New Year’s Resolution

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The Bible is called “the sword of the Spirit” in Ephesians 6:17. God the Holy Spirit uses Scripture to touch people’s hearts with its truths.

If people do not know Jesus as Saviour, He uses Scripture to convince them they are lost sinners, and that Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again. The Holy Spirit also assures believers in Christ with Scripture that Jesus has saved us and we have eternal life: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life,” (1 John 5:13)

The most wonderful decision a person can make is to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prodding and receive Jesus as Saviour. When he does, he has a personal relationship with Jesus who takes up residence inside. Galatians 2:20 says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:” Once inside, Jesus never leaves. He said in Hebrews 13:5, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Jesus told His apostles, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) That statement wasn’t just for them but for everyone who is saved. The Lord wants all of us to enjoy our Christian life. That’s why He gave us the Scripture: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,” (boldface added)

Sadly, it can happen that saved people lose interest in the things of God and don’t enjoy their Christian life. Jesus said, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Yet He didn’t say it had to happen. He also didn’t say that people who get cold have to stay that way.

If you are a Christian but don’t enjoy your Christian life, one sure antidote is to spend time in the word. Psalm 19:8 says, “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:” Jesus gave us His words to give us joy. “And these things write we unto you, that your joy might be full.” (1 John 1:3) The more you spend time in Scripture, the more enjoyable and meaningful your Christian life will be.

People make New Year’s resolutions to change their lives for the better. If you’re a Christian, one great resolution is to make Scripture part of your daily life. Resolve to read the whole Bible, or at least the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. As our verse says, God will use His word to work in your heart.

Another helpful resolution is to memorize and meditate on Scripture: “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.” (Proverbs 7:2-3) “Meditate upon these things;” (1 Timothy 4:15) When you read a Scripture that is especially helpful, memorize it verbatim and think about it from time to time. The more Scripture you memorize, the more access you will have to God’s word for times when you can’t open a Bible.

Paul said, “That I may know him [Jesus], and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,” (Philippians 3:10) Paul knew Jesus as Saviour, but He wanted to know Him more. The more you know Scripture, the better you will know your Saviour and enjoy fellowship with Him.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Saviour? Are you headed for heaven? If you’re not sure, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?” to learn more.

Brian Miller 12/29/2023

Cleveland Baptist Church 4431 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144 216/671-2822