August 21, 2005 Summit AM
Living The
Abundant Life
Introduction
A. Text Jn.10:1-10
B. Thursday evening discussion with Barry & Beverly Johnson
1. Discussion their new life in Christ a new beginning
2. How God has made everything new new goals in life
3. How He has given us an abundant life free from all fears
4. Thought ought to generate a lot of excitement in us life is really worth living
C. Sadly many Christians do not see their lives this way
1. See Christianity as boring instead of exciting
2. More dull & routine than an adventure
3. No real joy or enthusiasm for serving the Lord
D. Col.3:23,24 see the way we are to approach life
1. Working with all our heart put everything into it
2. Question what take on our part to accomplish that?
E. Pray
A. Study done by National Institute Of Mental Health
1. Spanned 50 years 1920s to 1970s
2. Findings
a. People who were warm & not resentful as teenagers were happy
& well adjusted 50 years later
b. Yet teenagers that were hostile, thin skinned & distrustful were
unhappy & maladjusted 50 years later
3. What made the difference?
a. Wasnt finances, marriage or even social activities
b. Was having a good attitude toward life & the ability to prioritize
c. Controlling their emotions & making time for meaningful things
B. Life
is exciting & enjoyable - if we want it to be
1. No matter about the circumstances what choose to make of them
a. 1st day of school; wedding day = memorable
b. Soon honeymoon over becomes same old same old
2. True with Christianity too
a. At 1st exciting learning & experiencing new things
b. Easily get into routine - soon becomes a rut
3. How keep the excitement
a. Generate your own not expect others do it for you
1) Some come with an entertainment attitude
a) Expect song leader, preacher - make feel good
b) Everything is external you make me happy etc
2) 1 Cor.14:26 each one comes to edify others
a) Each has something to contribute
b) Not a sit back & entertain me
3) Heb.12:1,2 Jesus saw the cross as joyful
b. Learn to delight in Lord Ps.37:1-9
1) Result = give you the desires of heart
2) Attitude what makes the difference God is in control
A. Make today count
1. No promise be here tomorrow James 4:13,14
a. Live like a vapor here such a short time
b. Mt.6:34 each day has enough trouble
2. What doing today to make self more spiritual?
a. Prayer for guidance Jn.15:5
1) Say just big things how know what big?
2) Rebecca cold drink for stranger changed whole life
3) Jn.8:28,29 do nothing on my own
(Goal = Fathers will = constantly seeking)
b. Eccles.3:10-14 enjoy it while it is here
B. Focus
on opportunities before you
1. Heb.10:24 consider how to spur one another on
2. Phil.2:3,4 focus on helping others not selfish ambitions
3. Say encouraging words; visit; send a note; smile
A. God is not pleased with the leftovers
1. Mal.1:10 O that someone would shut the door
2. Context bringing blemished sacrifices
3. 1 Cor.15:57 always give selves fully to work of Lord
B. Rewards
those who diligently serve Him
1. Heb.11:6 diligently seek
2. Mt.22:36-40 love God with all heart, soul, mind & strength
3. So many like Prince Charles
Never carries money except Sunday = 5 pound note
to put in collection = $10 (worth 23 billion)
C. Song I gave my life for thee what hast thou brought for me?
1. Jesus put everything on the line for you Phil.2:5-7
2. If want abundant life put everything into your Christianity
A. Remember its your decision your choice
1. Christianity can be abundant full of joy & excitement
2. It can also be dull & boring
3. Its your choice you choose what life be like
B. Choose the abundant life in Jesus
1. Make Jesus Lord of your life today
2. Get excited; make today count; do very best for the Lord