Most Christians have heard the words of Jesus in John 10:10 quoted on more than one occasion: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly!” But what does that mean? Many preachers and teachers turn the words around and say that Jesus came to empower us to live “the abundant life.” That is then interpreted to mean various things … often to promise prosperity, good health and success in everything you set your mind to do! Millions of “Christians” buy book after book with formulas for how to “get” the abundant life that Jesus promised. It is money wasted!! Jesus was talking about something much more important than getting what you want in this physical world. Jesus was talking about receiving LIFE as a gift through faith in Him, and then living it out “abundantly,” with zeal and passion for Him and His kingdom, as you love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. It turns out that having this LIFE, and “having it abundantly,” means finding joy in obedience!!
In this brief series of messages we will examine what this “life” is that Jesus gives to His sheep. We will examine what the Bible says gives life value, and discover how to avoid the pitfalls of living a life that is in various ways “worthless.” We’ll see what God says in His Word about sexuality and the perversion of God’s design in our culture today. You will discover that the “sanctity of human life” is not only for the unborn, but for life at every stage. We’ll talk about things like sexual purity, pornography, abortion, raising children, making good life choices, leaving a legacy for those who come behind us … and more!!
If you have ever wondered where the “abundant life” is that you’ve heard about, and why you’re not living it … or if you have become disillusioned with life, period, and discouraged because you see no hope for change, perhaps God is leading you to join us for the next seven weeks and learn what Jesus actually offers to those who believe in Him, who trust Him as the “Good Shepherd,” who desire to follow HIM, rather than listening to the voices all around us. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly!” (John 10:10).