Reflect On 2021

 ~ How Much Progress? ~

 

Introduction  ~  Many would argue that our world experienced a tough year in 2021.  The COVID virus is a world-wide issue.  Many governments are going through dramatic change which can cause great uncertainties. 

 

Responsibility  ~  If you are a Christian you are to be growing more and more like Christ as you wait for His return.  Did you become more Christ-like in 2021?

 

Reflection  ~  Did you grow intellectually in 2021?  Did you intentionally pay attention to your physical health in 2021?  How about spiritual growth in 2021?  And, what about your social interaction and skills?  Remember your example and role model is none other than Jesus Christ!  Jesus said, “Follow Me.” 

 

Scripture  ~  “And Jesus increased in wisdom [intellectually] and stature [physically], and in favor with God [spiritually] and men [socially]” (Luke 2:52).

 

Closing Question  ~  Are you willing be even more intentional in 2022? 

 

The Most Important Issue In Life  ~  Have you settled your eternal destiny?  Right this moment you are headed for either heaven or hell – there is no third alternative.  Unless you make a deliberate decision you are headed to an eternal punishment.  If you are ready to receive the forgiveness and loving acceptance that Christ offers then it is as simple as A-B-C:

“A” ~ Admit that you have sinned and need a strength beyond your own.

“B” ~ Believe in the power of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“C” ~ Choose to trust Christ as your Savior and to learn of Him, seek to follow Him, and in so doing possess “the peace that passes any human understanding.” 

For more specific help visit www.HeavenOrNot.net.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Binary, 4

 ~ Binary Foundations: Rock or Sand ~

 

Series Comment  ~  When it comes to spiritual paths it is strictly a binary choice. 

(1)   It is a choice between the True or False.  “Jesus said to him [Thomas], ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).  [See Post #1 in this series.]

(2)   It is a choice between Do or Done.  Jesus said, “It [the work of salvation] is finished!” (John 19:30).  Your Doing can add nothing to what Christ has Done for you.  [See Post #2 in this series.]

(3)   It is your choice between Religion or Relationship.  Religions are geared toward self-effort whereas Christianity is an intimacy with the only One who can save.  Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).  [See Post #3 in this series.}

 

Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell.  And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27).

 

Comment  ~  How is your foundation? 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW  

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Sabbath, 7of9

 ~ Scriptures Are Read On The Sabbath ~

 

Introduction  ~  In the Old Testament the Sabbath was established as part of The Law.  The Sabbath is observed from sundown Friday evening through sundown Saturday evening.  In the New Testament the law of God is written on believers’ hearts (Romans 2:12-16) rather than on tablets of stone.  It is the heart’s attitude which now supersedes outward obedience (Romans 10:10).  Following Christ’s resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week, the Disciples and later the Church have observed their day of rest on Sunday in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 20:7). 

 

Passages  ~  “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.  For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him” (Acts 13:26-27). 

 

“Known to God from eternity are all His works.  Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.  For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach Him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath” (Acts 15:18-21). 

 

Comment  ~  A primary way of reflecting upon and learning about God is by the reading of His Word and sound preaching based upon His Word. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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