jesus unto his readers. The tenses that are used indicate that John would unceasingly declare Jesus to them. He would preach the proof, the preeminence, and the power of Jesus Christ to save their souls! You and I should seek to do the same.

Fourth, look at the PURPOSE. Why is all of this so important? John answers that for us in 1 John 1:3-4: “that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” John gives two reasons why this is such important information: first, so that you can fellowship with the Father and with His people; second, so that your joy may be full. Fellowship is so important. It indicates communion and sharing. You and I can share in God’s promises, being partakers in the victory that comes through Jesus! But notice that this fellowship is linked with the doctrine that John preaches: that Jesus is, and that the word of Christ is followed.

In the second place, John points to the joy that Christians can have. When we talk about joy as a Christian, we aren’t discussing some kind of wishy-washy, circumstantial happiness. No, you cannot diminish my joy in Christ just because it’s a cloudy day or because things aren’t going my way. This joy is a joy that is filled full to the brim! This is a complete joy that is based in Christ and in what He has done for me in securing my soul! That is amazing grace!

Let’s wrap it up: Do you want communion with God? It is based on the REALITY of Jesus. John offers us plenty of proof to indicate that Christ has the preeminence. John wanted to preach about Jesus so that you and I can understand the purpose why He came and can be partakers of His promises in heaven. That is simply amazing.

Memory Verse: This week’s verse is all about getting rid of the sin and receiving the word so that we can have fellowship with God. Look at James 1:21:

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21)

Sometime today: Read 1 John 1:5-10 and note that communion with God is based on righteousness. More on that 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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Friday, August 22, 2014
“Purer in Influence”

 

 

 

 

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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:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Mat. 5:13).

Matthew chapters five, six, and seven record for us the great sermon on the mount delivered by Jesus, the Master Teacher. In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus gives the beatitudes, statements of blessing upon those who seek God’s way for their lives. It’s interesting that verse thirteen then shifts from God blessing us to how we – as God’s people – can bless others.

You know, it’s true: God blesses us so that we can bless others. So what about you today? How will you bless someone today? Assisting others in benevolence, paying for someone’s meal, and helping a friend move are absolutely some ways that you can be a blessing. Further, being there for someone in a moment of need, caring for them when they are sick, praying for them when they have experienced loss in their family – these are all great ways to be a blessing. It’s interesting, though, that Jesus is much more general than that as we come to Matthew 5:13. Jesus says that you can be a blessing simply through your influence.

Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. In Matthew five, Jesus uses salt to teach an important point about your influence and mine. “You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus said. Here are four points about salt.

1. Salt makes things better. Salt was used in ancient times in the same way that we use it today: to flavor foods. It was also employed as a means of preservation, and it found its usefulness even among the Old Testament sacrifices. Sometimes people with health problems are forced to cut back or even to totally eliminate their salt intake. Many people dread those orders from the doctor because it means that their food isn’t going to taste good anymore! In Job chapter six, Job asks, “Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” (Job 6:6). This illustrates the value of salt going all the way back to ancient history.

2. Christians are to make the earth better. A close look at Matthew 5:13 reveals some important thoughts. Jesus says “You are the salt of the earth” (emp. mine, RH). The Greek text places special emphasis on the word “you.” You – and only you – are the salt of the earth! Christians have this unique responsibility to make the earth a better place. If we don’t do it, then who will?

Now we’re not necessarily talking about preserving the planet itself, though we certainly understand that the material blessings that we have are just that – blessings that we should use with good stewardship. But the earth will be a better place when we act in accordance with the will of God. That’s how you and I will be salt. In other words, we will be a good influence on other people. We will be a good influence on all of the earth.

3. “Unsalty” salt is worthless. What’s the point of having salt if it doesn’t do anything to enhance the flavor of food? Jesus says that this kind of salt is “good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Now make the application.

4. “Unsalty” Christians are worthless. That stung a little, didn’t it? “Unsalty” Christians are worthless?! That’s right. What are you more than others if you claim to be a Christian, but you aren’t living the Christian life? What do you do more than other people do if you live your life without consideration of holiness and purity? How are you making the earth  better, how are you helping people to come out of sin and to know Jesus? Someone said: “the world would rather us be honey, but Jesus expects us to be salt.” Good point. Your influence is valuable. Jesus expects you to have an impact – a positive impact – on the world simply by nature of the fact that you are a Christian.

Let’s wrap it up: A poet wrote:

My life shall touch a dozen lives before this day is done;

Leave countless marks for good or ill, ere sets the evening sun.

This is the wish I always wish, the prayer I always pray:

Lord, may my life help other lives it touches by the way.

All this week we have focused on purity: purity of heart, purity of body, purity of speech, purity in the church, and, today, purity in our influence. May God help us to be pure. May we never lose our drive to continue a pursuit of purity.

Memory Verse: Make Psalm 19:14 your life’s mission, and you won’t lose your drive to be pure:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

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.

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, August 21, 2014
“Purer in Christ”

 

 

 

 

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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:

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 4-5).

We’ve been focusing this week upon purity: purity of heart, purity of the body, and purity of speech. Today, though, we need to focus upon keeping the church pure. You know, this is often a neglected subject. I can understand why because it isn’t a very pleasant one.

In 1 Corinthians 5, we read of a brother in Christ who had turned back to sin. He was committing sexual immorality. Now that is obviously a problem in and of itself, but the problem was deeper than that. The other Christians at Corinth was simply tolerating that behavior. It seems that no one said anything to the erring Christian about it. In so doing, Paul says that they were jeopardizing the purity of the church in Corinth!

Several points as we examine the subject of church purity (sometimes referred to as church discipline). First, we will see the command. Second, the erring. Third, the purpose. Then, the procedure. Fifth, the pain, and, finally, the product.

First, notice the command. Paul says “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:4-5). This is definitely a command! Other passages in the New Testament, like 2 Thes. 3:6, 14; 1 Tim. 5:20; and Titus 3:10-11 also command this action for unfaithfulness in the church.

Second, we see the erring. Paul instructs the Corinthian brethren to identify the erring, or unfaithful, Christian and to help him to be restored. As God’s people, we have a responsibility to each other. James 5:19-20 says that we are to help each other if one of us “wanders from the truth.” Galatians 6:1-2 teaches that we are to seek to restore one another if a brother or sister is “overtaken in a trespass.” That is how we “bear one another’s burdens.”

In the third place, look at the purpose. Why were they to do this? It wasn’t to kick that Christian out of the church, that’s for sure! The Lord adds you to His church (Acts 2:47), and it’s not up to anyone to kick anyone else out of it! Instead, God’s plan for church purity has a three-fold purpose: to bring the wayward back (1 Cor. 5:5); to deter others from living in sin (1 Tim. 5:20); and to gauge the obedience of the church (2 Cor. 2:9).

Fourth, notice the procedure. How is this to be done? While we don’t have a specific mandated way that this is to be accomplished, we do have several passages that guide us. First, notice the scenario between two brothers in Matthew 18:15-17. This is where Jesus talked about going to the brother privately, then taken two or three witnesses if he won’t hear you, then taking it before the assembly. One thing we need to understand is this: church discipline is to be public. When things get to this point, we’ve tried everything else. We have attempted to reach out to the erring brother or sister. We have tried to give them time to repent and to turn again to the Lord, but they have refused. Now we must take it before the church. Again, remember why we do it: to try to cause them to repent and to keep the church pure.

Fifth, the pain. This process hurts. No one likes to exercise discipline and no one enjoys to be disciplined. You know what? It hurt in New Testament times, too. In 2 Corinthians, after the discipline has been exercised, Paul notes that he wrote the first letter out of “much affliction and anguish of heart … with many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4). The pain is definitely there. It’s real. But sometimes pain is necessary, isn’t it? I mean, we’re talking about restoring souls here. We’re talking about helping fallen Christians to see the error of their ways and to return home! What’s more important: some discomfort here or eternal punishment in hell? We’re sensitive to the pain, but we must proceed. God’s way is always best.

Finally, look at the product. This is what God’s plan for church purity is all about. Some people look at this plan and they say, “That’s a bit harsh” or, “God doesn’t expect us to do that today.” Listen: God does expect us to do this today. We’re talking about the church, the bride of Christ. We’re talking about the souls of men and women – brothers and sisters in Jesus! When Paul writes the letter that we have now called 2 Corinthians, he is happy to report that the brother on whom discipline was exercised has now come home! He says, “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance” (2 Cor. 7:9). That’s great news! That’s the desired product of exercising this discipline.

Let’s wrap it up: Do we trust God enough to believe that His way is best? God knows how to discipline His children (just read Hebrews 12). Sure, there are going to be people who absolutely refuse to change, but that won’t be because God gave up on them. That will be because they were unwilling to repent of sin and return to God. But here’s what I know for a fact: God’s way is always best.

Memory Verse: The church will be pure if we will remember this verse from the psalms:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight,

O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Sometime today: Read Matthew 5:14-16 and consider your influence on other people. That’s tomorrow’s topic for The New You.

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!