Sunday, December 24, 2023

In Jesus We Have… , 48

~ In Jesus We Have Eternal Life, 15 ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Introduction ~ In this series we look at a few of the verses which state what we have when we are “in Christ.”  Consider our series theme verse: 

 

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:4-10).

 

Currently we are posting some of the many verses which talk about eternal life?

 

What is your definition of “eternal”?

 

Scripture ~ “But Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor’” (John 12:23-26).

 

Comment ~ I like to consider one-word descriptions of the Bible.  There are many but my favorite is “forgiveness.” 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

Saturday, December 23, 2023

EXTRA: Big Book Sale

~ All eBooks Half-Price ~

 

Through the end of this month!

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.



3 Views of the Church, 2of3

 ~ 3 “B” Word Pictures from Ephesians: Body ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Body  ~  “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 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” (Ephesians 4:11-16).  “For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:23-24).

 

The true Church of Jesus Christ is like the human body where Christ is the Head.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


Friday, December 22, 2023

Fool Characteristics, 39

~ God Is Sovereign Over Fools ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Series Note  ~  In this series we look at some of the passages in the Book of Proverbs – wise sayings that are generally true – that describe a fool from God’s perspective.  Some may surprise you. 

 

Chapter Note  ~  Eleven of the first twelve verses of Proverbs 26 contain a comment about fools (only verse 2 does not).

 

Scripture  ~  “The great God who formed everything gives the fool his hire and the transgressor his wages” (Proverbs 26:10).

 

Important Truth  ~  “The fool has said in his heart, ‘there is no God’” (Psalm 53:1a).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

 

For Specific Information about individual books go to:

https://www.booksrlr.com/

 

* * * * *


Thursday, December 21, 2023

Newness In Christ, 7

~ A New Homeland ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Scripture  ~  “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).

 

Comment  ~  Citizenship identifies an individual as legally belonging to a country.  Believers belong in heaven with their Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  One day soon (either by physical death or Christ’s second coming to earth) that will be a reality.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


~~~~~~~~~~~   

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

God Attribute, 99

~ God Takes Revenge ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

This Series  ~  This series of posts looks at some of the many attributes of God.  Generally, we move in alphabetical order.

 

Scripture  ~  “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19).

 

Comment  ~  In a future day God will make all things right!

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Why Trust God? 73

~ God Previews Your Future ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Introduction  ~  “Abundant Life Now” previously provided a list of Biblical of examples of fearing / reverencing God (217 posts).  In this current series we look at Biblical accounts that demonstrate that we can fully trust God.  Initially we posted seven general reasons for trusting God.  We are currently looking at passages from all 66 books of Scripture which demonstrate a reason for trusting our Creator. 

 

Scripture  ~  “In the visions of God He took me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain; on it toward the south was something like the structure of a city.  He took me there, and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze.  He had a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand, and he stood in the gateway.  And the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you.  Declare to the house of Israel everything you see’” (Ezekiel 40:2-4).

 

“All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 

~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, December 18, 2023

The Christian Walk, 6

 ~ Walk In The Light ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Series Introduction  ~  The New Testament has much to say about how a believer should live their life.  Christians should never have to guess about the life that pleases God.  In this series we look at a variety of passages that speak about the Christian walk on earth. 

 

Scripture  ~ “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:8-11).

 

“If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

 

Additional Scripture  ~  “Then Jesus said to them, ‘A little while longer the light is with you.  Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.  While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.’  These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them” (John 12:35-36). 

 

Comment  ~  This is the second of four sequential posts that refer to Christ’s life on earth as our example of how to live our lives.

 

Quote  ~  “To walk with someone means you are aware of their presence.  And this is true with God.  If you’re to walk with Him, you must be continually aware of His presence.” —Kay Smith {Pleasing God)

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


~~~~~~~~~~~   

Sunday, December 17, 2023

In Jesus We Have… , 47

 ~ In Jesus We Have Eternal Life, 12 ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Introduction  ~  In this series we look at a few of the verses which state what we have when we are “in Christ.”  Consider our series theme verse: 

 

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:4-10).

 

Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).

 

Questions  ~  (1) What is your definition of “eternal”?

(2) Based on your definition of eternal, is there any way you could lose eternal life?

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages 


~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, December 16, 2023

3 Views of the Church, 1of3

~ 3 “B” Word Pictures from Ephesians: Building ~

 

|||* BOOKS EXTRAVAGANZA: See Below *|||

 

Building  ~  “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22). “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11).

 

The true Church of Jesus Christ is like a building where Christ is the Foundation.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

AWARD-WINNING CHRISTIAN NON-FICTION

Half-Price eBooks ~ Right now you can obtain any, or all, of my eBooks for half-price (epub). Only at https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=robert+lloyd+russell 

 

Choose From:

          Christian Concepts Series

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight

GOD’S CHILD: Like A Tree

 

                     Christian Growth Series

GOD’S DESIRE: How to Finish Strong

GOD’S LIGHT: How to Respond

CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How to Finish Strong

 

                     Christian Theology Series

CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits

PRIDE: Good and Bad

TEMPTATION: 50+ Tips

 

                     Bible Character Series

SAMSON: Spirit-Controlled to Self-Centered

PETER: Failure to Faith

 

                     Missions

JIM ELLIOT: Recorded Messages