Abundant Life Sermons

Born Again to Be Like Him - 1 Peter 1:17-252 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.” Have you been born again? The only kind of Christian is a “bornagain” Christian. 1 Peter 1:23, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God who lives and abides forever.”You were born the first time of seed corrupted by sin. You must be born again of Christ’s seed to become like Him! Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”You need more than a physical birth. You need a spiritual birth! (See John 3:1-7)John 3:1-7, There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’1 Peter 1:17-20, And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.The new birth was always God’s plan even before the world began! Revelation 13:8 says Jesus is “…the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”1 Peter 1:2, “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”We are born again to bear His image and become like Him! Romans 8:29, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”1 Peter 1:15-16, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”Becoming like Christ results in a heart of humility, living a holy life, and loving others fervently. 1 Peter 1:21-22, “who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.”1 Peter 1:23-25, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.Today is the day to make certain of your salvation. Have you been born again?

Make It or Break It: Three Ways to Make It Through Suffering1 Peter – 1:10-16“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” ― A.W. TozerHumility is a posture of the heart that submits to God.1 Peter 1:10-12, Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.1. The messagePsalm 119:50, This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.1 Peter 1:13, Therefore gird up the loins of your mind [ready your mind for action], be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.2. The mentality“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” ~ Charles SwindollHope is the result of placing your faith in what cannot be seen.2 Corinthians 12:9, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God doesn't give hypothetical grace for our hypothetical nightmare situation. He only gives us sufficient grace for the situation.1 Peter 1:14-16, As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”3. The mandateDon’t use your suffering as a license to sin.

Tribulation Sanctification - 1 Peter 1:1-91 Peter 1:1-2, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.”The book of First Peter is written for our sanctification: the process of being conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…”First Peter is a manual on humility – one of the essential character qualities of Christlikeness. 1 Peter 5:5-6, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”1 Peter 1:2-6, “…elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”Our sanctification is forged in the fires of life’s trials. TribulationTransformationSanctification.1 Peter 1:7, “That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”It’s in the fires of life’s trials that God is refining our faith so that we can bring Jesus greater glory! Peter teaches that in the same way a goldsmith uses fire to purify gold, God uses suffering to purify our faith. Remember three things in the fire…1. Hope in the resurrection. (See 1 Peter 1:3)1 Peter 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”2. Hope in our reward. (See 1 Peter 1:4)1 Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”3. Hope in our refining. The Greek word “poikilos” is used only twice in Scripture – once to describe our trials in 1 Peter 1:6 as “various,” and once to describe God’s grace in 1 Peter 4:10 as “manifold.”God has exactly the size and shade of grace to perfectly match your specific trial!1 Peter 1:8-9, “…whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”God promises that the prize will one day be worth the price of having lived by faith in the fires of life.

Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.Everyone knows God.Romans 1:21,25 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened…who exchanged the truth of God for the lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Everyone has rejected God.Romans 3:9-11What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written:“There is none righteous, no, not one;There is none who understands. There is none who seeks after God.Everyone is guilty.Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.Everyone is condemned.Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Everyone can be saved.Romans 3:27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Everyone can be saved by faith in Jesus alone.Romans 10:13-15 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Everyone who puts their faith in Jesus is commanded to make him known.

A Mother’s Day Tribute - Proverbs 31Proverbs 31:10, “Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.”Proverbs 31:28, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”She is devoted to her husband. Proverbs 31:11-12, “The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”A godly wife brings her husband honor. Proverbs 12:4, “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.”A godly wife brings her husband success. Proverbs 31:23, “Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.”She is dedicated to her family. Proverbs 31:13, “She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.”A godly wife works hard for her family! Proverbs 31:27, “She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”She delights in her provision. Proverbs 31:16-19, “She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.”The Proverbs 31 wife is an enterprising woman. She is contributing financially for her family. Proverbs 31:24 “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.”She dresses with care. Proverbs 31:22 “She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”The Proverbs 31 woman does not dress for vanity but for virtue. 1 Timothy 2:9. “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing.”1 Peter 3:3-4 “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”She depends on God. Proverbs 31:30, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”1 Peter 3:7, “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”Men, make every day Mother’s Day!

Next Level, Part 4 - Luke 12:31-34Your future is defined one decision at a time. DecisionsDirectionDestinationLuke 12:31, But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.”Three purposes for money…It is meant to be Enjoyed It is meant to be Employed It is meant to be DeployedEnjoy your money!God wants us to enjoy the reward of our work. Ecclesiastes 2:24, “Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” Employ your money!Don’t just work for money. Make moneywork for you! Practice the law of the harvest – you reap what you sow!Deploy your money!Our dollars are like soldiers. Deploy your dollars to advance the Kingdom! Luke 12:32-34 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Our dollars equal destinies and become treasure eternally when deployed into kingdom priorities. The eternal treasure are the souls of men and women that will last forever. 

Next Level, Part 3 - Luke 12:16-21Luke 12:16-21, Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”Jesus taught that fools live for prosperity that lasts temporarily, but the wise live for eternity which is why they give generously. Proverbs 22:7, The borrower is servant to the lender. The wise create margin financially, so they can live freely and give generously to kingdom priorities that last eternally. Margin is not created by making more money; it is created by spending less money.Take back control of your money by giving up control to God. Remember, God is the Master, and you are the manager.Three levels of Generosity…Tipper. The “tipper” generally only gives God what they think they can “afford.”Our God deserves more than a “tip.” God deserves our worship! 2 Samuel 24:24, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.”Tither. The tithe is a biblical guide and means a “tenth” of our income.God desires more than our tithe. God desires our trust! Malachi 3:8-11, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.”Giver. The giver understands God owns more than a tenth – He is the owner of 100%.The giver does more than give God the tithe. They give God their treasure. Luke 12:34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Luke 12:20-21, But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided? So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”Generosity is how you become “rich with God”—it’s by giving away what God gives you.

Next level, Part 2 - Luke 12:42-44Luke 12:15, And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”Luke 12:42, And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?”Until Jesus is your EVERYTHING, you will worry about everything. Our anxiety and worry reveal our idolatry. The idolatry of money is the source of much anxiety and worry.Luke 12:42-44, And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.”God’s expectation for us is to be wise and faithful stewards with the resources He entrusts us with. 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”To go to the Next Level of GENEROSITY demands you plan for three things!SpendingSavingSharingThe 10/10/80 plan gives you the margin needed to live freely so you can give generously. Your first 10% goes to God, your second 10% goes to savings, and you live on the 80% that is left. The percentages can change. You can modify it as needed, but the basic plan stays the same.You need a plan to give generously—your first 10% goes to God. The tithe is not a New Testament command. For the Christian, the tithe is a guide. If you cannot do a full tenth, start somewhere. Be intentional and prayerful; be consistent and persistent. Then go to the NEXT LEVEL!When we give back to God, there is a promise of blessing for our obedience. Proverbs 3:9-10, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”You need a plan to save—the second 10% goes to you. If you follow a plan, you’ll be amazed at how much you can save!Compound interest has the power to multiply your debt or multiply your savings. The power of compound interest has the power to be your greatest financial asset or your worst financial nightmare!You need a plan to spend—live on the 80% that is left. You cannot get ahead and go to the “next level” by living at your means or above your means.Adjust your standard of living to live “below your means”—80% of your income.Whether or not you are wealthy materially, you can live free financially.

Next Level, Part 1 - Mark 10:17-27The goal for the Next Level series is to…Learn to spend wisely, live freely, and give generously by thinking biblically. To accomplish this does not require making more money, but it does require thinking differently. Acts 20:35, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”The key to living generously is not making more money, it is thinking biblically about money. If you don’t learn to think biblically, you will never be able to “afford” living generously regardless of your means financially.Mark 10:17-22, Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.When money is a source of idolatry, it will become a source of our captivity. Anyone who thinks they own their money and possessions is actually owned by them.Ownership  Stewardship  LordshipWhen Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will spend wisely. Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”When Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will live freely. You will live more freely because you will have less worry! (See Matthew 6:25-34)When Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will give generously. The treasure of heaven is greater than the treasure of this world! Mark 10:21, “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…”Sunday, May 2, is a day of decision, destination, and celebration. Our one day giving goal toward the Impossible Campaign is $2 million. This will help us finish renovating the Independence campus, build the infrastructure for the on-line campus, and begin renovation for our Crossroads campus.Mark 10:23-27, Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”When God’s people move in unity for kingdom priorities, impossibilities become realities.

Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”Death and Hades are two places from which there is no escape. It is death that claims the body and Hades that claims the soul!Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death…” The penalty of sin is death physically (grave) and death spiritually (Hades).There is no escape by being a “good” person. Matthew 19:17, “No one is good but One, that is, God.”1 John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”There is no escape by getting “religion.” Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”Jesus is God. Jesus made the escape because He is the Almighty! Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Jesus died for our sin and rose again. Jesus made the escape to redeem us from sin’s penalty. Revelation 1:18, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”Jesus has the keys to set us free! In Christ, we escape Death, and we escape Hades!Jesus has the keys, and Jesus is the key to set us free from sin’s penalty so we can live eternally. John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”