| What’s this “abundant life” that Jesus came to give us? How can we find it? How can we live it? How would we be different if we lived the “abundant life”? Is the “abundant life” a spiritual experience, only? Why should we desire it? Will the “abundant life” impact our health, our finances, our relationships, our careers, our emotions? If we live the Abundant life, will be happier, wealthier, more likable, or more peaceful?
Maybe – just maybe – you are asking these questions. You aren’t alone in asking, nor are you the first to ask. People have always asked these questions, especially, ever since Jesus proposed the possibility 2000 years, ago.
Had Jesus never proposed the possibility of “abundant life”, maybe we would be resolved to live lives filled with emotional, financial, personal, marital, domestic, and social turmoil. Without Jesus’ suggestion that we can have more – better... the best - maybe there would be nothing in us to raise objection to the death, decay, and destruction all around and within us. … “Jesus, you have made us expect more. Our relentless hope is your fault!”
Fortunately, this “seed” of hope has been planted. We’ve been given a “hint” – at the least – that life can be different, that we can be whole and happy, safe and sane, powerful and productive. We re-read Genesis 1:26-28 with a new perspective, now. Maybe we ARE supposed to “have dominion” (NKJV) over all the earth; maybe we CAN “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…”
For many people, this idea seems so alien, so un-natural, and so un-real. How disappointing it would be to open ourselves up to this possibility only to discover that it’s nothing more than a religious myth and an empty ideal.
This spiritual growth adventure – I CHOOSE LIFE – will be our exploration of this possibility. We’ll ask the tough questions because we want tough answers – answers that will stand the tests of time and adversity. We will look for more than just concepts wrapped in religious verbiage; rather, we will search for ways to connect spiritual truth with everyday challenges. We will look for a WAY of life that guides and impacts every part of who we are, individually and collectively! We expect to find out how to build great lives – from the ground, up – that will impact others for generations to come!
So what, exactly, did Jesus say that caused our imaginations and hearts to be captives of hope? He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they have it more abundantly!” Are you ready to embrace his offer?
Take the journey with us! Do the daily readings. Participate in the bible studies and small-group discussions. Open your heart and your mind. Get control of our fore-drawn conclusions, and consider that Jesus’ offer is REAL and can make your whole life brand new! …..AND, invite others to take this journey with you!
May you finish this journey saying, boldly and uncompromisingly – I CHOOSE LIFE!
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