Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 65

Question – Jesus, 38

~  Regarding Food ~
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  ~  “After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself:  Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.  Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’  They said to him, ‘We are going with you also.’  They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing.  But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  Then Jesus said to them, ‘Children, have you any food?’  They answered Him, ‘No.’  And He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’  So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish” (John 21:1-6).
“Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you.’  But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.  And He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled?  And why do doubts arise in your hearts?  Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself.  Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.’  When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.  But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, ‘Have you any food here?’  So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.  And He took it and ate in their presence” (Luke 24:36-43).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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), 9

~ God Is My Deliverer ~
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  ~  “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:1-3).     
Significance  ~  The concept of a deliver is one who will provide a way out of a problem.  The Scripture tells believers that “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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, 43

~ Christians Shouldn’t Associate With Non-Christians ~
The Fallacy  ~  Jesus Christ’s last command to His followers was has become known as the Great Commission; “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).  Clearly this requires involvement with unbelievers. 
Christ’s Example  ~  Throughout Jesus Christ’s life on earth (our role model) He interacted with outcasts and the worst of sinners in His day.  This is seen throughout the four Gospel accounts of His life on earth. 
The Element of Truth  ~  We do tend to become more like the people we associate with.  “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).  “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).  “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Reconcile These Facts  ~  Perhaps the easiest way to understand this two-sided coin is the difference between being a friend of pre-Christians versus having a close fellowship with them.  Christ spent some of His time on earth interacting with non-believers but also intentionally having regular fellowship with and teaching His disciples. 
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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/.

Fear God, 167

~ Those Who Fear God Are The Ultimate Winners ~
God does not want His children living in fear.  “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in 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  ~  “‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble.  And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that will leave them neither root nor branch.  But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.  You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,’ says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 4:1-3).
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
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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/.

Psalm 119, 23of27

~ Read God’s Word To Have A Clear Conscience ~
119:163   I hate and abhor lying,But I love Your law.
Comment  ~  Being filled with the knowledge of the Word of God will keep your conscience clear as you walk, speak, and live in truth. 
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly” (Proverbs 2:7).
“But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside [unbelievers], and that you may lack nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12).
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.  Let your speech always be with grace [better than deserved], seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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: Just Released

~ 19 Spiritual Growth Lessons I Learned from Trees ~
“ GOD’S CHILD: Like a Tree ” by Robert Lloyd Russell https://books2read.com/GodsChild
Presents insights into the normal Christian Growth Process through powerful Biblical analogies (amazing parallels between physical realities and spiritual principles).  “The definitive work on Psalm 1.”  
The third book in the award-winning the Christian Concepts Series. ·         Enjoyable and Entertaining reading  ·         Marvel at the richness of little understood Scripture passages·         Analogies teach profound truth in simple language·         Described as “Inspirational Doctrine” & as “Living Theology” ·         Intensely practical for Christians living today ·         Appreciated by all levels of spiritual Maturity ·         Provides clear practical lessons for the Christian living today·         Short, easy-to-read and understand sections ·         Ideal reading for the person “on the go”·         “Think and Grow” questions for group study or personal contemplation
Available in your favorite format including: Amazon (Kindle), and Barnes & Noble (Nook), Apple, Baker & Taylor, Bibliotheca, Hoopla, Kobo, OverDrive, Scribd, Tolino, 24 Symbols, … https://books2read.com/GodsChild     ISBN:9781393518266 
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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/.

The Law: Questions, 15of25

~ Was The Law Wiped Out? ~
Scripture  ~  “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us.  And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:11-15).
Comments  ~  Jesus summed up the Law this way:  “Jesus said to him, ‘“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets’” (Matthew 22:37-40).
“So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.  If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately.  Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer.  You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, “Where I am going, you cannot come,” so now I say to you.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:31-35).
Reference  ~  You may be interested in a previous “Abundant Life Now” 14 post series entitled “10 Commandments Today” (from March 1 to June 28, 2018).  “Abundant Life Now” also posted a 12 post series entitled “Law vs. Grace” (from January 22 to December 24, 2013).  The Key Passage in this series is: “Do not think that I [Jesus Christ] came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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/.

Psalm 119, 22of27

~ Read God’s Word To How To Respond To Tough Situations ~
119:42 So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me,For I trust in Your word. 119:43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,For I have hoped in Your ordinances.
119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings,And will not be ashamed.
Comment  ~  When we face difficult situations the knowledge of God’s Word will provide the answers for us. 
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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, 37

~  Regarding Finding ~
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 all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.   And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, ‘This Man receives sinners and eats with them.’  So He spoke this parable to them, saying: ‘What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?’  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance’” (Luke 15:1-7).
“‘Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!”  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents’” (Luke 15:8-10).    
“Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?’  And He said to them, ‘What things?’  So they said to Him, ‘The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him.  But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.  Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.  Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us.  When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.  And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.’  Then He said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!  Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’  And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:18-27).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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/.

Easter: A Big Picture

~ 4 Key Aspects of Christ’s Work For Us ~
Christ Died To Redeem Us  ~  “Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:13b-14). 
Christ Rose To Justify Us  ~  “Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us.  It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (Romans 4:23-25). 
Christ Lives To Save Us  ~  “Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing.  But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.  Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:23-25).
When Christ Comes Again He Will Glorify Us  ~  “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4). 
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
NOTES: (1)     The currentTOP 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/.