Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 6
November 19, 2021
7 Life Essentials, 3
~ Basic Need: Food~
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 ~ “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world’” (John 6:47-51).
Comment ~ Our spiritual lives are just as much in need of food as the our physical lives.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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November 18, 2021
Ability > Failure > Progress > Success
~ Four States of Mankind Regarding Sin ~
Innocent Man (before The Fall) ~ “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’” (Genesis 2:15-17). God gave man clear instructions of what to do and what not to do.
Adam had the ability to sin, but more importantly the ability not to sin!
Natural Man (after The Fall) ~ “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Apostle Paul explained it this way, “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me” (Romans 7:14-20). Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden we are not able to not sin! Fortunately, the believer who is experiencing normal (not average) spiritual growth is sinning less and less as they are in the process of becoming transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Regenerated Man ~ “Put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:9b-10). “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). The Christian is a “new creation” in Christ – not a “makeover.” As a believer with the indwelling Holy Spirit we are able to not sin!
Glorified Man ~ “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3). Our final stage will be when we are transformed and no longer able to sin!
Comment ~ These four categorizations are from Augustine of Hippo in “The Bondage of the Will.”
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
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November 17, 2021
Sabbath, 1of9
~ The Reason for 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).
Passage ~ “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11).
Comment ~ God set the pattern for us. We are made in His image.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
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November 16, 2021
Spiritual Gifts, 37
~ The Spiritual Gift of Interpreting Tongues ~
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).
Category ~ The sign gift of interpreting an unlearned language.
Purpose ~ There is significant division within Christianity regarding tongues and specifically the role of tongues in the Church today.
The purpose of tongues is an extremely important in discussing the subject of Biblical tongues. A careful examination of the New Testament passages dealing with tongues clearly reveals that tongues were a sign not for believers but for unbelievers. In fact there is one undeniable statement to this effect: “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe” (1 Corinthians 14:22).
Scripture ~ “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues [unlearned languages]. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
This passage clearly denotes that those who were given the grace gift of interpreting in an unknown language were not spiritually superior to those with other gifts.
“And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:28-31).
This chapter ends with the “more excellent way” explained: “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Scripture ~ As we come to the conclusion of our discussion of tongues it is appropriate to consider the following passage – which clearly shows those speaking in tongues were not speaking in some new unknown language. Rather, the Spirit of God enabled them to speak in an existing language which they had never learned.
“And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our own tongues [languages] the wonderful works of God.’ So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘Whatever could this mean?’ Others mocking said, ‘They are full of new wine’ (Acts 2:5-12).
Closing Comments ~ “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://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
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November 15, 2021
Question – Jesus, 112
~ Regarding Revenge ~
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 He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: ‘There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, “Get justice for me from my adversary.” And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, “Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me”.’
“Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?’” (Luke 18:1-8).
Additional Scripture ~ “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://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
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November 14, 2021
God Is My… (Psalms), 79
~ God Is My High Tower ~
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 ~ “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle — my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me” (Psalm 144:1-2).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://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
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November 13, 2021
Myth, 118
~ Perception Is Reality ~
Myth ~ Perception is reality! This is expressed in many ways.
Reality ~ Truth is truth regardless of what you perceive. A desert traveler may perceive an oasis ahead only to discover it was a mirage. Another person may dive into what he perceives to be a deep pool of water only to hit an unseen rock below the surface resulting in becoming a paraplegic for the rest of his life. Comment ~ The results of incorrect perception often have deadly consequences. This is especially true in spiritual issues. Scripture ~ Consider this twice repeated clear statement. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 16:25). “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).~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· 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. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
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November 12, 2021
7 Life Essentials, 2
~ Basic Need: Air ~
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 ~ “When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens — and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground — the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:4-7 niv)
“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see” (Acts 3:13-16 niv)
Additional Scriptures ~ “In Him [Jesus Christ] we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).
“For by Him [Jesus Christ] 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[sustained]” (Colossians 1:16-17).
“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).
Comment ~ You are dependent upon God for your next breath and every breath thereafter.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://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
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November 11, 2021
Thank You Veterans
~ Veterans Deserve Our Respect And Honor ~
Scripture ~ Jesus said, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:12-13).
Application ~ Each and every veteran was willing, if need be, to die for his fellow citizens.
Response ~ To all Veterans, We want you to know that you are esteemed and valued greatly. Thank you for your sacrificial service and may the Almighty God bless you and your loved ones!
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://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
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November 10, 2021
3 Good People
~ How Many Categories Describe You? ~
A Good Person(right with God) ~ “Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord” (Acts 11:22-24).
A Good Minister(ready for God) ~ “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:6-11).
A Good Steward(true to God) ~ “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:7-11).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
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