ABUNDANCE - it's His life for YOU

A message shared by Pastor Nicholas Tsakis at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 18 April, 2010:

In John 10:1-10, we read about the Shepherd and his flock. His voice gives direction to his flock. The sheep listen to Him and gain life, 'more abundantly'. You cannot have abundant life without Christ. In short, the Shepherd is a giver.

Opposing the sheep is an uninvited thief. He will go out of his way to move the flock off course. The thief is, in essence, a taker.

From the giver, we are able to receive an abundant life - eternal, knowing the Shepherd's will. Abundance means beyond measure, exceeding. It cannot be measured, more than one could expect or anticipate. 'Super abundance' can only be found in Jesus Christ. See 1 Corinthians 2:9 and know we can find that abundance even now.

Where does God want to plant His abundance? The answer is simple: In YOU! He will do it by you reading His Word and believing it. See also Ephesians 3:20 and note that His abundance is in HIM, not us. See also John 17:3.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 shows us that true abundance is only through Christ and only satisfying when it is spiritual.

What is that true spiritual abundance?

• Eternal life, not just for later but now

• Joy of the Lord to renew your strength

• Life that grows, with learning, practising and maturing. It is dynamic. See Jeremiah 29:11.

• Failing, towards moving us forward. There is the balance of life.

• Recovery

• Adjustment

• Enduring

• Overcoming. See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Colossians 3:2-4.

Abundant life can only be found in Jesus Christ. It's a life full of possibilities and health. And it can be yours today.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org