Joel Hendon

Resolutions Needed By Christians For 2010


Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009

by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html

Not since the early centuries, Anno Domini, has there been such need for a world wide revival for Christians. Although the name "Christian" is claimed by more people than any other religion in the world, faithful followers of God are perhaps at it's lowest point since God cleansed the earth with a global flood some 4,000+ years ago. And besides this, the possibility of physical persecution for true Christians has not been so great, world wide, for nearly a millennium.

Why is this? The vast majority of people who refer to themselves as "Christians" are simply the offspring of those who called themselves Christians, and may have been so, but have never spent any time reading the Bible. Some may tire of my much repeated statement, "No one can obey God, if they don't know what He says!" but it is truth. One is not a true Christian, simply because he/she was born of Christian (or self-proclaimed Christians) parents. That just isn't the way it is done. To be a Christian, requires strict obedience to God's word. Refer back to my quote above.

For those who do not believe in God, or that the the Holy Bible is God's word, you have no hope. You are without excuse. Bibles are plentiful and easily accessible in all of the free world. All versions are accessible via the internet. The mindset of most atheists will not allow them to be receptive to the biblical truths. This article is not for your benefit. It is for those who believe in Jehovah God and His Son, Jesus Christ and that the Holy Bible is His inerrant revelation to mankind.

Following are several resolutions which should be made and kept by any who claim to be Christians.

1. Resolve to read the Holy Bible every day. Choose a time when you are free and can concentrate on what you read. Allot as much time as you will be able to spare. (Be careful here...if you are unwilling to forego any of your pleasantries, watching TV, recreation, etc, you are not going to do very much.) Then stick with it.

2. Pray. Many "Christians" never pray. You must. That is not my command, it is made perfectly clear in God's word. If you are unaccustomed to prayer, it may be difficult to get started. Usually the reluctance to pray, by many people, is because they realize they are not abiding in His word and feel hypocritical by praying to Him. And well they should, unless they are striving as hard as they can to be obedient. But this is a good time to ask for strength to study and obey His word.

3. Whether a new or old Christian, don't settle for being a "lukewarm" one. This type Christian is thoroughly condemned in His word. Read Revelation 3:14-18.

One would be as well to not profess Christianity, as to be "lukewarm", for God says He will "spue thee out of my mouth". (KJV)

4. Attend worship services, bible studies, and even fellowship gatherings... regularly. If you are anti-social, especially with others who are Christians, you are not pleasing to God. Church attendance, to a Christian, will not be a chore but an eagerly awaited opportunity to worship and serve Him. It should come before recreation, entertainment, or just plain lethargy. Half-hearted Christianity is not what God wants.

5. As you study, your faith and knowledge will increase, then you need to teach others. One of the most vital of Christian duties is personal evangelism. Teach and encourage others to become true Christians. "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:20) This statement means the one who is converted will be saved and the one who does the converting will cover a multitude of his own sins.

I have often talked to people who expressed a desire to be a good Christian but simply could not bring themselves to submit to it. This only indicates that they are unwilling to dig in and become a good one. Three things, which will change one's attitude in this regard. Read the bible daily, pray daily, and meditate upon the things you study. The more one concentrates on Jesus Christ and His teachings, the easier it becomes to abide in them. But he must also remember that man is weak and that he will never be able to live without committing some sins of omission or commission. But by his strong desire not to sin, those of which he does commit, will be forgiven as he prays daily for it. God has not given us an unattainable goal, if we faint not.

If any would desire to do a sincere study of the bible, you may sign up for a study schedule which will see you through the bible in six months plus more studies. Simply go to http://hebronics.org/index.html and join their weekly mailing list.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jean Purcell
 2 years 153 days ago.
Dear Joel, A comment re: the first resolution, to remind and encourage us that we can and must, for our soul's sake, make time even if it icannot be found. I "preach" to myself first on this all the time. People comment about many things, even time to read or be with spouse or children: "I just can't find the time." Will not God ensure that when we resolve to do it He will help us?! Thanks for this article. Your introduction is right on too. -Jean
» left by Joel Hendon 2 years 153 days ago.
Hi Jean, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, I believe this world would automatically turn into a much better place if every human would read the bible two hours per day. God, through the prophet Hosea, said: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". (Hosea 4:6)
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