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The New You: March 17, 2014 (ep 13)

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Monday, March 17, 2014
“The Gospel According to You”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Monday, March 17, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart (2 Cor. 3:1-3).

Back in Paul’s day, much emphasis was given to a teacher’s credentials. The Judaizers boasted in their letters of recommendation from “important people.” They pointed out that Paul did not have these credentials. By the way, who are these “important people” in the church? Does the New Testament not teach that “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34)? Paul understood this. A little later in 2 Corinthians, in chapter 10, Paul will point out the fallacy of comparing ourselves with those who commend themselves and measure themselves by themselves. He says they “are not wise” (1 Cor. 10:12).

Paul didn’t need any letters of recommendation to validate his teaching. He was an inspired apostle of Jesus Christ! But instead of working some miracle to silence his critics, Paul simply pointed to those to whom he had ministered. He pointed out the fact that they were a product of his ministry and that they were more than sufficient credentials for his ministry. He said, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” (2 Cor. 3:2).

In typical fashion, Paul was not willing to leave the impression that he was great or worthy of praise. He quickly pointed back to Christ. He said, “clearly you are an epistle of Christ” (2 Cor. 3:3). Though Paul instructed them, these Corinthian Christians were nonetheless disciples of Christ.

As we begin a new work week today, I’m reminded of the fact that Christians show Jesus to other people. It’s often said, but that doesn’t take away the truth of the sentiment: you and your actions may be the only exposure to God’s truth that a person may get today.

In 1 Peter, the inspired writer addressed wives whose husbands were not Christians. He reminded them that their lives could very well influence their husbands to want to obey the Lord.

Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives (1 Pet. 3:1).

Sometimes it doesn’t even take a word to influence someone for Jesus.

Let’s wrap it up: How are you going to point other people to Jesus today? What plan do you have in place that will cause people to see your Lord when they look at you? Remember that Christ is not just a part of our life, Christ is to be our life (Col. 3:4). For a Christian, Christ is as much a part of you as your very own personality. Let Him live in you. Let others see Him in you.

Memory Verse: A new week means a new memory verse! We’ve already memorized Psalm 119:11 and 1 Corinthians 15:58. This week we return to the Old Testament. Jeremiah’s words are still needed today. I’ll say it once to you, and then I’ll ask you to repeat it with me the second time.

Jeremiah 10:23: “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today: Return to Colossians 3 and meditate on verses five through seven. What were the Christians at Colosse like before they were converted to Jesus? That passage will give you the answer. We’ll study that passage together 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.

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 another edition of The New You.

Until then, think of ways that you can let Jesus shine in your life. Let other people see His light, and be ready to give them an answer for the reason of the hope that is in you. See you tomorrow.

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The New You: March 15, 2014 (ep 12)

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Saturday, March 15, 2014
“Q & A Saturday!”

 

 

 

 

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Question #1: “How do you change a person’s opinion on baptism? Especially when they say they don’t have to be baptized because the thief on the cross was not baptized and he was saved.”

  • You cannot divorce salvation from baptism.
  • See Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21; Luke 23:38-43

Question #2: “What does God’s Word say about interracial marriage?”

  • Nothing.
  • See Old Testament restrictions in Deuteronomy 7:3-4
  • See also Acts 10:34; Galatians 3:26-29; 2 Corinthians 6:14

Question #3: “How should I deal with people who refuse to accept my apology? No matter how hard I try to make things right and normal again, they seem to always turn it back around on me.”

  • Unfortunately, some people will withhold their forgiveness from us, despite our best efforts to make things right with them and with God.
  • See Matthew 18:21-35
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Is Wealth Linked with Unfaithfulness?

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Evidence of the secularization of our culture continues, with little hope of change in the future. One in five Americans now say that faith does not play an important role in their lives. This data comes from the most recent faith poll conducted by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal. NBC News reporter Carrie Dann released her article on Wednesday titled “Losing Faith: 21 Percent Say Religion ‘Not That Important’.” This number is up from 16 percent of Americans in 1999 who said that religion did not play an important role in their lives, and from 14 percent who admitted this in 1997.

The reason I said that there is little hope of change in the future is because of the demographics identified in the news piece.

The poll showed that these less religious Americans are more likely to be men, have an income over $75,000, to live in the Northeast or West and to be under the age of 35.

This data agrees with that from the Pew Research Center released one week ago today, on March 7, 2014. In their report titled “Millennials in Adulthood: Detached From Institutions, Networked with Friends,” the Pew Research Center found that the youngest generation of adults, known as the Millennials (those born after 1980), are less likely to be religious. Roughly 20 percent of adult Americans have no religious identification. Of the Millennials, 1 out of 3 classify themselves as “nones,” that is, they have no religious affiliation.

I know that, statistically speaking, many people become more religious as they age, but we have to remember that the Millennial generation (of which I am a part) is statistically the lowest when it comes to religion.

 These are at or near the highest levels of political and religious disaffiliation recorded for any generation in the quarter-century that the Pew Research Center has been polling on these topics (Pew report, p 4).

As the youngest adults in America today, the trends of the Millennials are actually the trends for America’s future. Religion is on the decline socially speaking, and secularism is on the rise.

Dann’s report repeats these same findings. The least religious Americans are under 35 years old and male. They live in the Northeast and in the West, and make over $75,000.

In his daily podcast, The Briefing, Dr. Albert Mohler identifies four salient points from the NBC News report:

  1. Gender: Men are more likely to be secular than women.
  2. Income: Those likely to be secular are likely to have an income over $75,000.
  3. Geography: Those more likely to be secular are more likely to live in the Northeast and West.
  4. Age: Those who tend to be secular tend to be under age 35.

Each of these four points is worthy of consideration, but the issue of income is the one that rises to the top in my mind. As a preacher, I am more dedicated to preaching about wealth and stewardship of wealth than I have ever been before. Preaching about money is often like preaching about worry. Both of these are important topics on which God has spoken in His Word. However, I find that many of us try to shake off these sermons. It’s as if some are implying “I know you need to preach that because it’s in the Bible, but we don’t really need that sermon here in America.” If there is anything that I have learned from traveling to foreign places and experiencing their culture it is that American Christians need to hear those topics the most.

Today, I am prayerfully considering the following verses. I want them to challenge my thinking and my view of the “American dream.” I’m begging you to do the same.

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful (Mat. 13:22).

And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mat. 19:24).

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

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The New You: March 14, 2014 (ep 11)

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Friday, March 14, 2014
“A Worshipful Attitude”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Friday, March 14, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13).

New Testament worship involves three important components: the right object (God), the right attitude, and the right actions. Worship that lacks one or more of these things is not acceptable worship to God. Last Friday, we examined the right object of worship. Today, let’s focus on the attitude of worship.

Jesus told a parable of two men: a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee came to the temple to pray and offered a self-eulogy, highlighting his lack of sin and noting his acts of religious piety. His arrogance continued as he thanked God that he was so unlike other men. By contrast, the tax collector was humble: “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Jesus said that the tax collector was justified; the Pharisee was not. The lesson: worship saturated with egotism is unacceptable.

Worship isn’t about us. It’s about God. Simple acknowledging that fact isn’t enough to be acceptable to God, though. We must maintain the proper attitude in worship. How do we cultivate an acceptable worshipful attitude? I’d like to suggest four, Scriptural characteristics that every worshipper should have:

First, a worshipper must be humble. Remember who you are and Who God is. That Pharisee was too caught up on himself for him to realize that the One to whom he “prayed” knew exactly what he was really like! James says that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Therefore, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Second, a worshipper must be reverent and respectful. I love the Old Testament because it is filled with references to God’s greatness. Consider two passages from the Old Testament. First, Psalm 114:7: “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” Then Habakkuk 2:20: “The LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him” Worship is serious. We shouldn’t approach it lightly. That’s not to say that we can’t or shouldn’t enjoy worship, but we must understand that worship isn’t about entertaining us. Instead, worship is about expressing praise to our worthy Father.

Third, a worshipper must be a servant. This falls in line with humility, doesn’t it? Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do [is there anything left out of the word “whatever”?] in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Finally, a worshipper must intend to worship. Do you want a worshipful attitude? Then realize that worship does not happen accidentally. You know, you could attend – and outwardly participate in – a worship service and not render acceptable worship to God. Worship without the right attitude (that is, worship without heart) is just a series of meaningless acts as far as you’re concerned. In Genesis 22:5, when Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son, Isaac, Abraham said to his young men: “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” Notice that the worship was going to begin at a specific time. In Acts 24:11, Paul refers to the amount of time that had elapsed since he had worshipped in Jerusalem with the church there. Again, there was a specific time to worship.

Let’s wrap it up: When you arrive at the assembly location, be sure you are mentally prepared to worship. Come with a humble, respectful, servant, deliberate attitude, ready to offer to God your best spiritual sacrifices of worship.

Memory Verse: Do you have this week’s verse down yet? Let’s say it together one more time!

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (Repeat once)

Over the weekend: Tomorrow is Q & A Saturday! I’ve received some great questions and am excited to discuss them with you. Also, 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 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.

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.

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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The New You: March 13, 2014 (ep 10)

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Thursday, March 13, 2014
“Christ is My Life”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Thursday, March 13, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:2-4).

Let’s face it: some people just don’t understand the Christian life. They’ll think we’re strange for choosing to do the things we do, or for choosing not to do some of the things that we don’t do. But you’re not alone Peter said that this would happen over in 1 Peter 4:4: “they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you.”

When you set your mind on things above, your interests and your actions, will also have a heavenly focus. And, when that happens, you’ll begin to hit some road blocks. Paul’s advice to you is this: don’t let it get you down! In Colossians 3, the persecutor-turned-preacher reminded his brethren of three important truths: a death, a disguise, and a disclosure. These same three truths will serve as a great reminder for modern Christians who meet resistance.

First, he reminds them of a death. Paul said, “for you died…” (Col. 3:3). Isn’t it interesting that this is the second time he has mentioned the death of the old man in the waters of baptism? In verse one, he mentioned that they had been raised with Christ, and now in verse three he refers to their death with Christ. Christians died with Christ in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4), but they also died to the world. In Colossians 2:20, Paul says that Christians “died with Christ from the basic principles of the world.” In Galatians 6:14, Paul says that he was crucified to the world.
While Paul mentions their death, he also mentions their life. He says, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” They died, and yet they live! We discussed that Christian concept one week ago today on the March 6th episode of The New You.

Second, Paul tells them of a disguise. He says, “your life is hidden with Christ in God.” How is a Christian’s life hidden? I think the real question is from whom is it hidden? The verb tense of the Greek language here could most accurately be translated “has been hidden.” What is Paul saying? He’s saying that our life is in Christ. Christ is the source of our spiritual life. A spiritually focused life is hidden to a world that rejects Christ. Therefore, our lives are hidden from the world. To put it in different terms, the world won’t understand why you choose to dedicate your life to Christ because the world doesn’t believe in Christ as the Son of God, the King of kings and Lord of Lords. The world thinks it’s strange for you to dedicate your life to an individual who lived 2,000 years ago. But your faith is in Him. You know He is the Christ. You wouldn’t be spiritually alive today were it not for Him! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)!

Finally, Paul tells them of a disclosure. Your life won’t be hidden from proponents of worldliness forever. There is coming a day when everyone will know that Christ is the Lord. Then your life’s decisions will make sense to them. Paul says, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:4). That word “appears” means to show or reveal oneself to someone. Contrast “appears” with “hidden.” There is coming a day when the world will know!

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:10-11).

On that day when Christ appears in the sky, the Bible says that the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thes. 4:13-18), then the faithful who are alive at the time of His coming will rise to meet Him in the air, “and thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

In Romans 8, Paul said that Christians, as children of God, are “heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him.” Listen especially to what he said next: “that we may also be glorified together” (Rom. 8:17). He continued in verse 18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

What a glorious thought that, one day, the world will know!

Let’s wrap it up: You don’t answer to anyone but God concerning how you live your life. So make wise decisions. Don’t let anyone hinder you from running the Christian race toward heaven, and try to take as many people with you as you possibly can.

Memory Verse: The more we repeat it, the more we will retain it! I’ll say our memory verse the first time, then I’ll ask you to say it with me the second time around.

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today: Head over to Luke 18 and read verses nine through fourteen. Consider the attitude we should have in worship. That’s tomorrow’s topic here on The New You.

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.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

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

Today, if you encounter a situation in which Satan is trying to throw some resistance in your life against Christianity, remember the death you died, the disguise that you wear to some worldly people, but the disclosure that will appear one day when Christ comes to take us home!

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The New You: March 12, 2014 (ep 9)

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014
“To: You, From: God”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Wednesday, March 12, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Old Testament wise man acknowledged this fact: “of making many books there is no end” (Eccl. 12:12). But when you pick up God’s book, you’ve found a volume unlike anything else on earth.

No book compares to the Bible. It is a book of books: 66 total, 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 books in the New Testament. It was written over a period of 1500-1600 years. As I read to you a moment ago from 2 Timothy 3, it’s words are inspired of God. Human penmen were used to record the Word of God – about 40 total. These inspired writers came from all varieties of backgrounds, and economic statuses, and yet their message was unified. Prophets foretold the events in the Old Testament, and, several hundred years later, those events transpired and were recorded by the New Testament writers. This is truly an amazing feat!

We could go on and on discussing the accuracy of the Word of God. Though it isn’t a science book, it has been proven to be scientifically accurate! Though not a history book, the Bible’s history is continually proven to be true.

I’m telling you: your copy of the Bible – whether digital or hard copy (or, for most of us, both several times over) – is an incredible treasure. It’s important that we understand just how valuable the “Good Book” is. It is more than an all-time best seller filled with great advice for a good life. It is our guide book. Whatever it says to do, that we must do! Why? Because it is the very Word of God.

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul says that the Bible was given to us so “that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Cor. 2:12).

And so, we return to the text that I read a moment ago: 2 Timothy 3:16-17. God’s Word is all-sufficient. It has everything we need. Peter said that God has “given us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). He has revealed those things to us in His Word. Back to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul illustrates the all-sufficiency of Scripture in four ways:

First, the Scripture is profitable for doctrine, that is, teaching. It is the standard, or rule book, of faith and practice. We need nothing other than the Bible for spiritual guidance.

Second, God’s Word is profitable for reproof, or refutation. The Bible refutes sin and convicts us of the error in our lives.

Third, the Bible is profitable for correction, or restoration. In other words, God’s Word tells us what to do to make right whatever is wrong.

Fourth, the Word is profitable for instruction, or education, in righteousness. God’s Word is the lamp to our feet and the light to our pathway to heaven (Psa. 119:105). As such, it shows us the way not only to get right with the Lord, but to stay right with Him! It instructs us on how to live faithfully.

Listen to R.C.H Lenski’s thoughts on the passage before us:

“The Scripture is thus absolutely incomparable; no other book, library, or anything else in the world is able to make a lost sinner wise for salvation; no other Scripture, since it lacks inspiration of God whatever profit it may otherwise afford, is profitable for these ends: teaching us the true saving facts—refuting the lies and the delusions that deny these facts—restoring the sinner or fallen Christian to an upright position—educating, training, disciplining one in genuine righteousness. The character of the source (God-inspired) is matched by the profit produced; the profit attests the character of the source” (Lenski, 841).

Let’s wrap it up: Any opportunity you and I have to open the Word is one we should take. We should definitely make time every day to talk to God in prayer and to allow God to talk to us. We have His book so readily available! What a shame to let it sit, only to be carried to church assemblies on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Memory Verse: It’s memory verse time! Paul has a message of persistence and faithfulness for us in this week’s verse. I love the last part which reminds us that our labors are not empty or useless! Say it with me:

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Sometime today: Return to Colossians chapter three and read over verses three and four. As you do, contemplate in what sense a Christian’s life is “hidden with Christ in God.” We’ll study that together 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.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

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

View the Word of God as a great blessing, and remember that with great blessing comes great responsibility. May God bless us all as we hear and apply His Word.

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The New You: March 11, 2014 (ep 8)

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014
“Think Up” (Col. 3:1-2)

 

 

 

 

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It’s Tuesday, March 11, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).

These words were penned to a group of Christians in Colosse. Our brethren there were facing intense persecution from their religious culture. They were being told that Christianity wasn’t true religion. Instead, they were told that true religion was all about festivals, new moons, sabbaths, and things like perverted humility and worship of angels (all of these things are specifically referenced in Colossians chapter two).

I see a parallel here to our culture. I recently came across a blog post that was supposedly identifying the problems in the Lord’s church. They said our worship services should become more contemporary, complete with a wide, open stage, dual projection screens, and proper lighting, having the stage lit well and the rest of the room darker. This is required, the blogger postulated, for churches to grow in our modern time.

That isn’t worship, and that’s not religion. That’s called materialism. More specifically, it could be identified as “having itching ears” (2 Tim. 4:3).

Paul had a message of clarity for the Colossians. You and I will find religious clarity in his words, too.

He says, “if you were raised with Christ…” and they were, weren’t they? You were, too, when you rose from the watery grave of baptism (Rom. 6:4). That death and resurrection changed everything for those Colossians. Paul reflects that in the next words: “seek those thing which are above.” See, the false teachers were wrapped up in worldly religion. They weren’t really honoring God at all with all of their mumbo jumbo. The “things which are above” are things in heaven. He’s saying, “seek heaven!” A Christian’s interests have changed!

As a Christian, I am most interested in pleasing my Lord. To that end, notice why they should seek Heaven. It’s not because Heaven will be a place of rest from earthly labors. It’s not because you don’t ever get sick in Heaven. It’s not even because there’s no more death in Heaven. The reason why we are to seek things above is because that’s where Christ is.

Let’s wrap it up: It important to evaluate your motives. Why are you doing what you’re doing? Paul places Christ at the core of true religion. You know what? That’s exactly where Christ belongs. In Colossians 3:4, Paul says that Christ is our life. Is Christ your Lord? Only if you obey His commands (Luke 6:46). The New Testament church preached Christ – He was at the core of both their doctrine and their deeds.

So don’t buy into the ideas that Christianity is supposed to draw large crowds and be culturally acceptable. God certainly want all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4), but the New Testament truth is still the only thing that sets men free from sin (Jkhn 8:32; 17:17).

Memory Verse: Did you notice that this week’s memory verse is a little longer than last week’s?! I know you can memorize it! Think about what Paul is saying in the passage. This is a message of endurance, an exhortation to faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today: Look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and list the purpose of Scripture.

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.

Remember Q & A Saturday! Send in your questions now either by email or by phone, and we’ll answer them in an upcoming Saturday broadcast. The email address is robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

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

Until then, seek Christ. Think about Him, talk about Him, and live like Him. Remember that He is in heaven above, and don’t let anything get in your way of going there to be with Him.

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The New You: March 10, 2014 (ep 7)

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Monday, March 10, 2014
“Love Not the World”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Monday, March 10, 2014, I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

Note that there are two types of love contrasted here: there is the love of the world and the love of the Father. John, often styled as the apostle of love, has written on these themes before when he recorded Christ’s words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Note that both passages use similar words, but with far different meanings. 1 John 2:15 tell us not to love the world or the things in it. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Obviously, we’re talking about two different types of love, and two meanings behind the word “world.”

When God outpoured His great love through the gift of His Son, He did so for those who inhabit the earth. Thus “God so loved the world.” He’s talking about the human race. That love was sacrificial, unselfish, and motivated by what we needed. That love was directed at you!

By contrast, when John commanded that we should not love the world or the things in it, he was describing the sphere of evil that exists on this earth. We are not to love those things that rival or exclude the love of God. We are not to love things that are immoral or that will cause us to place things, pleasures, or interests ahead of God. Jesus put it this way: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mat. 6:33).

Notice that to love worldly things is in stark contrast with loving God. They cannot coexist. It’s one or the other. So, John continues in 1 John 2: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (2:16). None of these things will orient our focus to God. In fact, if we’re caught up in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, we will only be drawn more and more away from God. 

In the Truth commentary series, Daniel H. King, Sr describes these three aspects of sin. He says the “lust of the flesh” has to do with what one has and uses to evil ends. The “lust of the eyes” has to do with what one does not have. These two lusts, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, are focused on the outward show of things, they don’t care about the eternal consequences. Finally, King says “the pride of life” has to do with self-glorification. It’s all about ME.

That’s clearly not the new you! Remember, we’re walking by faith (2 Cor. 5:7), focusing on the eternal things that are not seen versus the temporal things that are seen (2 Cor. 4:16-18). John is clued into this idea, too! He writes: “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Let’s wrap it up: Things, desires, pleasures, gain … this worldliness isn’t going to last. Don’t deceive yourself! You’re just wasting time with it. Instead, focus on your Father Who loves you, your Savior Who died for you, the Spirit Who has made it possible for you to know the way to heaven, and your reward for faithfully following God’s plan.

Memory Verse: It’s a new week, and we have a new verse to memorize! I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me. Remember to memorize the verse citation, too! Here goes:

1 Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (Repeat once)

Sometime today: Go to Colossians 3 and read verses one and two. As you do, think about Christ. What did you do with Him? Where is He now? And what does that mean for you today? That’s what we’ll discuss 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.

Our first Q & A Saturday was last Saturday and I had a blast! Do you have a Bible question? Send it to me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv, or call 903-265-4448 to ask a question by phone.

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

Stop for a minute and think about this world. Look around and remind yourself that you can’t take any of it with you. It isn’t worth it to gain the whole world if you lose your own soul. Take at least one step today to get you closer to God and farther from worldliness.

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The New You: March 8, 2014 (ep. 6)

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Saturday, March 8, 2014
“Q & A Saturday!”

 

 

 

 

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It’s Saturday, March 8, 2014. I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is the weekend edition of THE NEW YOU!

You have questions? Well the Bible has the answers! That’s what Saturdays are all about here on The New You. I don’t have all of the answers, and I certainly don’t claim to be a scholar of any type. But I have the book that has the answers, and that book is the Bible.

I have some great questions here! Before we get to them, let me remind you that you can email or call in your very own questions for a future Q & A Saturday! Email me at robert@thelightnetwork.tv. Call our voicemail line at 903-265-4448.

Here’s question #1: “Studying: how do you go about it? What topics should I consider?”

I love this question. You can study the Bible several ways. Here are two that might work for you:

  • Pick a book of the Bible. It might be a good idea to start with a smaller book, like James or 1 John. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can read through five or six chapters!
  • Pick a topic and research it in the Bible. Do you have an interest in a certain topic? Want to know what the Bible says about this issue or that one? Studying the Bible topically will help you find the answers. Any time we’re studying the Bible about a topic or issue, it’s important that we do the research to find all of God’s teachings on the matter. They’re not always grouped together in one paragraph in the middle of Matthew. Listen to Psalm 119:160: “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” The ESV says “The sum of your word is truth.”

Good tools will assist you in your study. Let me offer a few suggestions:

  • Have some paper and a pen. Jot down interesting phrases, verses, etc.
  • Have a dictionary.
  • Another great tool is Ready Reference for Growing Christians by Paul Sain (http://ift.tt/1imazcF).
  • Use Blue Letter Bible (http://ift.tt/1imazcG).

Always block off a specific amount of time for you to study. Schedule time when you can really concentrate on the word. Write it on your calendar or in your planner so you are sure to keep this important appointment. Put a time limit on it so you’re not tempted to irreverently fly through a few verses, close the book, and check off your obligation. Let God talk to you through His Word! You need it! “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4).

Include prayer in your personal study time. Thank God for His Word and for the guidance it gives you. Pray for strength of mind to retain what you’ve read, and for strength of will to apply it.

Question #2: “Is it possible for a person to speak in tongues now like they did on the day of Pentecost?”

Great question! The answer is no. Now let me tell you why.

I love to study Acts 2. We’re preparing to dive into Acts 2 and camp there for a while on The Church on Trial podcast (also available at TheLightNetwork.tv). This was the day of Pentecost following Christ’s death. The year was around A. D. 33. Jesus had promised His apostles that, when they went to Jerusalem, they would be endued with power from on high. Acts 2:1-4 records that the apostles were all filled with the Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

We don’t have to guess what those words “other tongues” mean. Acts 2:6 tells us that the people were able to hear them speak in their own language. In other words, the apostles were given the miraculous ability from the Holy Spirit to speak languages they had never studied. What an incredible miracle!

We learn from passages like Acts 19:6 that the apostles could lay hands on men and empower them to do powerful signs. In book of 1 Corinthians, Paul discusses spiritual gifts (that is, miraculous gifts) in length. 1 Corinthians 12-14 are all about this very topic. I want to turn your attention now to that passage.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul identifies nine spiritual gifts:

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills (1 Cor. 12:7-11).

Note that the context of this list deals with the fact that these gifts, though they differ in ability, come from the same Spirit. He’s teaching them unity! The rest of 1 Corinthians 12 bears that out.

Drop down to 1 Corinthians 12:29-31 and see what he says:

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

There’s something greater than these great, powerful, and miraculous gifts of the Spirit! What is it? That’s 1 Corinthians 13: love! In the great love chapter, Paul says: “ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”

When did they vanish away? When the Word of God was fully revealed. Listen to the the next two verses: “For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” Over in Ephesians 4, Paul said that the miraculous events evidenced through the apostles and prophets would last “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

So, can someone speak in tongues today like the apostles did on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2? No. Let me also mention this: no one has that ability today. We have the complete revelation of the Word of God, and we have the recorded miracles in the written Word to help us build our faith (John 20:30-31).

Question #3: “If a friend asks me why we don’t have musical instruments in the worship, how do I respond? They reference that the angels play the harps.”

The issue of authority for music in worship is an important issue, which makes this question an important question.

First, to specifically address the question in the way that it has been asked, I have picked through every passage of the Bible that mentions a harp (there are 52 of them in the NKJV), and I haven’t found one passage that specifically says that angels play harps in heaven. If I’ve overlooked something, then please let me know.

Second, and most importantly, whether angels play harps in heaven or whether they don’t, that is not of concern to us as New Testament Christians. The New Testament is clear regarding the type of music that we have in worship. Only vocal music is authorized in the New Testament.

I’m specifying the New Testament so much because it is the law under which we live today. That there were instruments employed in Old Testament worship is unquestioned. Passage after passage proves that they were! But that was the Old Law. That Law was taken out of the way when Christ died on the cross (Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 2:14). So we cannot use the Old Testament Law to answer a question about New Testament worship.

As I said, the New Testament is clear regarding our singing in worship. Here are a few of the passages:

“[B]e filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18-19).

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:16-17).

  • What is the SOURCE of our singing? “In your hearts”
  • What is the PURPOSE of our singing? “Teaching and admonishing”
  • What is the MANNER of our singing? “With grace in your hearts”
  • What is the AIM of our singing? “To the Lord”
  • What is the BACKGROUND of our singing? “Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly”
  • What TYPE OF SONGS are we to sing? “Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”

That does it for Q & A Saturday. I’m grateful to those who submitted these great questions to me, and I’m looking forward to doing this again next Saturday, the Lord willing.

Memory Verse: Now that we’ve been going over this verse all week, I have a feeling that you have Psalm 119:11 down pat. Here’s what I’m going to do: I’ll say the verse with some pauses. I want to see if you can fill in the blanks! I’ll give the answers at the end. Ready?

Psalm ___:__: “Your _____ I have hidden in my ______, That I might not _____ against _____.”

Did you get it? Let’s see. Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.”

Over the weekend: Tomorrow is 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 again today (http://ift.tt/1owEsEH) that has a map of congregations. Search for your area and I’m sure you’ll find a nearby congregation with which to worship.

Part of preparing to worship is ensuring that you’ll get to the assembly building on time! Don’t forget to set your clock forward one hour tonight as you go to bed.

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 week together right here on The New You!

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The New You: March 7, 2014 (ep. 5)

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Friday, March 7, 2014
“Worship is God’s”

 

 

 

 

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

The setting: Jacob’s well in Sychar, a city in Samaria. Jesus stopped there to rest as He traveled to Galilee. A Samaritan woman approached the well and a spiritual conversation ensued. The topic of worship arose and Jesus proclaimed this truth:

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

What we’re preparing to do day after tomorrow, on the Lord’s day, is no insignificant matter. Worship is important. From the verse before us, John 4:24, we see three components of true worship: the right object, the right attitude, and the right actions. Today, I want us to talk about the object of our worship.

Look carefully at what Jesus said: “God is Spirit, and those who worship … must worship Him.” My point is this: God is the object of our worship. Or, to say it in different terms, worship is about God. In the account of Christ’s temptation, Satan said, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Jesus’ response: “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Mat. 4:9-10).

Since worship belongs to God and not to us and since it is directed at God and not to us, it follows that God alone has the right to define and regulate worship. The Psalmist says, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him” (Psa. 89:7). The angel told John in Revelation, “Worship God” (Rev. 22:9).

God has, in fact, given us the regulations for our worship to Him. Perhaps those regulations are not in line with what we would choose if it were up to us to regulate worship. But that’s just it: it isn’t up to us.

So, when someone attempts to excuse himself from the command to sing in worship by saying something like, “I can’t sing. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket!” What that person fails to realize is this: it’s not about what you think about your singing voice. It’s about expressing that worship to God.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” the old saying goes. And the same can be said by our Father in heaven as we worship Him. As God looks upon the worship assemblies of His saints, I do not believe that He is concerned with the stained glass windows, state-of-the-art technology, or even the color of the carpet. God is interested in the hearts of the worshippers.

This point is seen all the way back in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter one. Here, God rebukes the people as they offer their sacrifices that were commanded by the Old Testament law. God referred to their sacrifices as “futile,” “an abomination,” and “iniquity” – and that’s just in Isa. 1:13! Why is God displeased here? The people are offering sacrifices! At least they’re acknowledging Him, right? Wrong. Later, in Isaiah 29:13, we read this: “These people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me.”

God is still interested in your heart. It is to be directed toward Him, and, when it is, your actions will be acceptable to God, also.

Let’s wrap it up: As you prepare to assemble with the saints this Lord’s day, take a moment to meditate on the idea of what you’re about to do. You’re about to offer sacrifices from your heart expressed through your actions of song, prayer, meditation on the Lord’s Supper, attention to God’s Word, and cheerful giving of your financial blessings. All of this is directed toward God in heaven. He is the receiver of your worship.

That being the case, don’t go to the worship assembly with the “What-am-I-going-to-get-out-of-this” mentality. It’s not about you. Approach the worship ready to employ all of yourself in praising and worshipping the God who loves you and who has adopted you into His family through Jesus Christ.

Memory Verse: This week’s memory verse has been carefully selected. If you’ll keep the Word of God in your heart, then the new you will really begin to shine through. For the final time this week, let’s remind ourselves of the verse:

Psalm 119:11: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” (Repeat once)

Over the weekend: Be sure to catch our very first Q & A Saturday episode tomorrow! We have some great questions lined up. I’m excited to discuss them with you. Also, 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 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.

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 the Q & A Saturday edition of The New You!

Use this weekend to let your light shine, serve Jesus, and glorify God! Have a great one!