With the start of a new year come the setting and pursuit of New Year’s resolutions. Of course we can resolve to begin doing something at any time of the year, but the fresh beginning a new year offers seems to compel us to establish resolutions. Webster’s defines the word resolve as "...to reach a firm decision about; to determine; a firm, set course of action..." In addition to the typical resolutions which we might determine to meet (ie. improved health, saving money, etc.), let us add the following, which will benefit our souls, the kingdom of God, and the souls of men about us.

Below are my notes from a recent sermon preached. You are encouraged to take the time to look up the verses referenced.

...To Read The Bible (more).

• It is delightful reading (Psalms 1:1-2; Psalms 119:47; Philippians 4:8)

• It is quality reading (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:2-4)

• It is saving reading (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15; James 1:21; 1 Timothy 4:13, 15, 16)

...To Spend (more) Time In Prayer.

• It will be to us a source of strength (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 26:41)

• Realize, God answers prayer (Acts 12:5ff; Matthew 7:7; 21:22; 1 John 5:14-15; Luke 18:1ff)

• It is necessary to be steadfastness (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18)

...To Share The Gospel With The Lost (more).

• It is our mission (2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Mark 16:15)

• There is a great need (Romans 10:14ff)

• Be ready to give a defence (1 Peter 3:15; Philemon 6 – share of your faith)

...To Attend (all) The Services Of The Church.

• Attendance is necessary (Hebrews 10:24-26; 3:13)

• Consider the first century church (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42)

...If Not A Christian, To Obey The Gospel (immediately).

• There is assurance of damnation to the lost (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 4:17-19)

• What must I do to be saved?

  • have faith in Christ (John 3:16; James 2:19)

  • confess Jesus as the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37)

  • repent of your sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31)

  • be baptized for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:20-21)

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
In Matthew 27:44, we read that both robbers reviled Jesus, but in Luke 23:41-43, only one robber reviled Jesus, while the other believed. Is there a contradiction?