Some Good Resolutions
by: Dan C. Bailey
It is beneficial to make good resolutions for the New Year. When we reflect upon the past and plan for the future, resolutions are very helpful. How could we ever improve ourselves without resolving to do so? Here are some resolutions which will help us all to have a happy and blessed New Year.
Let Us Resolve
To Read The Bible Daily
This is a simple resolution, and one that all Christians should make. If not, then why not? The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It will strengthen our souls, guide our feet, and help us to have the best year possible. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Tim. 3:16-17). "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches" (Psalm 119:14).
Let Us Resolve
To Teach Others What We Know
Jesus gave the great commission to the apostles. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:18-20). Now think about it for a moment. If Jesus commanded His apostles to teach the lost, and then commanded them to observe all things which He commanded them, then Jesus by implication has given the great commission to the disciples who were taught by the apostles. Then, they in turn taught the great commission to others whom they taught. So today, as Christians, we are to teach others the gospel and then baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. In a parallel passage we read, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).
Let Us Resolve
To Love God And His Son.
Jesus taught His disciples, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). He also told them, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14). And then the apostle John informs us, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (I John 5:3).
Now brethren, just think about how great a year we will have if we study the Bible daily, teach the Bible daily, and keep His commandments