Category: The New You

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Monday, September 22, 2014
“Trust in the Lord” (Prov. 3:5-6)

 

 

 

 

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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:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Welcome to yet another week on The New You! This week, we are turning our attention to the Old Testament book of Proverbs. There are so many nuggets of wisdom to be found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, and we begin with one of the most fundamental, yet profound of them all.

In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are introduced to the fact that there is our way and there is God’s way. The two often are at odds, aren’t they? The apostle Paul acknowledged this fact in Romans chapter seven:

For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Rom. 7:22-24)

This was a constant struggle for Paul. He says, “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice” (Rom. 7:19). Can you relate? I know I can. The carnal, or fleshly, side of life is constantly at war with the spiritual side of life. Paul answers his question, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?,” in Romans 7:25: “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” The victory is found in Him (1 Cor. 15:57).

And so we’re back to where we began. There are two choices: my way or God’s way. The key is learning to want what God wants for me, that is, to be more godly in heart and in actions. So the Proverbs writer tells us the key to living a life that is in touch with the spiritual side. Listen to it again:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).

Three words jump off the page in Proverbs 3:5-6: refuge, rest, and route.

The first word is REFUGE. The writer says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” That word “trust” means to hide for refuge, to rely on. I’m to do this with all of my heart, or mind. Stop and consider for a minute exactly what that entails. Pause the podcast if you need to. Rely on God with all of your heart. That means recognizing that God’s way is best. That means accepting whatever is God’s answer to your prayer. That means trusting that His commands are given with your best interest in mind. In short, it means going to God for refuge. He is our Shelter. He is our strength.

The second word is REST. The proverb continues: “And lean not on your own understanding.” That word “lean” means rest. The point is that we shouldn’t take rest in what we think is best. But, you know what, that’s exactly what we do! We justify in our minds why something is right even though the Bible says it’s wrong. We convince ourselves that we have it all figured out. We’ve deceived ourselves. Have you ever thought you knew something, only to find out that you didn’t actually know that thing? Don’t rely on yourself to guide you through the most important decisions of your life – and, for that matter, your eternity. “Lean not on your own understanding.”

The third word is ROUTE. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Twice in Proverbs 3:6 we find the idea of a path, or a route. First, he says, “in all your ways” and that word “ways” actually refers to a path. It’s figurative language, referring to the paths of life, your conduct. Then, the very last word in this verse deals with a route: “He shall direct your paths.” This word “paths” refers to a thoroughfare, a route between two places.

The wise man says that, when we trust in God, He will direct (or, make smooth) your journey. Sure, Christians still have “bumps in the road.” Some might argue that there is no such thing as “smooth sailing” through life. I can see that from some perspectives. Yet, the Christian perspective is the one that can sing: “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Let’s wrap it up: We must understand that life is all about a series of choices between two ultimate decisions: God’s way or the other way. What is the other way? We could call it Satan’s way; we could call it man’s way; we could call it by a host of other names. Really, though, if it isn’t God’s way it doesn’t really matter, does it? So trust God, not yourself. Acknowledge His paths and enjoy the security, strength, and hope that is found in Him.

Memory Verse: Speaking of that choice between right and wrong, Jesus directs back to God’s way with reference to the judgment day in this week’s memory verse. John 12:48 is this week’s verse to memorize:

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day (John 12:48).

Sometime today: Take a look at Proverbs 7. What was it that cost the man his life? Tomorrow’s edition of The New You is all about the price of lust.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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Friday, September 19, 2014
“Will I Be Faithful Ten Years From Now?”

 

 

 

 

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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:

Greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also (2 Tim 1:4-5)

Today, I want to ask you a question that will prompt you to look in to the future. I know you’re neither a time traveler nor a prophet, but do the best you can. Here’s the question: Will you be faithful ten years from now?

I look at someone like Timothy here in 2 Timothy 1:5 and I see an individual who was faithful. Paul commends him for his “genuine faith.” That’s what I want, and I imagine that is what you want, too: a genuine, real-deal kind of faith.

So what about it? Will you be faithful – with a real-deal kind of faith – ten years from right now? Let’s notice two observations in answering this question.

First, time in life is not guaranteed. When I asked you the question, you may have thought something like this: “Well that’s a little presumptuous, isn’t it? I mean, how do you know that we’ll still be around in ten years?” It’s a fair question. In fact, the Bible warns us about becoming so arrogant that we fail to remember that we are not in control. In James 4:13-17, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we “do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Time in life is not guaranteed. So what if you die within the next ten years? When you die, will you be “found in Him” (as Philippians 3:9 puts it)? What if you are still alive? Will you be faithful?

In the second place, let’s consider that you cannot live off of someone else’s faith. Being faithful to God means that you must have your own faith. That’s what Timothy had. Paul mentioned that Timothy had learned about faith from his mother and his grandmother, but Timothy was not “mooching” off of his parents. He wasn’t trying to get into heaven on someone else’s coat tails. His faith was “genuine.” The word means not hypocritical. As I said earlier, it was the real deal. So what about you? Will you be faithful in ten years, the Lord willing? Will you have a faith that is yours, or are you trying to pretend that a mere exposure to someone else’s faith is enough to get you by?

Let’s wrap it up: What kind of faith do you have? Do you have enough faith in God to weather the storms that life will bring? Is your faith strong enough to look beyond the mortality of life right on into eternity? After all, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). And is your faith yours? Have you studied the Bible for yourself so that you are confident in what you believe and practice?

If you have a real-deal kind of faith, a faith that is dedicated to the Lord and to obeying Him, then I can tell you the answer to today’s question. Will you be faithful ten years from now? Of course you will. You believe Jesus’ exhortation and promise in Revelation 2:10: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Memory Verse: Having a clean heart and a steadfast spirit will contribute to your continued faithfulness before God. Let’s look once more this week at Psalm 51:10.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

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.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

OUTRO:

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

Lord willing, I will release the one hundredth episode of The New You next week! I’m really excited about this milestone. I have a few things I want to share with you then, so be sure to tune in next week!

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

I’m Robert Hatfield, and I’ll meet you right here on Monday for another edition of The New You. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, September 18, 2014
“Involvement: Your Piece of the Puzzle”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—  from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Eph. 4:15-16).

There are several times in the New Testament that the church is referred to as the body of Christ. Perhaps the most notable of those passages is 1 Corinthians 12 where the Holy Spirit elaborates upon that illustration. Interestingly, it is only within the context of illustrating the church as the body of Christ when Christians are called “members.” We are not “members” of the church in the sense that one may be a member of a country club. Instead, we are members of the body of Christ, that is, we are literally the body parts of Jesus today! This sheds a whole new light on the part that you and I play in the overall work of the church. That part that you play individually in the church is exactly what Paul is referring to in today’s text, Ephesians 4:16.

First, notice the IMPORTANCE of each member. Paul says that the body is “joined and knit together by what every joint supplies.” Each member of the body is important! The amazing plan of God is evidenced in the New Testament church. Jesus Christ has called us out of the world and into His body, forming a group of people who are diverse. But this diversity doesn’t harm the body of Christ. Quite the opposite. Each member brings talents and skills – all of which have been given by God. Paul put it this way in 1 Cor. 12:18-21:

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Each member of the body of Christ – that is, each Christian – is important.

Second, notice the INDEPENDENCE of each member. Back to our text in Ephesians 4:16, we read that ever part of the body works effectively to do its share. There is certainly a sense of community and togetherness that we find in the church. At the same time, though, there is also a sense of independence in the Lord’s church. Here’s what I mean: it’s up to you to fulfill your role in the Lord’s church, and it’s up to me to fulfill mine. So what are your talents? With what has God blessed you that you can plug into His pattern and plan and bring Him glory? Remember that the work of the church falls into three categories: evangelism, edification, and benevolence. As long as you use the skills that you have to bring God glory in a way that is in accordance with His plan, you are fulfilling your role in the church and are, as an independent, contributing to the collective work of the church. Remember: on judgment day, you and I will be judged individually for what we have done in our lives (2 Cor. 5:10).

Third, notice the INTERDEPENDENCE of each member. As I just mentioned, there is an independent part of the Lord’s work, and there is also an interdependence that we have on one another. The latter part of Ephesians 4:16 says that when each of us does our part independently, that “causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” And so we work. We work for the Lord because the night is coming when no man can work (Mat. 9:37-38). We work to bring glory to God (Mat. 5:16). We work to reach lost souls (Mat. 28:19-20).

As we work, we are helping the body as a whole to grow, to be nourished, and to be edified.

Let’s wrap it up: I like the words of the familiar hymn:

We’re part of a family that’s been born again; Part of a family whose love knows no end;

For Jesus has saved us and made us His own; Now we’re part of a family that’s on its way home.

And sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry;

Sometimes we share together heart-aches and sighs.

Sometimes we dream together of how it will be

When we all get to heaven – God’s family!

I’m so happy to be a part of that family! What a blessing to be a member of the body of Christ! I’m afraid that we have too many Christians who are just occupying pews instead of getting busy for the Lord. Find your place in Lord’s service and do your part to further His cause and to edify His body.

Memory Verse: How’s it coming with this week’s memory verse? Let’s look once again at Psalm 51:10:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Sometime today: Look at 2 Timothy 1:3-5 and look especially at Timothy’s “genuine faith.” Tomorrow, I want you and me to ask ourselves this question: “Will I be faithful ten years from now?” Hope you’ll join me then.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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For Wednesday, September 17, 2014
“When Christians Sin”

 

 

 

 

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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:

Have mercy upon me, O God,

According to Your lovingkindness;

According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,

Blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin (Psa. 51:1-2)

What happens when Christians sin? You know, as Christians we are to go about walking in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1:7). But we’re still imperfect human beings. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). I like Psalm 51 because it details for us the process through which people of God should go through when they falter, and it shows them that it is possible to get back up and to keep on going.

Today, I want to share seven points with you from Psalm 51 that are about when Christians sin. I ran across this outline several years ago, and I’m not even sure where it originated, but I think it’ll be helpful to you just as it has been helpful to me.

First, sin makes you feel dirty. In Psalm 51, David recognizes his need for cleansing. You see that in verses one, two, and seven when he asks God to blot out his transgressions, cleanse him from his sin, and wash him so that he can be whiter than snow. When we, who are supposed to be walking in the light, participate in darkness, we should feel dirty, shouldn’t we? There should be a feeling of guilt associated with it as a type of spiritual gauge to indicate that we’re in a bad place, and that we need to return to God.

Second, sin dominates your mind. David says, “my sin is always before me” (Psa. 51:3). He can’t get it off of his mind. Have you ever been there? No matter how hard you try to just go about life and forget about it, that sin keeps popping back into your mind. You try to avoid it or pretend it doesn’t exist, but it’s there. You may try to justify it in your mind, but you can’t just write it off. Your conscience knows better. David’s been there, too.

Third, sin depresses your heart. David is depressed as he understands that sin has always surrounded him. He was born into a world of sin (verse five). He feels broken (verse eight), and ashamed (verse nine).

Fourth, sin defiles your spirit. Not only did David feel dirty, he knew that, spiritually speaking, he was dirty until God forgave and cleansed him. So he begs God to create in him a clean heart (verse ten). Further, he begs the Father not to cast him from His presence (verse eleven). He longs to be restored to the joys that he once knew (verse twelve). He feels the separation that sin causes.

Fifth, sin destroys your influence. Verse thirteen is interesting: “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You.” When will he teach those transgressors? After he has been made clean and restored (going back to verses eleven and twelve). David understands that, so long as this sin continues to stain his soul, he is no position to attempt to influence others for the Lord.

Sixth, sin distracts your service. In verses fourteen through seventeen, David mentions that the guilt of sin caused his tongue not to sing aloud of God’s righteousness. His lips were shut from praising God. That’s exactly what sin does to us, isn’t it? When we are participating in deeds of darkness, we are distracted from our God-given purpose here on earth.

Finally, sin dishonors God. David recognized that sin – even sins against others – are always sins against God. The Lord would have been righteous in condemning David because of what David had done (as David says at the end of verse four). God wanted David to internalize the truth (verse six), to apply truth’s wisdom to his life and to live it. Sin takes us away from the truth that God has given us. Sin is the transgression of that law (1 John 3:4). Sin dishonors God.

Let’s wrap it up: This has been a brief look at David’s grieving process over sin. Can you relate? I know I can. Sin makes you feel dirty. It dominates your mind. It depresses your heart and defiles your spirit. Sin destroys your influence, distracts your service, and it dishonors God.

The good news is that God has made provisions for us when we falter. We have an Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous, who Himself is the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:1-2). This certainly does not give us a license to sin. No, we shouldn’t continue in sin just so that grace may abound (Rom. 6:1). But this does show us that God is a loving, forgiving, gracious God who loves us and who wants us to be saved.

Memory Verse: Psalm 51 is an incredibly relatable psalm to the human experience because all have sinned. That’s why I want us to internalize Psalm 51:10 this week.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Sometime today: Read Ephesians 4:14-16, and focus especially in on verse sixteen. Tomorrow I want us to talk about involvement in the church, and I believe Ephesians 4:16 has a lot to say about that topic. Hope you’ll join me tomorrow, the Lord willing, on The New You.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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For Tuesday, September 16, 2014
“The Christian Worldview”

 

 

 

 

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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 we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences (2 Cor. 5:7-11).

Today, I want us to talk about world views. A worldview is a system of beliefs; it is what we believe about the nature of reality. It underlies everything that we think, say, or do. In his book Building a Christian Worldview, Vol. 1: God, Man, & Knowledge, W. Andrew Hoffecker states that everyone has a worldview.

Underlying all that we think, say, or do are basic assumptions that form what we call a “worldview.” A person’s worldview is the collection of all his presuppositions or convictions about reality, which present his total outlook on life. Nobody is without such fundamental beliefs, yet many people go through life unaware of their presuppositions. Operating at the unconscious level, their presuppositions remain unidentified and unexamined. The result is that people generally fail to recognize how their world views govern every dimension of their lives.

Your worldview will determine how you answer life’s big questions. Questions relating to human origin, human destiny, the existence of God, ethics, morality, truth, and eternity are all answered through the lens of your worldview. That’s why this idea of a worldview is so important.

Of course, the Christian worldview is based on the fact that the Bible is God’s inspired Word. As such, it is entirely and absolutely true, just as Jesus said in John 17:17. Consequently, secular world views clash with the Christian worldview. The Bible made it clear that this would be the case. Peter said that some people would “think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Pet. 4:4). John wrote, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John 3:13).

But what does the Christian worldview look like? That is, what are the fundamental principles that comprise the worldview that you and I are to possess as Christians? I would like to offer you ten passages of Scripture that are fundamental to the Christian worldview.

First, Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The fact that God exists is certainly fundamental to our worldview.

Second, John 3:16. You know what that one says, I’m sure. This verse is crucial to our worldview because it establishes Christ as the Savior of the world per God’s plan for man’s redemption.

Third and fourth would be 2 Peter 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which tell us that the Bible is God’s Word and that God has given  us everything that we need for life and godliness.

Fifth, Hebrews 9:27, which says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Judgment day is coming for everyone.

Numbers six, seven, and eight on this list are Ecclesiastes 12:13, Matthew 7:21, and Matthew 22:37-39. These three verses establish the necessity of obedience to God. We must apply all of the teachings of God’s inspired Word.

Ninth, Romans 1:16. Here, Paul says that only the gospel of Christ can save a lost soul. One must hear and obey that message.

Finally, 2 Corinthians 5:7. Faith shapes our entire outlook on life. Paul says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” And that helps me to understand that this world is temporary, that earthly gain really means nothing (as Jesus said in Mat. 16:26), and that what really matters is getting to heaven (Phil. 1:21).

Let’s wrap it up: Statistics indicate that seventy six percent (76%) of Americans claim to be Christians, but only nine percent (9%) hold a Christian worldview. In the pages of the New Testament, Jesus asks us this challenging question: “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Let’s be doers of the word, and not hearers only.

Memory Verse: Part of living in accordance with the Christian worldview, or, to state it another way, part of living for Jesus includes being transformed in our minds. That’s exactly what David was asking God for in Psalm 51:10:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Sometime today: Read all of Psalm 51 and reflect on the teachings found there. What should Christians do when they sin? What do they feel? I think that we can see some amazingly personal parallels with our lives as we look into the fifty-first psalm. More on that tomorrow.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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Monday, September 15, 2014
“Absolute Truth”

 

 

 

 

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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:

Pilate therefore said to [Jesus], “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38a)

Now there’s a question that many people are asking today in one form or another. I think the search for truth is common to all of mankind. Unfortunately, some people are being fed the wrong answers by our culture.

We live in an age of relativity. Our culture says that there is no such thing as an absolute truth, that is, truth that is true regardless of any other circumstances. Instead, truth is alleged to be relative. The New American Oxford Dictionary defines “relative” as that which is “considered in relation or in proportion to something else; existing or possessing a specified characteristic only in comparison to something else; not absolute.”

It is that relative mindset that causes people to say things like, “There are no absolutes.” Or, “No one really knows what the truth is.” Or, “It’s wrong for you to impose your morals on me.” Essentially, our culture claims that everyone can believe whatever they want.

As you know, this view of relativity is impacting our modern religious culture. In their book Surveying the Religious Landscape: Trends in U.S. Beliefs, George Gallup, Jr and D. Michael Lindsay say that

[m]ore Americans are moving toward an interpretation of the Bible as a book of fables, history, and moral precepts. …Attempts at demythologizing the Bible that have been ongoing in the academy for years seem to be moving more and more from the classroom to the pews…. As recently as 1963, two persons in three viewed the Bible as the actual word of God, to be taken literally, word for word. Today, only one person in three still holds to that interpretation (1999, p. 36).

Gallup and Lindsay indicate, as you may have noticed in that quote, that much of this relative view of truth – especially of Scripture – is advocated in the classroom. Research indicates that 51.6% of college professors believe the Bible is “an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts.” By contrast, 6.1% of college professors believe the Bible is the “actual word of God.”

But the Bible is much different from the relative myth that culture claims it to be. It claims to be inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible says that every word is Scripture (cf. 2 Pet. 3:15-16). Of course, it’s one thing to claim to be something, and another thing entirely to actually be able to back up those claims. Consider the Bible for a moment. It was written over a period of 1500 to 1600 years by around forty human writers. These writers came from all kinds of backgrounds. They were kings and they were shepherds, they were tax collectors and doctors. Amazingly, their writings align perfectly! There is no contradiction in the whole thing! Further, consider the fact that the Bible is not a science book, but scientific advancements have proven the Bible to be accurate in its claims (for example, the fact that the earth is round, Isaiah 40:22, or the paths of the seas, Psalm 8:8). The Bible is not a history book, and yet its history is continually proven to be accurate as archaeologists uncover ancient civilizations that are mentioned in God’s Word.

Time doesn’t permit us to look at very many of these examples, but these help us to see the validity – yea, the truthfulness – of the Bible! It claims to be inspired and it’s clear that it is actually is! How else could that many human writers who came from varying backgrounds and who lived hundreds of years apart all agree on one message?

Yes, the Bible is inspired. In fact, 1 Corinthians two teaches that the Bible is verbally inspired. That is, as the inspired writers recorded what they were told to record, they weren’t merely taking “dictation.” God adapted His inspiring activity to the individual level; to the temperament, vocabulary, and stylistic idiosyncrasies of each writer. So, Paul says that the Holy Spirit communicated to him spiritual things with spiritual words (1 Cor. 2:13).

It’s no wonder, then, that Peter wrote these words:

“All flesh is as grass,

And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.

The grass withers,

And its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you (1 Pet. 1:24-25).

Let’s wrap it up: Religious truth is not relative; it is absolute. Therefore, we cannot accept our culture’s doctrine that teaches that you’re ok and I’m ok as long as we agree that we interpret that truth differently. No, it doesn’t work that way. God has given us the Bible and He expects us to follow it.

Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” but Jesus had already answered that question during His ministry: “[God’s] word is truth” (John 17:17).

Memory Verse: This week we return to the Psalms in the Old Testament for our memory verse. Psalm 51 is a beautiful, heart-felt psalm about sorrow for sin and forgiveness in God’s sight. Let’s memorize Psalm 51:10 this week.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Sometime today: Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:11 and think about this question: How does 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:11 relate to the Christian worldview? More on that tomorrow, the Lord willing.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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Friday, September 12, 2014
“In His Presence: Transformation after Worship”

 

 

 

 

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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:

The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
The work of men’s hands.
They have mouths, but they do not speak;
Eyes they have, but they do not see;
They have ears, but they do not hear;
Nor is there any breath in their mouths.
Those who make them are like them;
So is everyone who trusts in them  (Psalm 135:15-18).

So what happens to those who worship idols? That was the question I asked you yesterday. This psalm indicates that we become like the object of our worship. I’m sure there were idol worshipers who were sincere in their worship. Yet, those false gods were empty. Their promises were futile. They had nothing to offer. As a result, the psalmist said, “So is everyone who trusts in them.” By contrast, what about those who worship God?

Worship is about God. We explicitly established that Biblical fact earlier this week, and we have implicitly emphasized over and over. Yet, there are certainly byproducts of worship. No one leaves God’s presence unchanged. So today, let’s look at five things that happen when we conclude our worship service and leave the assembly.

First, when I leave a worship service, I should be CLOSER to God. Through worship, we draw near to God. We find joy in His presence (Psa. 16:11). Consequently, God draws near to us (James 4:7-8).

Second, when I leave worship, I should be reminded of my CONNECTION to Christ. I love that I get to eat the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day. Some would say that taking it weekly ruins the effect, but that’s not true. It is God’s plan for us to eat it each Lord’s day. That’s what the first century church did (Acts 20:7). Further, I need that weekly reminder. I am deeply thankful that Christ has paid my debt. I’m thankful that I can remember Him until He comes again (1 Cor. 11:23-27). I’m thankful that I can begin my week with a memorial of what He has done.

Third, when I leave worship, I should be reminded of my COMPANIONSHIP with my brethren. It is not an accident that God designed the church to be a family. We need to be reminded that we are not in this by ourselves! There is strength in numbers! Ecclesiastes 4:9 says that “two are better than one.” I think our worship assemblies illustrate that fact to us. Numbers aren’t the most important thing. A congregation of any size can come together and be encouraged from one another. They can assemble and reminded that they are not alone. That is a blessing that will get us through the week and will help us to overcome Satan’s temptations.

Fourth, when I leave worship, I should be reminded that God is in CONTROL. When I worship God, I like to think about How great He is. I love it when we sing this song:

When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
Then I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee,
how great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Those are powerful words. They remind me that God is bigger than I am, and that He is in control. Listen to the words at the end of one of my favorite Psalms: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psa. 46:10).

Fifth, when I leave worship, I should be CHALLENGED to live for Jesus. Perhaps there are things in my life that don’t match up to God’s pattern for me. Worship should invoke a feeling of awe in God’s sight and a desire to be nearer to Him! Sometimes the sermon touches my heart in a way that points me to a need to improve my life in certain areas. Thanks be to God! Perhaps the worship of the church reminds me that all are invited to be a part of the Lord’s body, and thus I’m challenged to go spread the gospel. Whatever the case in your life, I think we can both agree that worship challenges us to be better for the Lord.

Let’s wrap it up: Worship is an amazing privilege. You can go into the presence of God each Lord’s day! You can have that “burning bush” experience! God is worthy of our worship; He is worthy of our absolute best. As we draw nearer to Sunday, the Lord’s day, let us seriously consider preparation for worship, contemplation on worship, and transformation after worship so that we can glorify God and faithfully serve Him.

Memory Verse: Do you have this week’s memory verse down? I know a special girl named Hannah Kate who does! Let’s review it one more time together:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

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.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

OUTRO:

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

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

I’m Robert Hatfield, and I’ll meet you right here on Monday for another edition of The New You. Have a great weekend!

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Thursday, September 11, 2014
“In His Presence: Contemplation on Worship”

 

 

 

 

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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:

“Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’ ” (Mat. 15:7-9).

In this passage, Jesus makes it clear that it’s important to get worship right. Worship is not something to take lightly, and it isn’t always easily done.

Jesus taught that true worship is to be offered “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). In other words, worship done right will involve both mind and body, heart and actions. Today, let’s focus on both sides of worship. First, we will see the “in spirit” side, that is the mind and heart part of worship. Then, we will move to the “in truth” side of worship, which has to do with our bodies and our actions.

A sincere disposition must characterize the worshiper’s mind. The mindset in which you approach worship to God is just as important as the actions that you employ to express that worship. Empty actions are just that – empty. They’re vain. That’s the entire point of the text that I read at the beginning of today’s episode, Matthew 15:7-9. Jesus told of one who came to worship with an arrogant attitude (Luke 18:9-14). The Lord did not speak favorably of that proud prayer. In the Old Testament, God commanded the people to stop offering their empty sacrifices because they were hypocrites (Isa. 1:11-17). In Matthew six, Jesus tells us that basing our religion off of entertainment – that is, to be seen of men – is foolish (Mat. 6:1-4).

By contrast, the Bible outlines for us the disposition with which we should approach worship. First, we should approach the worship humbly. James 4:10 reminds us to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord. Second, we should come reverently. Listen to Habakkuk 2:20: “The LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Third, we should come with a servant’s heart. We are rendering service to God through our worship of Him (John 4:24; Col. 3:17). Finally, we ought to worship intentionally. Remember that it is impossible to accidentally worship. Abraham planned his worship (Gen. 22:5). So did Paul (Acts 24:11). You and I must plan to worship and put forth mental effort in offering our spiritual sacrifices before God in worship.

Scriptural deeds must comprise New Testament worship. This is the “in truth” side of the worship equation. We can observe from our brothers and sisters in the first century church exactly what worship should look like. They partook of the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day (1 Cor. 11:23-27). They sang praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). They prayed together (Acts 2:42). They gave of their financial blessings (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). The word of God was taught (2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 20:7).

Let’s wrap it up: True worship will be comprised of both parts of Jesus’ equation: “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). You can’t have true worship without scriptural deeds, but you also can’t have true worship without the sincere disposition. May we seriously contemplate the honor and the responsibility of worship to God, and may we express that worship as He prescribes. He is worthy of our absolute best.

Memory Verse: We return once again to our perfect pattern, Jesus Christ, who shows us how to interact with others and to be more like Him:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Read Psalm 135:15-18 and answer this question: what does the Psalmist say happens to those who worship idols? I’ll have the answer to that question tomorrow.

OUTRO:

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

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

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

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
“In His Presence: Preparation for Worship”

 

 

 

 

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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:

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 (Col. 3:16).

We’ve been talking this week about worship. And what an important topic this is! Worship is honor paid to Deity (bowing before God) expressed through purposed, intentional avenues that are detailed in the New Testament. Worship itself begins in our hearts, and is then manifested and offered through the actions that the New Testament prescribes.

What is it that excites the heart for worship? In Colossians 3:15-17, I believe that Paul gets right down to the foundation of our worship. He talks about that which causes our hearts to overflow with joy, thanks, praise, and glory to God in heaven. Do you know what that is? Actually, the question should be phrased this way: do you know who that is? In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul gives significant attention to Jesus Christ. In verse fifteen, he says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (ASV, ESV). In verse sixteen, he says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly in all wisdom.” And in verse seventeen, he says, “Whatever you do … do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

We have many reasons to praise and glorify God, but perhaps the greatest reason of all is Jesus Himself. It is impossible to over-emphasize what Jesus has done for our souls.

Think for a minute about the five avenues through which we express our worship. The New Testament says that we worship through singing, praying, partaking of the Lord’s Supper, hearing the gospel read or preached, and giving of our financial means. Now think about the affect of Jesus on each of these and how He excites our heart to worship the Lord in these ways:

• The Lord’s Supper is taken in His memory!
• We can sing because He gave us a song!
• In prayer, He is our Intercessor, Mediator, and Advocate!
• His gospel is preached.
• We give  so that His work can be accomplished.

This is the foundation of worship: a heart that is filled with praise and thanksgiving as a result of what God has done for us and as a result of our recognition of who God is.

You know, we prepare for a lot of things in life. Some of the things for which we prepare are really important, and other things are less so. But nothing is more important than preparation with respect to God and what He requires of us. That being said, you and I ought to put significant thought into preparing for worship. Here are eight practical suggestions for how you can be prepared to worship this Lord’s day:

• Get a good night’s sleep on Saturday night.
• Get up early enough to avoid rushing.
• Eat breakfast to avoid a growling stomach and slowed senses.
• Avoid disagreements with spouses or children, or anything that leaves nerves on edge.
• Fill out the contribution check or count the cash before you arrive.
• Bring your own Bible and notebook instead of counting on one being there.
• Leave early enough to arrive in time to get settled and focused before the service begins.
• Sit in a place where you are least likely to be distracted by babies, heating and cooling, etc.

Let’s wrap it up: These practical suggestions will help you be prepare your mind for the task of worship. When you couple these practical suggestions with living a holy life that has regular times of prayer and Bible study, you will find that you are ready to worship on the Lord’s day!

Memory Verse: One great way to be ready for the Lord’s day is by living like the Lord! So we return to Ephesians 4:32, where we find His perfect example combined with a challenging command:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Return to John 4:23-24 and contemplate on the words of Jesus when He says that God wants us to worship “in spirit and in truth.” More on that tomorrow, Lord willing.

Before we go: The Light Network is planning a special campaign for the month of October that will raise awareness about Domestic Violence. Next month, most of our programming will be devoted to domestic violence awareness and what we can do to offer a Biblical response to this terrible problem. Please take a minute or two to check out what we have planned and please spread the word with a friend. For more information, go to http://thelightnetwork.tv/stopviolence.

OUTRO:

Thanks for joining today me on The New You. New episodes of this broadcast are released each weekday, Monday through Friday, from The Light Network. Archives of this program, episode transcripts, and more Christian podcasts are available there, too, at thelightnetwork.tv. I particularly want to recommend our podcast called Ready to Worship, which is released each Saturday from The Light Network. Chris Clevenger does a great job helping us to prepare our minds for worship. You can find Ready to Worship in iTunes and, of course, on our website, thelightnetwork.tv

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

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

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Tuesday, September 9, 2014
“Worship is About God”

 

 

 

 

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Episode Transcript:

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

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24).

Victoria Osteen recently went on the record with these statements about worship:

I just want to encourage every one of us to realize that when we obey God, we’re not doing it for God — I mean, that’s one way to look at it — we’re doing it for ourselves, because God takes pleasure when we’re happy. That’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.

So, I want you to know this morning: Just do good for your own self. Do good because God wants you to be happy. When you come to church, when you worship Him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy.

Does God want us to be happy? Of course He does. Think about how often the Bible emphasizes concepts such as contentment, happiness, and joy. There’s no question about it: God wants you to be happy. But the real question is: what is true happiness? Read Ecclesiastes to find the answer. I’ll give you a hint: true happiness is only found in God (Eccl. 12:13-14).

So let’s return our attention to this week’s theme: worship. Victoria Osteen says that worship is done for ourselves, and not for God. Really? The Bible disagrees.

In John 4:23-24, Jesus Himself gives us three important criteria about worship. The Lord discussed the proper object of worship, the proper attitude for worship, and the proper actions in worship.

Worship’s Object is God. Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, said “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve” (Mat. 4:10). At the end of the book of Revelation, John “fell down to worship before the feet of the angel” who showed him such great things. But the angel quickly stopped John. “See that you do not do that,” the angel said. “Worship God” (Rev. 22:8-9). In John 4, Jesus said that God is seeking true worshipers. He made it clear that worship is about God.

Perhaps sometimes we don’t do as good of a job at communicating the true object of our worship. Maybe it’s the way that our church buildings are structured: there’s a platform that looks a lot like a stage, and there are either pews or individual seats that are on the floor, all facing the platform. If we’re not careful, we may be tempted to think that we – the ones sitting in the seats on the ground floor – are the “audience.” Sometimes I’ve even been guilty of referring to those who are listening to me preach as the “audience.” We’re not the audience, my friend. God is the audience. We are all worshipers, priests officiating in some of the most sacred activity known to mankind. We are worshiping the God of the universe!

Jesus taught us about the proper attitude for worship. Jesus said that true worshipers will worship God “in spirit and in truth.” The “in spirit” part is our focus here. I think we’ve discussed this before on The New You. My heart and soul is to be employed in worship. In the same way that I can give with the wrong attitude (2 Cor. 9:6-7), I must also be careful not to have the wrong thoughts or attitude when I approach all of worship to God. It’s not about the time it takes. It’s not about the way the song leader does or does not lead the songs correctly. It’s not about how long or how short the prayers are. It isn’t even about how hot or how cold it is in the building. It’s about giving our best – and doing whatever it takes to give our best – with the proper attitude, and with the proper focus: God in heaven.

Finally, notice the proper actions for worship. Jesus said that true worshipers will worship God “in truth” (John 4:24). There are proper actions associated with worshiping God. Do you know what this means? This means that there is a right way to worship God, and that there is a wrong way to worship God. Jesus spoke of worshiping in vain (Mat. 15:9), Paul talked about those who worship based on whatever they way (Col. 2:22-23), and Acts 17 indicates a type of worship that is done ignorantly, that is, they just don’t know better (Acts 17:22-23).

As we progress throughout this week, Lord willing, we will focus on the right way to worship. That is, the way that pleases God.

Let’s wrap it up: Worship is honor paid to Deity (bowing before God) expressed through purposed, intentional avenues detailed in the New Testament. You can’t accidentally worship God, it takes purpose. And you can’t worship God acceptably without focusing on Him. Worship is all about God.

Memory Verse: Do you want to be more Christ-like? Ephesians 4:32 gets to the crux of the matter and shows us exactly how to have the heart of Jesus.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32)

Sometime today: Read Colossians 3:15-17 and think especially about worship. Tomorrow, we’ll use this text to find three principles that will help us be better prepared for worship.

OUTRO:

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

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

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