Author: Robert

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Monday, November 10, 2014
“The Gospel Must be PROCLAIMED”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16).

That’s the Great Commission charge with which you and I have been entrusted. You know, when you think about it, the gospel is a great blessing. At its core, the gospel is a good news message – a message of salvation for a world that is lost in sin. But with great blessings come great responsibilities. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels,” Paul wrote, “that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).

The gospel must be proclaimed. Here are three reasons why you and I should do just that.

1. Declare the gospel message because you love God.

Listen to the way Paul put it in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4:

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Paul admits that declaring the gospel message was not always the easiest thing to do. There were enemies who caused them to suffer for the truth. Nevertheless, they would share that soul-saving message because of their love for God.

2. Declare the gospel message because you love people.

Paul continued in his letter to the brethren at Thessalonica, reminding them of his care for them demonstrated through his preaching the gospel to them.

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God (1 Thes. 2:8-9).

In the same way, you and I demonstrate true love for others – that is the agape kind of love described in the New Testament – when we share with them that gospel message. Biblical love is love that is motivated by the best interest of its object. What can be more beneficial to a soul than the message that can save it from eternal condemnation?

3. Declare the gospel message because of the judgment.

Peter reminds us that God’s word is not going anywhere. “The word of the Lord endures forever,” Peter records in 1 Peter 1:25, quoting Isaiah 40:8. Later in 1 Peter, we are reminded that the preaching of the gospel could have a direct affect on one’s eternity.

They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1 Pet. 4:5-6).

When Peter says that the gospel was preached to those who are dead, we understand that he is referring to the fact that it was preached to them while they were still alive, before they died. Notice the motive: “that they might … live according to God in the spirit.”
In Revelation, John records that he saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven. He said that the angel had the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth. That gospel was for every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. The angel cried with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water” (Rev. 14:6-7).

Let’s wrap it up: We’ll use the words of the Holy Spirit through Paul to wrap up today’s study. This comes from Romans 10:14-15 and really impresses upon us the need for gospel sharers today.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:14-15).

Memory Verse: This week’s verse comes from the Old Testament book of Ezra. It’s really a one-sentence snapshot of Ezra’s character, but it’s entirely worthy of our memorization because we should hope the same can be said of us! Here’s 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 (Ezra 7:10).

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

This week I want us to answer this question: For what spiritual blessing are you the most thankful? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “The spiritual blessing for which I am most thankful is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 7 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv
Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Let’s go live like it!

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Friday, November 7, 2014
“The Gospel Must be PROTECTED”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand (1 Cor. 15:1).

The gospel message has been preached and received. But there is more to living by the gospel than simply receiving it through an initial act of obedience, that is, baptism. Paul said it there in that verse: “in which you stand.” That word stand means to abide or continue. They were continuing in that gospel.

The fact is that, upon my obedience to the gospel, I entered into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ and with His gospel message. In giving my life to Jesus, I promised to fulfill all that He has called upon me to do in the word. Consequently, it is now my duty to defend His cause and to be true to Him always.

Defending the Gospel

The gospel is included as part of a Christian’s defensive weapons over in Ephesians six. This is where Paul is discussing the armor of God. In verse fifteen he says that our feet are to be “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” But the gospel is not only a tool for us to use in our own defense, we are also to actively seek to defend it! Paul said that he was “appointed for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17). He wasn’t going to let anyone teach false doctrine, as if it were some other gospel. In Galatians chapter one, he clearly states that there is only one gospel. There are those who are, as Paul put it, enemies of the gospel (Rom. 11:28). Of such enemies, Paul said that we are not to “yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Gal. 2:8).

Enduring for the Sake of the Gospel

Living according to gospel teaching is going to take endurance. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write Philippians while Paul was under house arrest. His commitment to the gospel is seen in this epistle as Paul writes about joy, hope, and commitment. He says, “the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (Phil. 1:12). Paul was even in “chains for the gospel” (Philemon 13)! He exhorted Timothy not to be “ashamed of the testimony of our Lord,” but rather to share with him in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God (2 Tim. 1:8).

Let’s wrap it up: Are you prepared and ready to defend and endure for the sake of the gospel? Know that the Lord is counting on you. This good news reveals God’s amazing love for us, and it calls us to show our love for God by dedicating our lives to Him. That’s what the new you is all about.

Memory Verse: If you have been with us all week, then I bet you have John 15:8 memorized by now! What a great verse to think that we can glorify God! And yet what a challenging verse to be sure that we are bearing fruit and thus identifying ourselves as followers of Jesus.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite psalm? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite psalm is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 6 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

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

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv

Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Have a great day!

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Thursday, November 6, 2014
“The Gospel was PLANNED”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Jesus is at the core of the gospel. The gospel’s good news is all about salvation from our sins, which, of course, would not be possible without the sacrifice of our Savior.

God’s plan for man’s salvation was not something that He thought up and enacted over night. Not at all! Further, there are some people who want us to believe that Jesus’ incarnation was somewhat of a “plan B” when the first plan, the Law of Moses, didn’t work. Absolutely not! The Old Testament serves us as “our tutor to bring us to Christ” (Gal. 3:24).

The gospel is planned.

God’s eternal plan.

Referring to the hope that is made available through obedience to the gospel, Paul said that the hope of eternal life was promised by God before time began (Titus 1:2). Consequently, as we study through the Bible, we see redemption unfolding from shadow to substance, from prophecy to fulfillment. So Paul says that Christ “was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3, emphasis added).

We see this plan and prophecy as we look at Galatians 3:8, where the Holy Spirit reveals that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’” You know, for a while this was a mystery. I don’t think Abraham could have ever imagined exactly how God would bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants. And yet, the wisdom of God is portrayed in His amazing plan.

God’s exclusive plan.

I need to explain what I mean when I say that God’s plan is exclusive. Certainly, the Bible emphasizes that the gospel plan of salvation is open to any one who will hear it and obey. Passages like John 3:16 and Titus 2:11-12 make that clear. However, we learn from 1 Peter that the possibility of redemption, forgiveness, and salvation is a blessing that angels do not have available to them. In 1 Peter 1:10-12, Peter discusses the fact that God’s will has been revealed for you and me, but it is not designed for the angels:

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

Let’s wrap it up: Stop for a moment and let it sink in just how much God loves you. Over a period of 1500-1600 years He inspired His will to be revealed to mankind, ensuring that it was recorded for people of all the ages to receive and obey in order to get to heaven. He did this for human beings – who, by the way, were in sin (Rom. 5:8). He gave His Only Begotten Son to die in our stead so that we could live with Him forever. Now that is positive, personal, powerful, and planned good news!

Memory Verse: How’s it coming with this our verse this week? We’re studying to memorize John 15:8.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite psalm? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite psalm is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 6 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv

Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Have a great day!

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Wednesday, November 5, 2014
“The Gospel is POWERFUL”

 

 

 

 

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

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13).

I bring you more good news today! All this week we have been focusing our attention on the gospel, the good news, of Jesus Christ. We’re highlighting the amazing characteristics of the saving gospel message. We have already seen that the gospel is positive and that it is personal. Today, let’s focus on the fact that the gospel is powerful.

The power of the gospel is displayed through two important concepts: revelation and trust. Let’s individually examine these concepts as they relate to the gospel’s power.

Revelation

The power of the gospel is seen in its revelation from God to man. If God had not revealed the gospel to us, how could we possibly know how to be saved? Ephesians three says that this was once a mystery that has now been revealed. Thanks be to God! Paul puts it this way in 2 Timothy 1:8-10:

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

It is clear that the gospel message is not from men, but from God. Paul says that “our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thes. 1:5). The means by which the message was revealed was powerful, being God-breathed or inspired (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Further, the message itself has intrinsic power, for Paul said that the gospel “is the power of God to salvation” (Rom. 1:16).

Trust

Think for a moment about how trust comes out of God’s revelation. The means by which God revealed the gospel to us was powerful, and that which He has revealed to us is powerful. In fact, it is so powerful that it can save our souls (again, Rom. 1:16)! That being the case, in Whom should we trust as we consider eternity? Obviously, it’s in God Himself, and in the gospel that He has revealed to all of mankind.

Paul said that the Ephesians heard the gospel, and then they trusted in God and in Christ. That trust was born out of their hearing “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13). That gospel message is filled with precious promises (2 Pet. 1:4). When we obey the gospel, we are added to the Lord’s body and are thus “partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (Eph. 3:6).

Let’s wrap it up: I want us to focus on Paul’s words as we wrap up today. Here’s 1 Corinthians 1:17-20.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

Memory Verse: In John 15, Jesus states that Christians who do not faithful in fulfilling God’s commands, that is, in bearing fruit, are worthless. That’s why this week’s memory verse, John 15:8, is so important to internalize.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite psalm? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite psalm is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 6 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv

Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Have a great day!

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014
“The Gospel is PERSONAL”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen (Rom. 16:25-27).

We’re talking this week about the gospel of Christ! Yesterday we noted that the gospel is a positive message. Today, let’s look at the fact that the gospel is personal.

In 1 Corinthians 15:1, Paul wrote, “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand.” Notice especially that part where he says, “which also you received.” That word received means to bring near, to associate with oneself. This close association is reflected in the ownership that God’s people take in the gospel message. In Romans 16:25, which I read a moment ago, Paul refers to it as “my gospel.” In 2 Thessalonians 2:14, he calls it “our gospel.” Of course, it is “Christ’s gospel” (as 2 Cor. 2:12 puts it), but isn’t it amazing that this message can become so personal, so dear to us?

I think the gospel becomes so personal because of what it is designed to do. It changes who I am and what I am about, and it does so when I personally receive this good news message!

The gospel will change who I am and what I am about.

The Roman epistle is introduced in this way: “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God” (Rom. 1:1). When Paul obeyed the gospel, that gospel message changed every part of Paul’s life. It made him a new creation, and it focused his life on the Lord. Paul says that this is exactly what the gospel is supposed to do. In Philippians 1:27, Paul wrote, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

But this change doesn’t just happen by osmosis, that is, by a simple exposure of oneself to the gospel message. It goes much deeper than that.

This change only takes place when one personally receives the gospel.

The simple fact that salvation is possible doesn’t mean that you and I are saved, does it? Of course not. We have to receive that message, making it part of who we are. We have to live it. The Hebrews writer makes that clear over in Hebrews 4:1-2. It reads, “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.”

There is something that we must do in order to be transformed by the gospel. Simply put, we must receive that gospel message. This means more than just acknowledging that it is true. It means we are going to bring it close to our hearts, and pattern our lives according to its teaching.

Let’s wrap it up: Jesus said that we are to give our lives to Him by obeying the gospel of Christ. This is an important reminder for us as Christians. In Mark 8:35-36, the Lord said, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

Memory Verse: When we give our lives to the Lord, in full obedience of the gospel, we will glorify God and bear much fruit for Him. That’s what Jesus said in John 15:8, which is this week’s memory verse.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

The New You 10 Week Challenge for a Better Internet! This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite psalm? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite psalm is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 6 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv

Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Have a great day!

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Monday, November 3, 2014
“The Gospel is POSITIVE”

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain (1 Cor. 15:1-2).

The Bible is a book filled with good news! Yes, the Bible must address sin, temptation, hell, and other things that are unpleasant, sad, and hard to hear, but the main message of the Bible is HOPE through Jesus Christ! That hope-filled message is all wrapped up in one, great New Testament word: gospel. The word gospel has its roots in a compound Greek word, euaggelion, which means good tidings, or good news.

As you can see, the gospel is a positive message by its very nature. The New Testament accentuates at least three points regarding the positivity of the gospel.

The gospel is a message of POSSIBILITY.

The message of the gospel is this: Jesus saves! Therefore, the gospel message is not a message of “you cannot,” but of “you CAN!” You can look at John 3:16 and know that it is possible for you to be saved. You can look at the prodigal son and know that it is possible for you to change and to be saved. You can look at the apostle Paul and know that it is possible for you to be saved. God calls all men to Him by the gospel (2 Thes. 2:13-14), and, in so doing, gives us the possibility to be saved (Titus 2:11-12).

The gospel is a message of PEACE.

As Paul urges Christians to put on the whole armor of God so that they will be prepared for spiritual war with the devil, he mentions that our feet are to be shod “with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). Our message is a message of peace. Isn’t it interesting that so many people want to persecute and silence Christianity? And yet Jesus said that His disciples are known for their love (John 13:34-35). They live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18). They even love their enemies (Mat. 5:44). What a positive message of peace!

The gospel is a message of PRAISE.

1 Timothy 1:11 refers to the “glorious gospel of the blessed God,” which, Paul says, was committed to his trust. That word glorious means dignity, honor, and praise. As we read through the pages of the gospel message, our lips are undoubtedly filled with praise for “the grace of God that brings salvation” (Titus 2:11). It’s no wonder that this message touches hearts (just as it did in Acts 2:37), moving people to obey the gospel of Christ!

Let’s wrap it up: It’s no wonder that the Lord commanded us to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This positive message is certainly appealing to anyone who has an honest heart, and who is seeking to please God. That is the gospel that you and I obeyed. As Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, that is the gospel which we have received, in which we stand, and to which we are to hold fast.

Memory Verse: Christianity is not just about warming a pew a few times each week. It’s about having an active faith, that is, being willing to work for the Lord and to bear fruit to His glory. This week’s verse is John 15:8 in which Jesus describes the necessity of bearing fruit for Him.

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:8).

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

This week I want us to answer this question: What is your favorite psalm? So head over to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like and compose a post which says, “My favorite psalm is _____. #NewYouChallenge” This is week 6 of the 10 week challenge for a better Internet!

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining me today for The New You. You can find us each weekday at thelightnetwork.tv. You’ll also find episode archives, transcripts, and more Christian podcasts there. That’s thelightnetwork.tv

Contact me by email at robert@thelightnetwork.tv or by voicemail, by calling 903-26-LIGHT, that’s 903-265-4448. I’d love to hear from you!

I’m Robert Hatfield. You are the new you! Let’s go live like it!

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For Friday, October 31, 2014
“What I’ve Learned from Domestic Violence Awareness Month”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 31, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another (Rom. 12:4-5).

Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have anything scary for you this Halloween. We have some more important business to do as we close down The Light Network’s campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence. You know, no man is an island – especially in the Lord’s church! What a blessing to know that we are all in this together. Living the Christian life is certainly worthwhile and fulfilling, but anyone who is honest will admit that it is certainly not easy. Satan makes sure of that.

All this month, we have focused on domestic violence. We have devoted twenty three episodes here on The New You to this cause throughout this month. Today, I want to share with you six lessons that I have learned from domestic violence awareness month.

1. Domestic violence affects more people than I could have imagined. From the moment that we decided to have this campaign, the stories began to be shared. As it turned out, there were a lot more people who had been affected by domestic violence – even second-hand – than I ever would have dreamed. These aren’t just numbers and statistics, these are real lives that are dark, lonely, and confused. They deserve our fervent prayers year-round, not only in October.

2. The Lord’s church grieves over domestic violence. Honestly, we at The Light Network weren’t sure how this campaign would be received. You have responded with concern, love, and compassion. You have helped us by sharing the podcasts and the other materials that we have had online. The Lord’s church is such a blessing! Thank you for your support.

3. God’s Word has a lot to say about the subject. God’s wisdom and proof of the inspiration of the Bible is clearly evidenced when we use it to tackle contemporary topics such as domestic violence. I know that domestic violence is nothing new, but look at how much God’s Word has to say about the topic! What a wonderful pattern God has given us in His Word. Look to it for teaching, instruction, comfort, and hope.

4. I must bring my body into subjection (1 Cor. 9:24-27). After discussing and preaching about domestic violence, several people have said something like this to me: “Upon learning about domestic violence, I asked my spouse whether I’m abusive!” You know what? I think many of us can see how easy it would be to become selfish and to – perhaps unintentionally – mistreat our spouse. In 1 Corinthians nine, Paul said that he had to constantly keep a close watch on his actions lest he fall away from faithfulness to God.

5. Sin is terrible. Stop and reflect on the evil of domestic violence and let it sink in just how terrible sin actually is. Sin destroys homes, breaks hearts, and ruins lives. Keep in mind that sin is the opposite of righteousness, because “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, KJV).

6. Our God is awesome. Earlier this week, we looked at Psalm thirty four. This psalm is a psalm of hope and comfort as we consider our loving God, Whom we can trust with all of our lives and souls. God truly is great! Thank Him today – and everyday – for His greatness toward you. The Bible says that His blessings are new every morning.

Let’s wrap it up: I want you to know that the domestic violence section of The Light Network’s website will remain online. You can access it always at thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence. Thank you for going down this journey with me to learn more about domestic violence. Lord willing, we will return to our typical format next week as we go into November.

May God bless us all as we strive to grow and mature the new man in all of us, who has been created in Christ Jesus.

Memory Verse: Remember God’s great exhortation and promise that He made to Joshua when Joshua began leading the children of Israel in the place of Moses. That’s this week’s verse, Joshua 1:9.

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

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

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

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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

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For Thursday, October 30, 2014
“Don’t Let Sin Define You!”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

Today is October 30, 2014, and you’re listening to The New You, the daily broadcast for people who have been made new by the blood of Christ. Here is today’s Scripture:

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all (Col. 3:8-11).

When you became a Christian, you took on a whole new identity. I love studying about that new identity and the process by which the change takes place. See, before I was “sinner.” At my very best, that’s all I was. Now, I am “Christian.” I can wear the name of Christ! That’s why Paul says in Colossians 3:11: “Christ is all an in all.” Jesus is now absolutely everything in my life. He is the foundation of the new kind of behavior that I exhibit. It’s no longer about me, and it’s entirely about Him.

Colossians 3:8-11 offers us three important observations regarding that new identity.

First, the old and the new cannot coexist. Notice that Paul is careful to outline how the old is to be put off and the new is then to be put on. This text has mentioned anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lying. Those things are gone, and now “the new man” is here so stay!

Second, your new identity is directly linked with maturity. Colossians 3:10 says that the new man is “renewed in knowledge.” Does this mean that you have to know everything before you become a Christian? Of course not! The oldest Christian around will be the first to admit that he or she doesn’t know everything about the Bible. That’s why Paul uses the present verb tense. Further, this renewal through knowledge is something that we receive from God. In other words, we go to God’s Word and we receive from it the knowledge that we need in order to be renewed. You know what? The more we go to God’s Word, the more renewal we will find there, the more knowledge is there to satisfy our hungry souls (Mat. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14).

Third, your new identity is directly linked with the model, or the standard. The new man “is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:10). That image is the image of Christ! He is the standard; He is our example (1 Pet. 2:21).

Let’s wrap it up: Paul concludes this amazing section of Scripture by acknowledging that, in Christ, “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all” (Col. 3:11). We are all one in Christ Jesus, we are unified. But we can also view this phrase in this way – now that I’m a Christian, I have lost my own identity for all spiritual purposes. Now that I’m a Christian, I belong to Christ. Sin no longer defines who I am! Now I am defined as forgiven, heaven-bound, a child of God, a Christian.

Recently, I heard someone make this great observation regarding domestic violence. They said that, when we refer to the one who abuses someone else, we shouldn’t call them “the abuser” because that defines them and may imply that there is no escape from that title. I think that’s a fair point. I hope that you will glean this from today’s episode of The New You: sin doesn’t have to define you IF you will put on the new man, grow in knowledge of the Word, and become more like Jesus.

Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9 is this week’s verse. Say it with me:

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

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

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

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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