Author: Robert

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014
“Let Brotherly Love Continue” (Part 1)

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Tuesday, April 8, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do (Col. 3:12-13).

The Christian’s transformation process into the new you includes more than “don’ts.” There are some “do’s” as well! This is the turning point at which we arrive in verse 12 of Colossians 3. Having covered things that God’s people are to put off, Paul shifts his attention to some things that we should put on.

First, Paul declares their new relationship to God. He describes them as God’s elect, holy, and beloved. God desires for all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Those who accept His will and obey it, are God’s elect. They are to be holy, or set apart from the world. They are beloved. This is a great word. The construction of the word in the Greek indicates completed action with continuing results; literally, “having been loved.” “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Second, Paul emphasizes their new relationship to their fellow Christians. This is the point of the entire section here in Colossians 3:12-17. Note, then, the significant way in which Paul introduced this section of his epistle. He began by focusing on God. Why would he draw that point first? Because our love to God is attested by our love to men. John writes:

 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also (1 John 4:20-21).

There are five things listed in Colossians 3:12 that Christians are to put on. Each of these five things relate to the way we treat our brothers and sisters in Jesus. Consequently, each of these listed qualities are important, so I have decided to take the time necessary to look at them closely.

First, we are to put on tender mercies. The King James Version translates this “bowels of compassion.” When the KJV was translated, the “bowels” were considered to be the very heart of one’s emotions. Paul is teaching that Christians are to have a heartfelt compassion for each other. We are to have a sympathetic heart. Walk in his or her shoes, consider life from his or her perspective. Relate to them. Feel their pain, and rejoice in their triumphs!

Next, we should put on kindness. Kindness is the goodness of heart that motivates us to lovingly serve one another. It is the opposite of malice (mentioned in verse 8) and lying (mentioned in verse 9). Someone has called kindness the “concrete action of compassion.” I like that. God has been kind toward us (Titus 3:4; Eph. 2:7).

Third, Paul lists humility as a must-have in our bag of Christian characteristics. Humility is “lowliness of mind” (Phil. 2:3). It’s not about a heroic attitude or surpassing others. It is about serving others. If we realized our unworthiness and had more affection and sympathy for our brethren, then there would be less fault-finding, grudge-holding, fussing and fighting among us. Let’s be THAT church!

Fourth in the list: meekness. It’s often defined as “strength under control.” Meekness is when we hold the forces of our character firmly in our hand and submit to God. 2 Corinthians 10:1 characterizes Jesus as meek and gentle. He, as always, is our perfect example.

The final item on the list in verse 12 is longsuffering. Perhaps we should add some extra emphasis on the long. One who is longsuffering is one who possesses a quiet spirit when he or she is mistreated. When we are longsuffering, we will live James 1:19, which says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

Let’s wrap it up: I’m afraid that we are sometimes guilty of really emphasizing the “put offs” or the Christian “don’ts” sometimes to the neglect of the “put ons” or the Christian “dos.” The glorious result of our putting on these marvelous qualities is harmony! It’s no wonder, then, that the Hebrews writer says “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb. 13:1).

Memory Verse: Looking today at our memory verse, we see one such say that we can preserve harmony among us. When a brother or sister succumbs to temptation, the rest of us have an obligation to help our fellow Christian! Listen to the verse:

Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Sometime today: Read Ephesians 4:3-6 and focus on the statement “there is one Lord.” Of whom does the writer speak? Why is the oneness of the Lord significant? Let’s discuss that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Email me with your comments, thoughts, and questions for Q & A Saturday! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You. Have a great Tuesday!

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Monday, April 7, 2014
“Life is a Gift”

 

 

 

 

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

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Monday, April 7, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
Walk in the ways of your heart,
And in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these
God will bring you into judgment.
Therefore remove sorrow from your heart,
And put away evil from your flesh,
For childhood and youth are vanity (Eccl. 11:9-10).

In the waning verses of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament, the wise man offers some words to summarize all that he has learned. Ecclesiastes is dedicated to finding the purpose of life. Solomon, having performed one experiment after another, finds that life “under the sun” (that is, from a human perspective, subtracting God’s presence and promises) is pointless. “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, All is vanity.” Man’s purpose in life does not lie in money, pleasure, work, or wisdom, instead the purpose of life lies in God Himself. Solomon says: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Eccl. 12:13).

Prior to that grand conclusion, though, the wise man makes a series of very important statements, found in chapters eleven and twelve. Among those great truths is this one that rises from the text: life is a gift and God intends for us to enjoy it.

Verse eight of this chapter says “But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.” Now at first glance, this verse may sound like a downer, right? We all know that dark times will accompany portions of our lives. But don’t the darker days help us to appreciate the days when the sun shines at its brightest? Isn’t it the case that we can appreciate the bright, sunshine because we have seen the clouds?

You’ve probably seen the hashtag YOLO, meaning you only live once. You know what? That’s a biblical thought! Hebrews 9:27 says “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” You only live once! So make today count. Enjoy your life now and have no regrets.

But this, of course, does not give us free reign over our lives to do anything that will bring us pleasure. That’s where verses nine and ten come in. Solomon reminds us “that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” He invites us to think long and hard on this truth, to grasp it and to understand it. As I make my daily decisions, I’m doing so in light of a coming judgment. I’m always remembering that I’ll give an answer for the things that I have done in my body, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).

So what do I do? Well, I remove sorrow from my heart and put away evil from my flesh (Eccl. 12:10). You know, there are things that extend life and there are things that destroy life. The word “sorrow” indicates trouble and worry. In other words, things that destroy life. Further, the “evil” that I am to put away indicates pain that I might bring upon myself. We have noticed before on this program that sin hurts. Our sin hurts us and our sin can hurt other people. Get rid of that pain by living right! This is how you can truly enjoy life.

Let’s wrap it up: When we control ourselves in light of God’s judgment, and when we always choose obedience to God, we can enjoy God’s precious promises. Those promises are what make life worth living! God says that I can be with Him forever in heaven! God says that, though I have sinned, I can be forgiven! God says that He will take care of me! Suddenly, the stressors in life seem much less significant and the joy in my life greatly increases! So Paul’s words seem appropriate as we wrap up this discussion:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:4-6).

Life is good. God is good.

Memory Verse: This week we turn our attention to the New Testament for our memory verse! Galatians 6:1 is where it’s found. I’ll say it once, then you repeat it with me the second time.

Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Sometime today: Head on over to Hebrews 13:1 and mediate on the thought found there. How can you carry out this command? What will you contribute toward it? More on that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Email me with your comments, thoughts, and questions for Q & A Saturday! My email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv and my voicemail number is 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

Until then, enjoy your life today, walking in the light of God’s love. See you tomorrow!

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Saturday, April 5, 2014
“Q & A Saturday”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

• 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.

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Saturday, April 5, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is the Saturday edition of THE NEW YOU!

Welcome to Q & A Saturday! Let me take just a moment here at the beginning to remind you that I could really use your questions for next week! If you have a question or comment – anything you’d like to add in to the show – I’d love to hear it! Don’t be afraid to ask anything. Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or, better yet, give me a call and let’s hear your voice right here on the show! My voicemail line is 903-265-4448.

Let’s get started.

Question #1: “How old does someone have to be to be baptized?”

I really like this question a lot. The answer is no, there is not a certain age that one must be in order to become a Christian. Instead, becoming a Christian is a matter of knowledge, understanding, and maturity. In other words, do you understand what the Bible teaches you to do in order to be saved? Do you understand why you must do those things? If so, then you are ready. No one can tell you whether you are ready to become a Christian. It is a decision that you must make yourself. However, there are many people who can help you to arrive at this decision. Your parents or grandparents, your Bible class teacher, a preacher, or an elder are just a few examples of those who would be so happy to talk with you about becoming a Christian.

Kyle Butt and John Farber wrote a great little book titled, Am I Ready to Be Baptized?. I highly recommend it to your reading if you’re wondering when you should be baptized. In the book, the authors encourage us to think on the following questions:

• Do you know who God is?
• Do you understand what sin is? Have you sinned? (see 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
• Do you know God’s plan to remove sin?
• Do you understand what it means to repent? (see Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30-31)
• If you have sinned, are you willing to repent of ALL of your sins?
• Do you know that God’s plan says that a person must confess Jesus Christ? (see Rom. 10:9-10)
• Do you know what it means to confess Jesus? (see Matthew 10:32-33)
• Do you understand that God’s plan says that a person needs to be baptized? (see Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:21, etc.)
• Do you understand what baptism does with sins? (see Acts 22:16)
• Do you understand that becoming a Christian is a life-long commitment? (Mat. 10:22; Rev. 2:10)
• Do you think you are ready to become a Christian by being baptized?

Question #2: “Does the Bible speak of dinosaurs (Job 40:15-24)?”

Yes! The reference that was included in this question could be talking of nothing other than a dinosaur – the behemoth. While some have claimed that this animal could have been something like an elephant or a hippo, these animals simply do not match up with the description here in Job 40 (like the tail, for example – an elephant’s tail is nothing like a cedar tree).

Does this mean that dinosaurs and humans coexisted? There is simply no other conclusion if we respect the Genesis account of creation (Gen. 1). Dinosaurs would have been created on days five and six with the animals of the air and water (day five), the animals of the land (day 6), and humans (day 6).

See also passages that refer to leviathan – Psalm 74:14; 104:26; Isa. 27:1.

Admittedly, this is an extremely simplistic answer to this question. If you’re interested in further study on the topic of dinosaurs in the Bible, there are several resources that I would recommend. I’ve linked them below:

• “Why Are Dinosaurs Not Mentioned in the Bible?” (Apologetics Press)
• “Dinosaurs and Humans – Together?” (Apologetics Press)
• “Walking Amidst the Dinosaurs” (Apologetics Press)
• “Dinosaurs, Science, and the Bible” (A free PDF of Lesson 5 in an Apologetics Bible Correspondence Course by Apologetics Press)
• Book: Dinosaurs Unleashed by Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons, $10.95
• Book: The Dinosaur Delusion by Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons, $10.95

That’s all that we have for this week’s edition of Q & A Saturday. Thanks so much for these great questions. The Bible can answer any question that we have relative to the sin problem, God’s gracious salvation offer, the purpose of life, and everything related thereunto. I want to thank you for studying with me today. If anything I said has been helpful to you, then I’m thankful to God.

Also, let me stop for just a minute and thank you for listening to The New You. This has been one of the most enjoyable experiences that I’ve ever had. This is the 30^th episode of The New You! I love producing these podcasts, and I love hearing from people who have been blessed by it. That’s extremely encouraging to me. It’s all about going to heaven. I can’t wait until we can all be together there.

Memory Verse: On Saturdays we like to see how well we’ve done with the week’s memory verse. Here’s what I’m going to do: I’ll say the verse but with blanks. As I say it, you say it with me and see if you can fill in the blanks. We’ll review the answers at the end. Here goes!

Ezra __:___: For Ezra had _____________ his heart to _______ the Law of the LORD, and to ____ it, and to ______________ statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Ezra 7:10: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Great job! Let’s add that one to the verses that we’ve memorized together. This is a growing list which currently contains Psalm 119:11, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Jeremiah 10:23, Romans 1:16, and now Ezra 7:10. We’ll begin to add another verse to this list on Monday, the Lord willing.

Over the weekend: Tomorrow is the first day of the week! That’s the day that the first century disciples gathered to worship (Acts 20:7). Modern followers of Christ will do the same. Do you have a place to worship tomorrow? If not, check out our show notes over at thelightnetwork.tv for an interactive map of congregations. (http://www.searchtv.org/mapchurch.html). Search for your area and I’m sure you’ll find a nearby congregation with which to worship.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. You can contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by phone at 903-265-4448. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

I’ll meet you on Monday as we begin another work week together right here on The New You!

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Friday, April 4, 2014
“Factual Faith”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

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

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Friday, April 4, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (Heb. 11:1-3).

What is faith? At one time, Webster’s dictionary defined the word this way: “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” I’m afraid too many people think of faith that way. Some people say that faith is “a leap in the dark.” They’re saying that they can’t produce evidence for some of their beliefs, but they believe them because they feel like it’s the right thing to do. That’s not my kind of faith. In fact, that’s not biblical faith.

Look at the Bible and you’ll see that true faith rests on facts. Peter wrote:

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty (2 Pet. 1:16).

Was Peter’s faith nothing more than a blind leap in the dark? Absolutely not! He says that he has proof for his beliefs. He was an eyewitness of the majesty of Jesus Christ. John echoes those sentiments 1 John 1:1:

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.

When Jesus commanded that one must believe in order to be saved (John 8:24; Mark 16:16), He never expected anyone to do so without giving them solid evidence. The apostles did likewise. Today, we have that evidence in God’s Word.

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:30-31).

We have the reliable testimony of the eyewitnesses recorded for us in the inspired – and, thus, perfect – Bible, the Word of God. Further, that same Word details for us events that transpired for which there were no eye witnesses. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1 reads. You know, the Bible has been proved to be factual time and again. It’s no wonder, then, that God’s Word states in Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

With all of this in mind, think carefully about how the Hebrews writer describes our faith. He says it is the “substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.” The word “substance” means “a standing under,” “being set under,” that is, “a foundation.” Here we see the relation that faith bears to hope. Faith is the foundation on which we stand as we hope to go to heaven eternal. Further, faith has a link to the invisible; it is “the evidence of things not seen.” That word “evidence” means “confidence,” even “confident assurance.”

Let’s wrap it up: Alleged scholars and scientists want us to believe that people of faith are dumb because we reject scientific theories such as evolution. Here’s what my faith teaches me: God exists! I know that He exists because “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psa. 19:1)! Further, Psa. 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” I know that Jesus is God’s Son (1 John 5:20). I know that the Bible is God’s Word (2 Pet. 1:20-21). I know that I am saved by my obedience to that Word (1 John 5:13). These are not blind leaps in some dark, spiritual abyss; these are facts that I can know!

Memory Verse: These facts that I know through my faith motivate me to act on my faith. James says that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Let’s take one more look at how Ezra lived by faith:

Ezra 7:10: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Over the weekend: Be sure to worship on the Lord’s day! Can I help you find a place to worship on Sunday? I’d love to help any way that I can. I’ve put a link in our show notes today (http://www.searchtv.org/mapchurch.html) that has a map of congregations. You can search for your area and I’m sure you’ll find a nearby congregation with which to worship.

Before I go… The Light Network is covering the Erhman-Butt debate happening tonight on the campus of the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. The debate topic deals with pain and suffering and whether these things mean that there is no God. If you’re going to be at tonight’s debate, then perhaps I’ll be able to see you there! For more information about our coverage, visit thelightnetwork.tv/debate.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Your questions for Q & A Saturday are always welcome! Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or ask your question by phone via my Google voicemail number, which is 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for the Q & A Saturday edition of The New You! Have a great weekend!

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Thurday, April 3, 2014
“In the Ark”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

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

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

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Thursday, April 3, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood… (Gen. 6:13-14).

The story of Noah has been getting a lot of attention lately since the film starring Russell Crowe debuted at the end of last month. A flood of discussion has ensued (see what I did there?) about the biblical accuracy of the film. Frankly, I don’t understand why anyone is really surprised that Hollywood produced a film that is the farthest thing from biblical truth.

Those who live under the New Testament law are benefited by the Old Testament when we learn the lessons that it teaches (Rom. 15:4). I know this for a fact: the story of Noah is most beneficial to us because of the lessons that it teaches us. May we listen carefully.

Today, we’ll highlight three very practical lessons that you and I can learn from the Old Testament account of Noah and the flood found in Genesis 6-8.

First, note that Noah’s ark was to be made of specific materials, giving special care even to the measurements of these materials. Noah was to fashion the ark out of gopher wood, creating a structure that was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. There was to be a window, a door on the side, and three total stories.

Second, note that everything outside of that ark would perish. Genesis 6:17 confirms this, where God says “I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die.” Verse eighteen, however, states that everyone inside the ark would live.

Third, note that only certain people were permitted to go into the ark. What made Noah eligible to be saved from the destructive flood? Genesis 6 draws an important contrast. There was the worldly majority, whose heart was consumed with wickedness, then there was the pious minority: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Gen. 6:8). Noah was just, blameless, and he “walked with God” (Gen. 6:9).

Let’s review and apply.

Inasmuch as the ark was to be built using specific materials and careful measurements, God’s place of salvation today has been fashioned just the same. The church is God’s place of salvation today. Ephesians 5:23 says that Jesus “is the Savior of the body.” Ephesians 1:22-23 teaches that the church is Christ’s body. Therefore, it follows that Jesus is the Savior of the church. Add to these thoughts the words of Acts 2:47 which says that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” What’s the point? All the people in the church have been saved, and all the saved people are in the church. The Lord’s church is made of specific materials: baptized believers, and is identified by distinct New Testament characteristics.

Just as those outside of the ark perished, so those outside the church will eternally perish. Those in Christ (that is, baptized believers, Gal. 3:26-29) are those who will be caught up to meet the Lord when He comes in the clouds (1 Thes. 4:13-18).

Finally, only certain people will be permitted into the church. Here’s what I mean by that: only those who obey the Lord can be added by Him to the church (Acts 2:41, 47), thus entering the only place wherein is salvation.

Let’s wrap it up: They say that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. In the case of Noah, that saying is true but only in a certain sense. Genesis 9:13-15 records God’s covenant with His creation that “the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” The sign of that covenant is the rainbow that you and I can still enjoy today.

But let’s not be too hasty in dismissing all other applications! Remember why God chose to destroy mankind with the flood: “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). And remember that, just like the world in Noah’s day, those who are unrighteous and disobedient to God’s Will will not be in the place of salvation, and, thus, will not be saved.

Memory Verse: These facts make this week’s verse all the more important.

Ezra 7:10: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Sometime today: Head over to Hebrews 11 and meditate on verses one through three. Tomorrow, we’re talking about faith! How does the Hebrews writer describe a Christian’s faith in that passage?

Before I go… Let me tell you once again about an upcoming debate. This Friday, April 4, Dr. Bart Ehrman will debate Kyle Butt, of Apologetics Press, on this topic: “The Pain and Suffering in the World Indicate that the Christian God Does Not Exist.” Kyle, a New Testament Christian and an apologist, will be denying this proposition. I’ll be there along with the entire team from The Light Network. Perhaps we’ll get to see you there! For more information about our coverage, visit thelightnetwork.tv/debate.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

I need your questions for the future of Q & A Saturday. Do you have a Bible question or thought? Send them to me for this week’s edition of Q & A Saturday! Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or ask your question by phone via my Google voicemail number, which is 903-265-4448.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

Today, make sure you are in that place of salvation, and then work to help someone else come into Christ. Let’s go to heaven together!

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Wednesday, April 2, 2014
“There is One Hope”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

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

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

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Wednesday, April 2, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Eph. 4:4-6).

Today we return to the great pillars of unity. Third in this list of seven “ones” is the one hope to which you were called.

Hope is expectation plus trust and confidence. The Christian’s hope is deeper than something like, “I hope it doesn’t rain today.” Hope – specifically, the hope of eternal life – is that which has been made available to us through the grace and mercy of God. Those in Christ have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Pet. 1:3, ESV).

Unlike the previous statement that I gave – “I hope it doesn’t rain today” – the hope that is found in Jesus is something that we can control. Here’s what I mean by that: whether that hope is yours is directly dependent upon whether you obey the commands of God set forth in His Word. This makes sense. We hope for heaven eternal (Col. 1:5), and Jesus says that only those who do the will of the Father will go to heaven (Mat. 7:21).

The Christian’s hope is glorious. Paul calls it “the hope of glory” in Colossians 1:27. Stop and think about heaven for a second. Heaven is a real place, you know, and because you are a New Testament Christian, you’re going there!

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:1-3).

Hope gives us a reason to live. Yes, there’s pain, persecution, crisis, fear, and a host of other unpleasant things about life, but our hope is the reason why we remain faithful. One day, we’ll be with the Lord forever! One day, we shall see Him as He is! That’s why Paul says, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep [that is, those who have passed away in death, RH], lest you sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thes. 4:13). We have hope in Christ (1 Cor. 15:12-19), and that fact comforts us regarding our brethren who have already passed from this life and regarding our own selves as we travel through life with struggles and strife.

One last glance at Ephesians 4:4 reveals a very interesting and encouraging truth. Paul says that you were “called in one hope of your calling [emp. mine, RH].” The gospel message calls the lost to come to Jesus (2 Thes. 2:14). The pages of the New Testament reveal our loving Savior saying, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mat. 11:28-30).

Let’s wrap it up: James Watkins is a great gospel preacher who is known for saying, “There is a heaven to gain, and a hell to shun.” That’s true! Nothing is worth losing your soul. Think about the hope that you have in Christ, and consider that this hope is available only to those who are in Him! That’s why Paul says there is but one hope, just like there is one body and one Spirit.

Memory Verse: Turning now to our memory verse, let’s look once again at the seventh chapter of Ezra, verse ten. I’ll say it the first time, then ask you to say it with me.

Ezra 7:10: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Great job! Committing the Word of God to memory is no trite thing. Let’s place God’s Word into our hearts that we might not sin against Him.

Sometime today: Read 1 Peter 3:18-22, and pay special attention to what is said there about Noah. Now here’s a Bible character who’s been getting a lot of attention lately! We’ll talk about Noah tomorrow.

Before I go… I want to tell you about an upcoming debate. This Friday, April 4, Dr. Bart Ehrman will debate Kyle Butt, of Apologetics Press, on this topic: “The Pain and Suffering in the World Indicate that the Christian God Does Not Exist.” Kyle, a New Testament Christian and an apologist, will be denying this proposition. The Light Network will be covering this event from backstage. For more information about our coverage, visit thelightnetwork.tv/debate.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

I need your questions for the future of Q & A Saturday. Do you have a Bible question or thought? Send them to me for this week’s edition of Q & A Saturday! Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or ask your question by phone via my Google voicemail number, which is 903-265-4448.

Richard wrote me yesterday and asked about some missing episode transcripts of The New You. It was great to hear from you, Richard, and I’m glad you brought this up! Transcripts of (most of) the episodes of this program are available online at thelightnetwork.tv or at my personal website, roberthatfield.net

I’ll meet you tomorrow for another edition of The New You.

Today, hold on to the hope you have in Jesus! That hope binds us together as God’s people. We’re working toward one goal, and that’s heaven! Stay strong, hang in there, obey God, and we’ll see each other on the other side.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2014
“April Fools”

 

 

 

 

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Monday, March 31, 2014
“A Pattern of Passion”

 

 

 

 

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Saturday, March 29, 2014
“Robert’s Spiritual Birthday”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Saturday, March 29, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Today, March 29, is a special day for me. Sixteen years ago on this very day the new me emerged for the first time. I died with Christ that day, and I rose with Him sixteen years ago from the water grave of baptism. I still remember everything about that moment. I remember the shirt I was wearing and the preacher who officiated my baptism. I remember that it took place on a Sunday evening when the Lord’s invitation was extended after a sermon, and I remember the song leader who proceeded to lead the song to encourage the lost to respond. I even remember that the congregation sang the song “Come to Jesus.”

I remember trembling and my knees trying to buckle. I remember the tempting voice inside my head that whispered things like, “You’re not ready for this. You’re too young for this. Do you really want to walk in front of all of these people? What if you can’t live the Christian life? What will other people think about you?” It’s amazing how all of those questions can resonate in your mind in just a matter of seconds.

But I remember stepping out into the aisle. We sat in the middle of the auditorium, but the walk to the front seemed to span miles and miles. I remember sitting on the front row waiting for the song conclude. I remember tears streaming down my cheek as the preacher talked to me. I remember standing up and proclaiming that I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then, I remember going back to the changing area, changing clothes, and going into the water.

I remember the feeling that immediately flooded my heart as I rose up out of that water. I remember thinking of passages like Hebrews 10:17: “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” I remember the connection I immediately felt with Jesus. The cross of Christ was no longer a concept, but something that I was part of.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57).

I remember taking the Lord’s Supper for the first time. I remember how much of an honor it was to be able to break the bread and drink the fruit of the vine to commemorate my Lord’s death. I remember, after the worship service had concluded, my new family in Christ rushed to the front where I was and congratulated me, patted me on the back, welcomed me into the family of God, and told me that they were there for me. I remember tears of joy streaming from my eyes. I remember a boy younger than me asking me why I was crying and I remember not really knowing why other than because I was so very happy! I remember rejoicing.

Today’s episode of The New You is the most unique episode that I’ve done in the month that I’ve been recording this podcast. Thanks for bearing with me. Today is a special day for me. I wish I could say that I’ve always been as faithful as I should have been, but you know that’s not true. However, today I sit on this ball behind this microphone a forgiven, justified, sanctified, child of God. I have found the Christian life to be the most worthwhile endeavor that I could ever pursue. I have found the new me, created in Christ Jesus, to be much more likable than the me I used to be. I have found a peace that is beyond my ability to comprehend. I have found a joy that never leaves.

My friend, I hope you have that, too. If you do, I hope today’s podcast has served to remind you of the day that you were born again – into God’s family.

Let’s wrap it up: I do believe that someone must be baptized in order to be saved and to ultimately go to heaven. My Lord said that baptism is required and He said that whoever does not obey will be condemned (Mat. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). The inspired penman Peter said that baptism saves us (1 Pet. 3:21). Any time anyone was told what to do in order to be saved in the book of Acts, they were told to be baptized. That is the point at which you will come in contact with the blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3-4).

If you’re listening to this podcast, then you probably already know all of this. But there’s a chance that someone may not. My friend, today, Saturday, March 29, 2014, I’m talking to you. Won’t you obey the Lord by giving your life to Him through baptism? He will make you a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), so that you can, from that point forward, walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). This podcast is all about growing as a Christian, maturing the new you. I thank you for joining me on this journey.

Memory Verse: Turning now to this week’s memory verse, we’ve been reviewing this one all week long. On Saturdays, I like to ask you to fill in the blanks. I’ll say the verse, but with pauses instead of some of the words. See if you can fill in the blanks!

Romans 1:16: “For I am not ___________ of the ____________ of Christ, for it is the ____________ of God to ______________ for everyone who believes, for the ______ first and also for the ________.”

Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

This Weekend: You have the wonderful privilege of worshipping your heavenly Father who loves you and who gave His only begotten Son for you. Don’t miss that opportunity to worship God tomorrow on the Lord’s day.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

Q & A Saturday depends on the questions or comments that we receive from you! Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or contact me by phone at 903-265-4448. Again, I’d love to hear from you with either a question or a comment by the end of next week. Call or email me with your thoughts.

Thanks for spending part of your Saturday with me here. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend! I’ll meet you on Monday as we begin another week together right here on The New You!

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Friday, March 28, 2014
“God Does Not Dwell in Temples Made with Hands”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Friday, March 28, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered [Paul]. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? (Acts 17:18-19).

The term Areopagus is another word for Mars Hill. Paul was in Athens, Greece and had been preaching to the people in the synagogue and in the agora, that is, the market place. When the philosophers heard him, they invited him to come before what some people call the Council of the Areopagus. They wanted to hear more about the doctrine that Jesus was teaching.

Some historians claim that the Council of the Areopagus was responsible for watching over religion and education there in the city of Athens. They invited Paul to the Areopagus not to put him on trial, but to hear his new doctrine. Acts 17:21 says, “For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.”

Paul certainly had something new to share with these people. He gained their interest from the very beginning of his speech when he observed:

Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you (Acts 17:22-23).

This is a very interesting text, and Paul’s speech is extremely profound. Time does not allow us to look at all of the minute details of this event. Perhaps we will return here at some point in the future. For today, I want us to focus on what Paul teaches us about God. Warren Wiersbe makes four great observations in the Bible Exposition Commentary series. I’d like to borrow those for our discussion today.

1. The GREATNESS of God: He is Creator (Acts 17:24). Paul begins with a bold declaration: “God, who made the world and everything in it.” The Epicureans were atheists and believed that all was matter and that matter always was. The Stoics said that everything was God, talking about “the spirit of the Universe.” But Paul boldly affirms that God created everything and that He is a great God! He is not distant from creation, nor is He imprisoned in it. Paul says, “God … does not dwell in temples made with hands.” God is great!

2. The GOODNESS of God: He is Provider (Acts 17:25). Wiersbe states that “in two brief statements, Paul completely wiped out the entire religious system of Greece” (p 473)! First, Paul said that God doesn’t dwell in man-made temples. Second, Paul proclaimed that God is not worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything. God is God, and He is self-sufficient. God doesn’t need man to worship Him, yet God certainly desires a relationship with His created people. So God provides for us. He “gives to all life, breath, and all things.” He is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17; 2 Pet. 1:3). God’s goodness should lead us to repentance and obedience to His will (Rom. 2:4). God is good!

3. The GOVERNMENT of God: He is Ruler (Acts 17:26-29). God cares about us. The Greek gods were distant and uncaring of the problems of men. Why would men create false gods who didn’t care about them? I have no idea. Here’s what Paul says about the God of Heaven and earth: God wants us to “seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). God loves us and He wants a relationship with us! We were made in His image (Gen. 1:26-27), and have been adopted in His family by Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). “Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising (Acts 17:29). God is our ruler!

4. The GRACE of God: He is Savior (Acts 17:30-34). Paul says that there was a time when God overlooked man’s ignorance. His Will was not yet revealed in its entirety. God withheld His divine wrath during this time. But Paul says, “Now [God] 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 [that’s Jesus]. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Titus 3:4 describes the kindness and love that God our Savior showed to fallen man.

Let’s wrap it up: God is a gracious, governing, good, and great God. He cares for you and for me. He wants us to go to heaven! He wants us to serve and to obey Him. This Sunday, we will have an opportunity to worship Him. We don’t offer our worship because He needs it. We offer it to Him because He is worthy. Because He is our God and we are His people.

Memory Verse: Do you have this week’s verse down yet? Let’s review it together.

Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

Looking to tomorrow: I have a special Saturday edition of The New You planned for tomorrow. At least, it’s special to me. I hope you’ll join me.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. You can contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by phone at 903-265-4448. Archives of this program and more Christian podcasts can be found online at thelightnetwork.tv.

I’ll meet you tomorrow for our Saturday edition of The New You.