The Simple Gospel: What To Be in 2005 ~ Joe Price

What To Be In 2005
Joe R. Price

It’s that time of year again, when millions make New Year’s resolutions — with many breaking them within the first week of the New Year. Resolutions are not bad. Making goals is a helpful way to achieve the improvements we wish to make in our lives. They need to be realistic and possible. Here are a few suggestions to be in 2005 that are within the reach of every Christian.

I will be more resolute in my faith. Resolutions made without a firm determination to succeed will only lead to discouragement. For example, how many folks resolve to loss weight but have no strategy to help them achieve their goal? Similarly, the Christian who resolves to improve his spiritual life must have a determined heart of faith. In Christ there is victory (1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jno. 5:4). “Set your mind on things above” and in Christ you will successfully “press toward the goal” (Phil. 3:14).

I will be more prayerful. Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline. With it we petition our heavenly Father, the God of all power, to attend to our lives (as well as the lives of others). Through prayer we thank our loving Father for His generous love toward us. Prayer works (Jas. 5:16). What a wonderful thing it would be for every Christian to resolve to be more prayerful each day; more dependent on the power and presence of God. Don’t forget to pray (1 Ths. 5:17).

I will be more studious of God’s word. Jesus said that the truth sets us free from sin when we know it (Jno. 8:32). Are we still “people of the book” or have we become a people without the book? God’s people “are destroyed for lack of knowledge”, while diligent study of God’s word reaps immediate and eternal results (Hos. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:15). Why not resolve to know more of the Bible by December 31, 2005 than you do January 1, 2005?

I will be a teacher of the gospel. Without someone preaching the gospel, the lost will not hear it, believe it and call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Rom. 10:13-14). But, preachers must be sent (Rom.10:15). (And, please remember that preaching — proclaiming the good news of salvation — does not only occur behind a pulpit.) We can send ourselves and we can send others (Acts 8:4; 11:22). God’s wisdom and power is at work saving souls when the gospel is taught (1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Tim. 2:2). Who, will say with Isaiah, “Here am I! Send me” (Isa. 6:8)?

I will be more obedient to Christ. Every Christian who desires to please the Lord in all things wants to obey Him more completely and dutifully each day. Our commitment to obeying Christ is motivated by our faith, hope and love (2 Cor. 5:7-9; Col. 1:23; 1 Jno. 5:4). Half-hearted obedience must become a thing of the past as we resolve to “give our best to the Master.” These are the ones Jesus will save (Heb. 5:8-9; 10:35-39).

Feel free to add to this list. You know yourself better than anyone else (except or course, for God). So, make a spiritual resolution for 2005. And may the Lord keep you in His blessings as you keep it.

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		What To Be In 2005 Joe R. Price It’s that time of year again, when millions make New Year’s resolutions — with many breaking them within the first week of the New Year. Resolutions are not bad. Making goals is a helpful way to achieve the improvements we wish to make in our lives. They need to be realistic and possible. Here are a few suggestions to be in 2005 that are within the reach of every Christian. I will be more resolute in my faith. Resolutions made without a firm determination to succeed will only lead to discouragement. For example, how many folks resolve to loss weight but have no strategy to help them achieve their goal? Similarly, the Christian who resolves to improve his spiritual life must have a determined heart of faith. In Christ there is victory (1 Cor. 15:57; 1 Jno. 5:4). “Set your mind on things above” and in Christ you will successfully “press toward the goal” (Phil. 3:14). I will be more prayerful. Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline. With it we petition our heavenly Father, the God of all power, to attend to our lives (as well as the lives of others). Through prayer we thank our loving Father for His generous love toward us. Prayer works (Jas. 5:16). What a wonderful thing it would be for every Christian to resolve to be more prayerful each day; more dependent on the power and presence of God. Don’t forget to pray (1 Ths. 5:17). I will be more studious of God’s word. Jesus said that the truth sets us free from sin when we know it (Jno. 8:32). Are we still “people of the book” or have we become a people without the book? God’s people “are destroyed for lack of knowledge”, while diligent study of God’s word reaps immediate and eternal results (Hos. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:15). Why not resolve to know more of the Bible by December 31, 2005 than you do January 1, 2005? I will be a teacher of the gospel. Without someone preaching the gospel, the lost will not hear it, believe it and call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Rom. 10:13-14). But, preachers must be sent (Rom.10:15). (And, please remember that preaching — proclaiming the good news of salvation — does not only occur behind a pulpit.) We can send ourselves and we can send others (Acts 8:4; 11:22). God’s wisdom and power is at work saving souls when the gospel is taught (1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Tim. 2:2). Who, will say with Isaiah, “Here am I! Send me” (Isa. 6:8)? I will be more obedient to Christ. Every Christian who desires to please the Lord in all things wants to obey Him more completely and dutifully each day. Our commitment to obeying Christ is motivated by our faith, hope and love (2 Cor. 5:7-9; Col. 1:23; 1 Jno. 5:4). Half-hearted obedience must become a thing of the past as we resolve to “give our best to the Master.” These are the ones Jesus will save (Heb. 5:8-9; 10:35-39). Feel free to add to this list. You know yourself better than anyone else (except or course, for God). So, make a spiritual resolution for 2005. And may the Lord keep you in His blessings as you keep it.



		Tell A Friend About This article! (If you want a friend to read this article, fill out the form below, and he will be sent an email, with a link back to this page!) Your Name Your Email Your friend's email Do you want to add a short message to the email? Confirmation email sent to you?