Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 42

Bible Mystery, 12of17

 ~ The Mystery of God ~

Introduction  ~  Do you love a good mystery?  If so, then you should love reading the Bible. The Scriptures are full of good mysteries!  An important factor to keep in mind when exploring Biblical mysteries is that the word mystery in Scripture has a root meaning of previously withheld.  Biblical mysteries were previously unexplained—but now are revealed to God’s immediate family. 

Scripture  ~  “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:1-3). 

“But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets” (Revelation 10:7).

Comment  ~  The mystery is the Church of Jesus Christ which began at Pentecost and will conclude with the rapture.  “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). 

The Bottom Line  ~  Will you study the Word of God and apply it to your life?  Or will you waste your time on earth and the many opportunities which God gives to you.  The mysteries of Scripture are revealed to the children of God who seek to please Him.  As you comprehend the mysteries contained in the Word of God you will possess understanding and wisdom with regard to current world events.  Time is short, if you are not already on God’s side, I urge you to climb on board before it is forever too late. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Bible Question, 79

 ~ Test Your Bible Knowledge ~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~ bible question ~~~~

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question:  What is the longest book in the Hebrew Bible?

Please provide your answer in the comments below!

The answer will be provided in a future blog.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Question – Jesus, 68

 ~ Regarding The Law, 1of5 ~

Introduction ~  This series is about questions involving Jesus.  Some were asked by individuals involved with Jesus Christ while He walked on earth.  Others are questions that Jesus Christ asked others.  We will look at questions on about 130 topics (some may split into two or more posts).  Even so, it is far from an exhaustive list. 

Scripture  ~  “Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.  When they had come, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth.  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?  Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?’

“But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why do you test Me?  Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.’  So they brought it.  And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’  They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’

And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’  And they marveled at Him” (Mark 12:13-17).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

God Is My… (Psalms), 39

 ~ God Is My Vindicator, 2 ~

Introduction  ~  Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms.  While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms. 

Passage  ~  “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!  For You are the God of my strength; why do You cast me off?  Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” (Psalm 43:1-2). 

Prior Passage  ~   “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity.  I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip” (Psalm 26:1).

Significance  ~  “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35a).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Be an insider!  Sign up for his author NEWSLETTERand 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. 

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

 

Myth, 73

 ~ Life Is Random ~

The Truth  ~  God is sovereign – in control of all things – and nothing is random.  All that happens He allows.  In His infinite wisdom God gave man free will – the ability to choose.  Bad things that occur today are a result of man’s failure in the Garden of Eden.  We all have inherited a sin nature from our ancestors.  But God knows all and sees all.

Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “Are not five sparrowssold for two copper coins?  And not one of them is forgotten before God.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

“He [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:15-18).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

EXTRA: Milestone Passed

 ~ Over 3,000 “Abundant Life Now” Posts ~

History  ~  ALN started on October 21, 2009, as a Tuesday blog.  The posts increased from time to time in frequency.  2015 was the first year of at least one post a day for the entire year.

Subjects  ~  Initially, posts tended to be singular with an occasional short series (less than 5 in a topic).  Over time this increased, and now looking back the record shows that there have been 68 completed series of 5 or more posts.  There have been 3 series with 100 or greater posts, and the longest-running series was “Messiah” which included over 300 posts. 

THANK YOU  ~  Without readers these accomplishments would not have happened! 

Audience  ~  ALN has been read in over 200 countries and translated into more than 100 languages.  The USA is usually the top country as far as readership.  However, from time to time other countries have taken over that position.  As I write this, Italy is in the top spot followed by the USA, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. 

Reader Favorite Posts  ~  The top 10 reader favorite posts are listed at the bottom of this site.  The top 4 tend to rotate between “The 7 Benefits of the Blood of Christ,” “The Shortest Man” (a humorous post), “The 10 Failures of Samson,” and “Spiritual 7-Up.”  

ALN Favorite Posts  ~  Our own top 10 favorite posts can be found on the right hand column of this blog site.  It is interesting that the list includes “The 12 Successes of Samson.” 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     An INDEX of all ALN posts can be accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Fear God, 199

 ~ In The End Times Many Who Are Left Will Fear God ~

God does not want His children living in fear.  “Grace and peace be multiplied to youin the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3).  However, God does want His children to have a proper respect and reverence for Him.  We are told in many places in Scripture to “fear God.”  

This Week’s Passage  ~  “Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.  And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, ‘Come up here.’  And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.  In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell.  In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven” (Revelation 11:11-13).

Fearing God Results in Salvation  ~  “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).  “A wise person fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16).  This does not mean the Christian is to live a fearful life—but a life which reverences God and seeks to do His will. 

Fearing God Results in Fearlessness  ~  “The Lordis my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lordis the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).  The answer is: only God.  With the gift of salvation comes responsibility.

Fearing God Results in Witnessing  ~  “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Thanksgiving 2020

 ~ Have You Truly Given Thanks? ~

Today should be a day of EXTRA gratefulness and thanksgiving.  Consider the opposite – the lack of true thanksgiving:

Old Testament  ~  “God can’t stand pious poses, but He delights in genuine prayers” (Proverbs 15:8, msg).

New Testament  ~  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:18-23).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Bible Mystery, 11of17

 ~ The Mystery of Christ In You~

Introduction  ~  Do you love a good mystery?  If so, then you should love reading the Bible. The Scriptures are full of good mysteries!  An important factor to keep in mind when exploring Biblical mysteries is that the word mystery in Scripture has a root meaning of previously withheld.  Biblical mysteries were previously unexplained—but now are revealed to God’s immediate family. 

Scripture  ~  “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from agesand from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.  To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.  To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (Colossians 1:24-29).

Comment  ~  The fact that Gentiles would be saved was known in the Old Testament, the mystery (not previously revealed) is that Jews would now come to God in the same manner as Gentiles.  It is a fact that all mankind (Jews and Gentiles) have sinned and as a result fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  When either a Jew or a Gentile comes to Christ as a repentant sinner they are placed on equal footing in the Church.  Having done that, they become a new person in Christ! 

The Bottom Line  ~  Will you study the Word of God and apply it to your life?  Or will you waste your time on earth and the many opportunities which God gives to you.  The mysteries of Scripture are revealed to the children of God who seek to please Him.  As you comprehend the mysteries contained in the Word of God you will possess understanding and wisdom with regard to current world events.  Time is short, if you are not already on God’s side, I urge you to climb on board before it is forever too late. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.

 

Spiritual Gifts, 1

 ~ What Are Spiritual Gifts? ~

Opening Comment  ~  “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18). 

Background  ~  It is important to define what a spiritual gift is.  The Biblical term can easily be translated as Grace Gift – which is certainly true.  Grace being something good which we do not deserve.  That concept is found throughout Scripture.  “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a).  “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).

However, grace is a characteristic of all God’s gifts, not just Spiritual Gifts, including those in the recently completed ALN series on “God’s Gifts” and our Natural Abilities.  For that reason, and for common understanding, we will stick with the term Spiritual Gifts in this series.    

What Is A Spiritual Gift!  ~  The easiest way to approach this is to contrast Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts.  

1.      Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both Grace Gifts given to us by God.

2.      Natural Abilities are given to us at natural birth (conception). 

3.      Spiritual Gifts are given to us at the time of our spiritual birth (conversion). 

4.      Natural Abilities are possessed by all including natural (unregenerate) man.

5.      Spiritual Gifts are possessed only by individuals who have made the decision to accept the salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ. 

6.      Natural Abilities enable us to function in the natural world (physically, mentally, etc.).  

7.      Spiritual Gifts are given to us for functioning in spiritual matters. 

8.      Natural Abilities are primarily related to our function in the world such as in our vocation. 

9.      Spiritual Gifts enable us to function primarily in our local church and related ministries. 

10.  Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both inherent capacities as opposed to acquired skills.  The exercise of both is important to become efficient in their use. 

In summary…

Your Natural Abilities relate to your natural capacity for development.

Your Spiritual Gifts relate to your capacity for spiritual exercise, development, and ministry. 

Clarification  ~  Oftentimes Natural Abilities from our first birth will work in close relation to the Spiritual Gifts which received at our second birth – when we are “born again” – but sometimes they are poles apart.  As an example, Dr. Earl Radmacher a long-time mentor of mine replied to question of mine by saying, “I am not a speaker (natural talent) but I am a gifted preacher (spiritual gift).”   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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. 

NOTES :

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/.