Category: The New You

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Wednesday, March 5, 2014
“The Barnabas in You”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

It’s Wednesday, March 5, 2014. I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means tson of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and ulaid it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:36-37, ESV).

His name has become synonymous with encouragement. In fact, the apostles gave him that name because of the man he was. We’re talking about Barnabas. Yesterday, I asked you to read this passage in Acts and to identify Barnabas’s original name, which is Joseph. Your translation might also say Joses (which is the same).

You know the camel on TV that loves Wednesdays? That’s kind of how I feel about today. I have to suppress the urge to run through the office yelling about hump day.

In all seriousness, Wednesdays are good days for me. As one who teaches two or three classes each Wednesday, I admit that they can be exhausting, but they’re good nonetheless. Here’s why: Wednesdays, at least, for most congregations in the United States, provide a unique opportunity to study the Bible with my brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s special. I like it. Additionally, the encouragement that I receive from my brothers and sisters helps me to get through the rest of the week.

Which brings us back to Barnabas. When I study about Barnabas in the book of Acts, I see a man who was such an awesome encourager that the apostles named in “Son of Encouragement,” (the meaning of “Barnabas). Here’s what made Barnabas so incredible:

First, Barnabas was generous. His brethren had need, and he had plenty. What did he do? He treated his possessions as though they belonged to the Lord (which, by the way, they do!). He sold his own land and gave the money to the apostles to use in the Lord’s work.

Second, Barnabas was knowledgeable. In Acts 11:24, the Bible describes Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.” In other words, he knew the Book!

Third, He was willing. Barnabas was the guy who saw a need and responded to it in the best way he could. So, when there was a need to travel around the New Testament world establishing churches and encouraging believers, Barnabas was there! He willingly accompanied Paul on some of the missionary journeys, boldly preaching and building up the saints wherever he went.

Fourth, he was optimistic. Personally, this is one of my favorite characteristics of Barnabas. When Paul had just been converted to Christ (you’ve heard about Paul’s past, right?), he tried to associate with the disciples in Jerusalem, but they wouldn’t have him! They were all afraid of him because of the man he used to be. They didn’t believe that he was really a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them that Paul had changed and that he was now a bold preacher of the gospel. Barnabas believed in Paul. He acknowledged that God had forgiven Paul of his past. Barnabas moved on with an eye toward Paul’s future. That’s in Acts 9:26-27. Later, in Acts 15, Barnabas would do the same thing for John Mark.

Don’t you wish you could have met Barnabas?! We’ll meet him one of these days – in heaven. Until then, his memory is preserved in the pages of Scripture. His example is one for us to follow.

Let’s wrap it up: See, part of being the new you involves how you treat your brothers and sisters in Jesus. Are you an encouragement to them in the way that they are to you? I believe God wants you to know about Barnabas so that there can be a Barnabas in you. Likewise, God wants there to be a Barnabas in me. Let’s get involved in the work of the church. Let’s be ready to do any job, and present to help whenever we are needed. And, whenever the saints assemble for Bible study or for worship, let’s be there. In fact, let’s not only be there, but let’s be present (you know, there’s a difference). Let’s participate and let’s grow together. That’s going to be an encourage your brethren, and it’s going to prepare you for more effective service in the future.

Memory Verse: How’s it going with this week’s memory verse? Say it with me:

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

Sometime today I wish you’d head over to Galatians 2:20 and meditate on it. Read it and reread it, and, as you do, think about this question: how was Paul dead, yet alive? We’ll study it 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 to robert@thelightnetwork.tv, or call 903-265-4448.

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

You’re a valuable asset to God’s family. God has work for you to do while you’re here, and that includes fellowshipping with and encouraging your brethren. They’ll appreciate you for it, and you’ll grow a lot by doing it. See you tomorrow!

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Tuesday, March 4, 2014
“March Forth!”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

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

Previous Episodes

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

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Episode Transcript:

It’s National Grammar Day! The only date that expresses a complete thought: March 4, 2014! I’m Robert Hatfield and this program delivers daily thoughts for new Christians. This is THE NEW YOU!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

In this passage, Paul acknowledges that he hasn’t arrived yet. He’s still working toward his ultimate goal as a Christian. You know what? We’re all in that boat. None of us can ever say that we are content with where we are spiritually. There’s always so much more to learn about the Bible and, as we learn, there’s always so much more to apply so that our lives are more like Jesus’ example.

And so, we march forth! We begin at a starting point, and then go forward. Today, March 4, I want us to think about what it means to go forward as a Christian. As you go throughout your day today, I hope that you’ll think of these lessons as you date your check to pay someone or as you date your assignments for school. Here are four lessons about marching forth from Philippians 3:13-14.

1. Marching forth leaves some things behind. Paul was constantly “forgetting those things” in his past. That’s not to say that he had a bad memory. He chose to forget them. In fact, he actively sought to forget them. Paul’s past was colored with both amazing accomplishments and serious sin. There were things he had done well, and things that brought him shame. Regardless, Paul would not permit the past to dominate his present. One who runs in a race won’t be very effective if he’s constantly looking behind him. Don’t let your past hinder you from reaching forth. The prize is too valuable!

2. Marching forth requires strenuous effort. Paul continued, “reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Our english words “reaching forward” mean “stretching or straining after.” This wasn’t going to be easy! Picture a foot race that is neck and neck! The end point is in sight, and it’s going to be a photo finish! Each runner stretches and strains to ensure that he is going to be first. Growth isn’t easy, but finishing the Christian race is essential. Put some effort into it!

3. Marching forth brings us closer to the finish line. It only makes sense doesn’t it? The more you go, the closer you get to the end. Paul said he was pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.” Note that he wasn’t running aimlessly, he had great purpose! There was a prize to be won! In 2 Timothy, he mentions that prize as “the crown of life.” He’s talking about eternal salvation, which Peter calls “the end of our faith” (1 Pet. 1:9). Now that prize can only be won by finishing, but all who finish receive the prize. So don’t give up! I want you to make the decision right now that you’re not going to give up today. And, tomorrow, I want you to make the same decision all over again.

4. Marching forth helps us to grow. Notice that last prepositional phrase: “in Christ Jesus.” According to Galatians 3, we were baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). One who is “in Christ” is a Christian. Who is going to be crossing that finish line and enjoying the promised prize spoken of in Philippians 3:13-14? Read that phrase again: those “in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). That’s you – the new you –and that’s me. A lot changed when you became a Christian, and no doubt a lot more will change as you continue to grow and mature in Christ.

Let’s wrap it up: When someone asks you “what’s the date today?” or when you write or type today’s day, March 4th, onto some paperwork, I want you to consider what it means to march forth as a Christian. We’re on our way to heaven! That’s our goal; that’s our prize. Don’t lose sight of it! Remember that you’re going to have to leave some things behind; you can’t live in the past. Marching forth isn’t easy, it’s going to take strenuous effort. But, each step we take leads us closer home, and we’ll grow with every single step closer to heaven.

Memory Verse: Do you have down this week’s memory verse? Here it is: now, I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me. It’s ok if you’re in the car alone or if you’re walking along a sidewalk by yourself. You can still say it. If you’re in public: go ahead and say it aloud anyway! Other people could stand to hear this verse, too! Here goes:

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

Sometime today: Flip over to Acts 4 and read verses 32-37 about a man named Barnabas. As you read, think about how the church is described. Also, make a mental note of Barnabas’ real name! We’ll talk about him 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.

Remember: each decision you make today is a step – either in the right or the wrong direction. Make every moment count, and let’s march forth as Christians!

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Monday, March 3, 2014
“New Week, New Opportunities”

 

 

 

 

Submit Questions for Q & A Saturday!

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

Previous Episodes

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

Subscription Links

 

Episode Transcript:

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

“You are the light of the world,” Jesus said. “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat. 5:14-16).

For Christians, new days are about new opportunities. I look at Mondays as a fresh start to the work week. Now’s my chance to make righteous decisions that will honor God. Now is when I can be a good influence on my coworkers. It all begins today, with this very moment.

Now that I’m a Christian, every day is about God, not just Sundays and Wednesdays. I like Revelation 4:11 which says “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Why are you here? Well, to serve God. If you and I will keep that in mind today, then we will be amazed at what we will do. We won’t be as selfish with other people. We’ll look for opportunities to shed Christian light on any situation. In so doing, we will be “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Mat. 6:33).

You are a light. I know you may not feel like it sometimes. I don’t always, either. May God forgive us when our lights are dimmer than they ought to be. Remember that you don’t originate the light that you are to shine. You are merely a reflector of the light from heaven. The Bible says that our light is “in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). Revelation makes it clear that, in heaven, there is no need for the sun or the moon because “the glory of God” illuminates it. “The Lamb is its light.” You shine the spiritual light by acting like Jesus. By walking like Jesus, talking like Jesus, and even thinking like Jesus (true change, after all, begins on the inside – in the heart – and then manifests itself outwardly).

Further, you should note that the light you shine is not for your own glory. It isn’t as though, by your shining the bright spiritual light of Jesus that you are to draw attention to yourself. Christianity is portrayed in its purest form when we get out of the way and let the Lord shine through in our lives. He deserves all of the glory. That’s why Jesus said that, when men see our good works, they ought to be motivated to glorify God in heaven.

One evening a friend of mine and I had been preaching in a town we had never visited before. We were not familiar with the roads in that area, but managed to arrive ok to preach. Later, however, the story was much different. It was pitch black – hardly any street lights on that little road, and our vehicle was quickly running out of gas. We went up and down hills pressing the accelerator with a big toe so as not to use too much fuel! Cell phone signal was low, and we weren’t sure what we would do if the vehicle went kaput. But we rejoiced as we topped one of those hills. There were LIGHTS! A city was within reach! We coasted into the gas station of fumes, rejoicing that our adventure was over.

Jesus said it: you can’t hide a city on a hill. When the light of Christ shines in our dark world, people are going to notice. Not everyone will appreciate you turning on the light. Others, though, will rejoice in it.

Let’s wrap it up: Don’t miss this week’s opportunities! Decide right now that you are going to be a light to others. You are going to be like Christ, our perfect example. By your doing so, others will come to know Him, too!

Memory Verse: Each week, we’re going to work on a new memory verse. I know, it sounds a little childish, but it’s far from it. I think this week’s memory verse will help us to see that fact. Here it is: now, I’m going to say it twice, once to you, then the second time I’ll ask you to repeat it with me.

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

Sometime today: Pick up your New Testament and head over to Philippians 3:13-14. As you read, think about this question: what does this passage tell me about marching forward as a Christian? We’ll discuss that tomorrow.

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.

You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, adopted into God’s family, and given a brand new name. You’re a Christian! Go be THE NEW YOU!