New Things, 12

~ A New And Living Way ~

 

Introduction ~ This series will aid us in understanding some of the many dimensions of possessing new life through the work of Jesus Christ found in the New Testament (or New Covenant). The theme for this series is from the book of Lamentations where we find a great summary verse about our gracious and faithful God.

 

New Mercies ~ “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’” (Lamentations 3:22-24).

 

Scripture ~ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).

 

Comment ~ The essence of this passage is to hold firmly to our Christian beliefs: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.  Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” https://booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/

·         An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

~~~~~~~~~~~   

Is Christ God? 5of12

~ Jesus Christ Called Himself God! ~

 

Scripture  ~  “But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."  Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God” (John 5:17-19).

 

“Jesus answered, ‘If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing.  It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.  Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him.  And if I say, “I do not know Him,” I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.  Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.’  Then the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’  Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’  Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:54-59).

 

“Jesus answered them, ‘I told you, and you do not believe.  The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.  But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.  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.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  I and My Father are one.’  Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.  Jesus answered them, ‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father.  For which of those works do you stone Me?’  The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God’” (John 10:25-33).

 

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.  And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.  Even so, Amen.  ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,’ says the Lord, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty’” (Revelation 1:7-8). 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Author web page: https://booksrlr .com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” 

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

~~~~~~~~~~

Promise of God, 64

 

~ You No Longer Need to Fear ~

 

This Series ~ God has made many promises to His people. This series of posts looks at some (100+) of the many promises of God.  It is not an exhaustive list.

 

Key Factor ~ God not only makes promises to His people but He also keeps all of His promises.

 

Scripture ~ “You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:15).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: booksrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot .com – An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

~~~~~~~~~~~

Benefits For God’s People, 15

 ~ God Is My Hiding Place ~

 

Series Information ~ The Bible is full of promises to those who have trusted in God as their only true source of salvation. Most of the 100+ posts in this series are exclusively for God’s family. These postings are far from an exhaustive list! It is important to realize you are not a member of God’s family unless you have made a specific intentional decision to trust Jesus Christ as your savior. If you have not done that or are not sure if you have then I suggest you settle it today. Here is a good website which will help you: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/what-must-i-do-to-be-saved/

 

Series Theme Scripture ~ “For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes [answer] in Him [Christ].  For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him [in His Person and by His agency] to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians1:20 amp).

 

This Post Scripture ~ “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7).

 

Comment ~ Everyone at times needs a place of rest and relaxation. God provides that spot – whether you are a Christian or not.

 

The Christian ~ “And He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’ For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves” (Mark 6:31-32).

 

The Pre-Christian ~ “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.  Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” https://booksrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/

·         An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

~~~~~~~~~~~   

7 Life Essentials, 4

~ Basic Need: Light ~

 

Introduction  ~  In this series we will look at the four most basic physical needs for a human to survive, and how Jesus Christ satisfies the parallel spiritual needs.  Then we will look at three additional critical factors related to both our physical and spiritual needs.

 

Physical Needs  ~  According to basic physiological understanding mankind needs four basic elements in order to survive physically: water, air, food, and light.

 

Jesus satisfies the parallel spiritual needs.  Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:10-11, 7:38).  Jesus provides the Breath of Life (Genesis 2:7, Colossians 1:16-17).  Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48).  Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5).

 

Key Scriptures  ~  “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

 

Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:3).

 

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5).

 

Comment  ~  Light is essential for ALL life on earth.  If you would like to learn more about the role of light for life on earth, I would suggest the eBook “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight” which reveals some fascinating parallels between the light from the sun and spiritual light from the Son of God.  (https://books2read.com/GodsNature)

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

 

Author web page: https://booksrlr .com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” 

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

~~~~~~~~~~

God Attribute, 163

~ God Experiences Pleasure ~

 

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

 

Scripture ~ “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness — God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6).

 

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 NIV).

 

“The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land — for how great is its goodness and how great its beauty!” (Zechariah 9:16-17a).

 

“‘They shall be Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels’ (Malachi 3:17a).

 

Comments ~ (1) My Christian life significantly improved when I quit trying to avoid doing things God does not approve of and instead focused on ways I could please God! 

 

(2) For any of my readers who are interested in pleasing God I would recommend a couple of my books (print or eBook):

 

“GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOU: How To Please God” ~ If you are unsure of what God has in mind for you, I recommend another book: “GOD’S DESIRE: How To Please God,” eBook ISBN: 978-1393211785, ASIN: B08H4F619W; or print edition: ISBN: 979-8223962915, approximately 200 pages.

 

This book starts with the complex subject of the will of God presented in an innovative, easy-to-understand, and quick-read format that concisely explains the three main components of God's will. This is critical to understanding how to please God. 

 

The illustrated “Christian Life Model” and “Christian Guidance Model” graphically display what God desires from His children and how they can be assured of making correct decisions throughout their lives. The book closes with a concise description of the benefits of following the two models. 

 

“CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How To Finish Strong” ~ Those who desire to finish their Christian life strong from this point on might want to consider the book: “CHRIST’S DISCIPLE: How To Finish Strong,” eBook ISBN: 978-1393844402, ASIN: B091XZF79B; or print edition ISBN: 979-8223262800, approximately 162 pages.

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted. Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers: BOOKSrlr .com/connect - Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” BOOKSrlr .com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com – An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.

Facebook page: Robert Lloyd Russell

~~~~~~~~~~~

True Conversion, 1of7

~ The Need for Conversion ~

 

Introduction ~ True conversion includes a new attitude toward God, shown forth always by an outward change in the life. 

 

In this series of posts, we look at 1) the need for conversion, 2) the process of conversion, 3) the motive for conversion, 4) objections to conversion, 5) correct thinking about conversion, 6) how conversion occurs, and 7) evidence of conversion.

 

Scripture ~ “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me’” (Matthew 18:2-5.

 

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19-20).

 

Quote ~ “True conversion means turning not only from sin but also from depending on self-made righteousness. Those who trust in their own righteousness for conversion hid behind their own good works. This is the reason that self-righteous people are so angry with Gospel preachers, because the Gospel does not spare those who will not submit to the righteousness of Jesus Christ!” —George Whitefield

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Bible Version: Quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.  Emphasis is added.

FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome gift followed by occasional news and special offers.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time. 

Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” http://booksrlr.com/ – 11 national and international book awards.

Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/

·         An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

~~~~~~~~~~~