12 Promises to Overcomers:

For the New Year 2012, again the year of the Overcomer.


12 Promises to Overcomers:

1. LIVING IN PEACE
(Rom 12:17-21) Repay no one evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as far as is in you, being in peace with all men. not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. "Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him. If he thirsts, give him drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.



2. GROWING UP/MATURITY(1Jn 2:13-14) I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father .I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

3. CONQUERING IN EVERY SITUATION (1Jn 4:4) You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

4.SALVATION
Revelation 2:7“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

5. ETERNAL LIFE
Revelation 2:11“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” ’

6. PROVISION, DESTINY
Revelation 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

The overcomers who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion have "His Father's name, His nature" (the same kind of relationship that Jesus had with the Father) in their forehead. (Rev. 14:1-5; 22:4; compare 1 Cor. 1:10)!

White Stone: "To Him who overcomes... I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it."
JESUS reached into the heart of the Father and brought forth a white stone which decreed us to be innocent through His sacrifice. Upon this stone was a new name (nature) which cannot be known by any man (carnality).

7.NEW REALMS OF AUTHORITY
Revelation 2:26“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—

8. RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, FULFILLING DESTINY, GOD AFFIRMING YOU
Revelation 3:5 “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

9.IMMOVABLE, NEW NAME, BRIDE OF CHRIST
Revelation 3:12 “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Isaiah 62:2 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the Lord will name. The New Name God Gives to Us

The Lord gives us a new name--a new identity. Our total identity is wrapped up in our association with Him. As His children, we receive this new name. In walking in the new name, we are confident and strong, knowing who we are in Him. It is about the name that He has given to us (Revelation 3:12).

We can choose to walk in our "old name" or walk in the new that God has given. It is a picture of choosing to yield to the old man or the new man created in true righteousness in holiness (Ephesians 4:24). We are partakers of the divine nature through His promises (2 Peter 1:4).

Just as Saul received a new name from the Lord, the demons recognized him by his new name, the new divine nature--not the old. This is because Paul walked in the new name and life that God had given to him.

10. A NOW THRONE - a royal position and authority (Matt. 28:19-20). RULING AND REIGNING
Revelation 3:21 “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Revelation 3:21, KJV To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My THRONE (thronos - place or stately throne seat of authority, with a footstool), even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His THRONE.

Ephesians 1:20-23, KJV Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,21 FAR ABOVE ALL (rulership) principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:22 And has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all.

11. MANIFESTATION OF THE SONS OF GOD
Revelation 21:7 “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

12. ULTIMATE VICTORY
(Dan 7:21-22) I watched, and that horn made war with the saints and overcame them until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High. And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

(1Jn 5:4) For everything that has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.


(Rev 12:11) And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death.


(Rev 17:14) These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them. For He is Lord of lords and King of kings. And those with Him are the called and elect and faithful ones.

HIS NAME IS WONDERFUL

His Name is Wonderful

Isaiah 9:6-7 says: For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever. The zeal of Jehovah of Hosts will do this.

During this Christmas season as we remember the Christ, let's look again at this amazing verse written 770 years before the birth of Jesus -- and see how it can be broken down for greater understanding.

CHILD = H3205-yâlad-means fruit- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively to beget; specifically to show lineage: - bear, beget, birth ([-day]), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (Born of woman Son of Man)

SON = H1121-Ben which means INHERITOR, our Messianic Savior.
[anointed one, appointed one, arrow, bough, branch, servant born, steward, valiant, worthy, (Born of God Son of God)


GOVERNMENT (misrah fe) = RESPONSIBILITY, DOMINION RULE, GOVERNMENT which He gives to us.

AND HIS NAME = IDENTITY, NATURE ,reputation, fame, glory, Name (as designation of God)memorial, monument.

And His Name is Wonderful! Imagine that name. "this word is a noun not an adjective!" Wonderful is His Name.

WONDERFUL = same word used as "SUPERNATURAL" (Judg. 13:18). Amazing, absolutely extraordinary, wondrous, wonders, astonishing, amazing, marvelous, a wonder.

COUNSELOR = Extraordinary strategist. One who brings words of eternal life with perfect wisdom. An adviser, wise leader, consult, Well-advised deliberator. One who determines, devises a plan, and guides to a purpose.

MIGHTY GOD = (Gen. 2:4, Deut. 10:17 - Isa. 10:21) The Victorious Father of Eternity. This word is equivalent to "Immanuel" (Isa 7:14). rwbg gibbowr adjective, noun masculine meaning warrior, strongest, soldier, champion, wealth, valiant, powerful, mightiest, skilled, prominent, hero, upright, champion, chief, and in charge.

GOD= el

EVERLASTING = perpetuity, forever, continuing future without end. He alone has total control over eternity.

FATHER = head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan, originator, benevolent protector, respect and honour, ruler or chief

PRINCE = The word for prince is Sar, which has many leadership descriptions such as captain, chief, ruler, keeper, governor, overseer, and commander. There are many more. OF PEACE - WHOLENESS, PROSPERITY, TRANQUILITY -

Jesus is birthed in us! He is our extraordinary Prince and personal analyst Who gives us dominion rule (the government is on our shoulders, the Body of Christ) and creates safe socio-economic family environment that will never end. When we allow His peace to come into our lives, there is no question that He is in us! AND THE INCREASE OF HIS GOVERNMENT AND PEACE THERE WILL BE NO END.

First Corinthians 13 Christmas Version

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13 [CHRISTMAS VERSION]

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals
and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.


Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and
endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust;
but giving the gift of love will endure.

Author: Sharon Jaynes
Taken from Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas
www.sharonjaynes.com

Wishing you a joyous & meaningful Christmas!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

12 Days of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas -- The Rest of the Story

When most people hear of "The 12 Days of Christmas", they think of the song. This song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith.

Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help young Christians learn their faith. The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..."

The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian. Here you go:

The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.

The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments - another gift from God.

The "three French hens" were faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13).

The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses".

The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

The "seven swans a swimming" were the "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit". (I Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12, Ephesians 4; I Peter 4:10-11).

The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 & 23)

The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

So, the next time you hear "The 12 Days of Christmas", consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian faith.

WE AS BELIEVERS ARE:

WE ARE AS BELIEVERS ARE:

I. In the Eternal Plan of God:

Foreknown, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son" (Rom. 8:29. See also 1 Pet. 1:2).

Elect, "Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God" (1 Thes. 1:4. See also 1 Pet.1:2; Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1).

Predestinated, "Being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the council of his own will" (Eph.1:11; Rom. 8.29, 30; Eph. 1:5).

Chosen, "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Mt. 22:14; 1 Pet. 2:4).

Called, "Faithful is he that calleth you" (1 Thes. 5:24, etc.).

II. Reconciled:

Reconciled by God, "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 5:18, 19; Col. 1:20).

Reconciled to God, "Much more being reconciled to God" (Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:20).

III. Redeemed:

Redeemed by God, "In whom we have redemption through his blood" (Col. 1:14; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rom. 3:24, etc.).

Out of all condemnation, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1; John 5:24; 1 Cor.11:32; John 3:18).

IV. Related to God Through a Propitiation(appeasement for sin)

"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2; Rom. 3:25, 26).

V. All Sins Washed Clean by the Blood of Jesus Christ:

"Who his own self bare our sins in his body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 4:25, etc.).

VI. Vitally Conjoined to Christ for Judgment of the "Old Man" Unto a New Walk:

"Crucified with Christ," "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him" (Rom. 6:6).

"Dead with Christ," "Now if we be dead with Christ" (Rom. 6:8) ; "We being dead to sin" (1 Pet. 2:24).

"Buried with him," "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death" (Rom.6:4; Col. 2:12).

Raised with Christ to walk by a new life, principle, "That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4; Col. 3:1).

VII. Free from the Law:

"Dead," "Wherefore, my brethren, ye, also are dead to the law by the body of Christ" (Rom. 7:4).

"Delivered," "Now we are delivered from the law" (Rom. 7:6; Gal. 3:25; Rom. 6:14; 2 Cor. 3:11).

VII. Children of God/ Sons of God:

"Born again," "Ye must be born again"(John 3:7; 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:23).

"Quickened," or made alive, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13).

"Sons of God," "Beloved, now are we the sons of God" (1. John 3:3; 2 Cor. 6:18; Gal. 3:26).

"A new creation," "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature" (creation) (2 Cor.5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:10).

"Regeneration," "But according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Tit. 3:5; John 13:10; 1 Cor. 6:11).

IX. Adopted (placed as adult sons):

"Ye have received the Spirit of adoption" (Rom. 8:15, etc. So, also, a future adoption, see Rom. 8:23, etc.).

X. Acceptable to God by Jesus Christ:

"Made the righteousness of God in him," "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" (Rom. 3:22; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9).

Sanctified positionally,, "Christ Jesus, who is made unto us ... sanctification" (1 Cor.1 :30; 6:11). This is in no way to be confused with experimental sanctification as mentioned in John 17:17, or the final perfection of the believer (Eph. 5:27; 1 John 3:3).

"Perfected for ever," "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14:).

"Made accepted in the Beloved" (Eph.1:6; 1 Pet. 2:5).

"Made Meet," "Giving thanks to the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col. 1:12).

XI. Justified:

"Therefore being justified by faith" (Rom.5:1; 3:24; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Tit. 3:7).

XII. Forgiven All Trespasses and Sin:

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:14; 2:13; 3:13; Eph. 1:7; 4:32. A distinction is necessary here between the complete and abiding judicial forgiveness and the oft repeated forgiveness within the family of God. See 1 John 1:9).

XIII. Made Nigh(near)

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Eph. 2:13. With this there is a corresponding experience; see James 4:8; Heb. 10:22).

XIV. Delivered from the Powers of Darkness:

"Who hath delivered us from the powers of darkness" (Col. 1:13; 2:13-15).

XV. Translated into the Kingdom:

"And hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13).

XVI. On the Rock Christ Jesus:

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor.3:11; Eph. 2:20; 2 Cor. 1:21).

XVII. A Gift from God to Christ:

"I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me" (John 17:6; 11,12, 20; John 10:29).

XVIII. Circumcised in Christ: (circumcised in the heart)

"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ" (Col. 2:11; Phil. 3:3; Rom. 2:29).

XIX.Partakers of the Holy and Royal Priesthood:

"Holy priesthood," "Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:5).

"Royal priesthood," "But ye are ... a royal priesthood" (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6).

XX. A Chosen Generation and a Peculiar People:

"But ye are a chosen generation, ...a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:9; Tit. 2:14).

XXI. Having Access to God:

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph.2:18; Rom. 5:2; Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19,20).

XXII. Within the "Much More" Care of God (Rom. 5:9, 10):

Objects of His love, "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us" (Eph. 2:4; 5:2, etc.)

Objects of His grace,

For salvation, "For by grace are ye saved" (Eph. 2:8).

For keeping, "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand" (Rom. 5:2).

For service, "But to every one of us is this grace given" (Eph. 2:7).

For instruction, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present age" (Tit. 2:12, 13).

Objects of His power, "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward" (Eph. 1:19; Phil. 2:13).

Objects of His faithfulness, "For be hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb.13:5; Phil. 1:6).

Objects of His peace, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body" (Col. 3:15).

Objects of His consolation, "Our Father which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation" (2 Thes. 2:16).

Objects of His intercession, "Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb.7:25; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 9:24).

XXIII. His Inheritance:

"That ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints" (Eph. 1:18).

XXIV. Given Our Inheritance:

"An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4; Eph. 1:14; Col. 3:24; Heb. 9:15).

XXV. A Heavenly Association (Eph. 2:6):

Partners with Christ in life, "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear" (Col. 3:4; 1 John 5:11, 12, etc.)

Partners with Christ in position, "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6).

Partners with Christ in service, "God is faithful, by, whom ye were called into fellowship (partnership) with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Cor. 1:9); "Workers together with God" (I Cor. 3:9); "Workers together with him" (2 Cor. 6:1); "Ambassadors" (2 Cor. 5:20); "Ministers of God" (2 Cor. 6:4); "Ministers of the New Testament" (2 Cor. 3:6); "Epistles" (2 Cor. 3:3).

Partners with Christ in suffering, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him" (2 Tim. 2:12; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 2:20; 4:12, 13; 1 Thes.3:3; Rom. 8:18; Col. 1:24).

Partners with Christ in betrothal, "That I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ" (2Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-27).

XXVI. Heavenly (Kingdom) Citizens:

"For our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil.3:20, R.V.; Eph. 2:19; Heb. 12:22; Luke 10:20).

XXVII. Of the, Family and Household of God:

"Fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19; 3:15; Gal. 6:10).

XXVIII. Light in the Lord:

"Now are ye light in the Lord" (Eph.5:8; 1 Thes. 5:4).

XXIX. Vitally United to the Father, Son, and Spirit:

"In God" (1 Thes. 1:1).

"In Christ" (John 14:20).

A member in His body (1 Cor. 12:13).

A branch in the Vine (John 15:5).

A stone in the building (Eph. 2:19-22).

A sheep in His flock (John 10:27-29).

A part of His bride (Eph. 5:25-27).

A priest of the kingdom of priests (1 Pet. 2:5, 9).

A saint of the "new generation" (1 Pet. 2:9).

"In the Spirit" (Rom. 8:9).

XXX. Blessed with the "First Fruits" and the "Earnest" of the Spirit:

"Born of the Spirit" (John 3:6, etc.).

"Baptized with the Spirit," "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1 Cor.12:13; 10:17).

Indwelt by the Spirit. "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own" (1 Cor. 6:19; 2:12; ,John 7:39; Rom. 5:5; 8:9; 2 Cor. 1:21; Gal.4:6; 1 John 3:24).

"Sealed by the Spirit," "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30; 2 Cor. 1:22).

XXXI. Glorified:

"And whom he justified, them he also glorified" (Rom. 8:30).

XXXII. Complete in Him: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Col. 2:10).

XXXIII. Possessing Every Spiritual Blessing:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly in Christ" (Eph. 1:3).

YOU ARE IN CHRIST; CHRIST IS IN US AND THROUGH US

YOU ARE IN CHRIST; CHRIST IS IN US AND THROUGH US

“For in Him we live, and move, and have our BEING...”(Acts 17:28)

As a believer we have discovered a Life, the eternal zoe Life of God without beginning or end, that Jesus came to give to US abundantly; "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10). It is a Life originating in Christ, lived in Christ and ultimately consummated in Christ... the IN-Christed Life.

Much of our entering into and manifesting the In-Christed Life has to do with the renewing of our minds (Rom.12:2), “For as he thinketh in his heart, so IS he...”(Prov.23:7). With that in mind, let us consider some Scriptures that speak of the progression of the In-Christed Life.

CALLED in Christ -

Romans 8:29-30 speaks of our being CALLED; “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son... them He also CALLED: and whom He CALLED, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” The word translated as called is kaleho in Greek, meaning to call forth. It is from kelyouo, which means to incite by word. The Father foreknew us, foreordained us, and by His words spoke our calling into our being.

CHOSEN in Christ -

“He CHOSE us- actually picked us out for Himself as His own- in Christ BEFORE the foundation of the world...” (Ephesians 1:4 Amplified Bible)

“for many be called, but few CHOSEN.”(Matthew 20:16)... “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have CHOSEN you, and ordained you...”(John 15:16)

To bring clarity on this subject, let us consider a progression in the seedbed of Genesis 1:26-27:

CALLED - “God SAID, Let us make man...” God speaking His purpose

CHOSEN - “in Our image and likeness” - God choosing what kind of man to make

CREATED - “so God created” - God bringing to manifest that which He had called and chosen.

“For in Him we live, and move, and have our BEING...”(Acts 17:28).

This is why many are called, but few are chosen... it is not that the Father is out to exclude anybody. It is that many choose to live in the deception of the soulish psyche life, rather than the Christ Life. Thus few are chosen because the man the Father has chosen is the Christ-Man, Christ IN you the hope of glory. We are CHOSEN in Christ!

CREATED in Christ -

“For we are His workmanship, CREATED in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath BEFORE ordained that we should walk in them.”(Ephesians 2:10) To bring clarity, let us examine a spiritual principle at work:

CONSECRATED in Christ -

We are set apart, consecrated as priests unto God after the order of Melchizedek, and this consecration is only possible IN Christ. "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." (Hebrews 7:3) The life of Melchizedek was without beginning or ending of days, eternal Life... and that is the Life Jesus Christ came to give to us abundantly. This is the Life that is consecrated unto God, for it is His very Life in Christ manifesting through us.

CRUCIFIED in Christ -

Only something dead can be resurrected. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”(Colossians 3:3) “Knowing this, that our old man IS crucified WITH HIM, that the body of sin might be destroyed...”(Romans 6:6) Some are trying to ‘die daily” by effort and sacrifice... this may sound noble, but it leads to a deadly form of pride - false humility. We must RECKON ourselves dead, "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:11), however to ‘die daily” by effort and sacrifice will lead to pride. When Paul penned those words, he literally faced physical death on a daily basis because of his message and the culture he lived in. Dead things don’t need to die daily, they’re already dead. Dying daily puts the focus on OUR sacrifice and denies the power of the cross. Jesus said “...if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.(John 12:32). It wasn’t just one Man on the cross, YOU were there also IN Christ. When He died, you died... it didn’t stop there though.

CONTINUE in Christ -

When He was resurrected, you were resurrected... or rather, the Christ Life within you was resurrected. Adam was not resurrected, he was dealt with ONCE and for all, for Jesus Christ was the LAST Adam. This is why Paul says “...nevertheless I LIVE, yet not I, but Christ lives IN me.”(Galatians 2:20) “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall CONTINUE in the Son, and in the Father.”(I John 2:24-25) We are to continue in Christ, in that which we heard from the beginning - the destiny that He spoke into us before He even formed us.

CONSUMMATED in Christ -

“Making known to us the mystery of His will- of His plan, of His purpose. And it is this: In accordance with His good pleasure which He had previously purposed and set forth IN HIM, He planned for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and CONSUMMATE them IN Christ...”(Ephesians 1:9-10 Amplified Bible)

* We WILL see the fulfillment of Genesis 1:26-28; a many-membered MAN (male and female) in the image and likeness of God, filling the earth and subduing it...

* We WILL see the fulfillment of Ephesians 4:13 “...that WE might arrive at mature manhood, the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection.”

* We WILL see the ‘teleios’ Perfect Many-membered Man, the Second Man...

* We WILL see the manifestation of mature ‘huios’ Sons of God...

Most of this progression is actually PAST tense-

CALLED

CHOSEN

CREATED

CONSECRATED

CRUCIFIED

and then there’s-

CONTINUING

CONSUMMATION

It’s really a matter of becoming who we ALREADY ARE in Spirit, in Christ... bringing that finished work to manifestation in our individual and corporate Life. Let us press on to the ‘mark’ of manifesting the Life of Christ in the world, “because as He IS, so are WE in this world.”(1 John 4:17).

ITS ALL ABOUT JESUS

Why is this a problem? Their fascination with such sensational phenomena has distracted them from their one and only true Source, Jesus Christ.

Holding fast to the Head from whom all the body, nourished and knit together . . . grows with an increase that is from God (2:19).

This is serious, for only by abiding in Christ and holding fast to Him,experiencing the fullness of salvation and arriving at spiritual maturity.

Suggestions For Not Losing Our Focus

Keep Jesus at the center. Don’t seek an experience, seek Him.

A woman came to William Seymour at the Azusa Street Mission and asked him to pray that she would get the tongues. He replied, “Now see here, Sister Sadie, don’t you go seeking tongues. Seek Jesus. He is the One.”

Stay humble. Don’t allow spiritual experiences to become a basis for pride. Avoid an elitist attitude. After observing the collapse of several powerful, front-line ministers because of pride, Gordon Lindsay exhorted, “As one rises higher and higher in spiritual blessing and power, he must ever seek to become lower and lower and lower.”

2 Thessalonians 1:10 it says “when he shall come to be glorified IN His saints and admired IN all those who believe in that day”. It is Christ in you, your hope of Glory. “When he shall come to be glorified in His saints and be admired in all them who believe in that day”. sings, “I’ll be part of that first resurrection, I’ll be changed from the creature that I am”.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 “we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power might be of God and not of us”. Its going to be God who receives the glory. When they see you, when they come over, when they bow to a people, they are going to be confessing this, Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.

They will know its not you, they will know that it’s a new creation, a new man. There are only two men walking around on earth, one is called Adam, the other Christ.

Jesus said in Matthew 13:43 “the day is come when the righteous shall shine like the sun”. Where is that light? Its inside of us. Christ, the light of the world. Christ in you, your hope of glory.

A PATTERN SON

Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15 says “this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtain mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering for a pattern”.

We’ve been talking about Christ in you, your hope of glory. Christ coming forth in his people, Christ being seen on the earth, and it says in

Isaiah 60:1 “arise shine for thy light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, for behold the darkness (sinfulness, mans ways) will cover the earth and gross darkness the people, but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee”.

That’s why Jesus came, he came to save sinners, sure, but another was so He could bring many sons to glory. He came to bring a people in full redemption back to God.

Jesus called them the overcomers, to him that overcomes I will grant to sit with me in my throne even as I overcame and am seated with my father in His throne. That’s the call we have in Christ, when we receive Jesus Christ into our lives, we have the potential to become a fully matured son of God, as we grow up, someone who looks like their Father.

God wants to deal with you, to change you, He wants you to grow up, God wants you to be like Him. The Christ Life is God’s Life lived through us. It will never end, never die, and neither will you. It’s Christ IN you, your hope of Glory.

Thanksgiving is a Holy Declaration of What We SEE When We LIFT UP OUR EYES.

"Therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS to His name." (Heb. 13:15) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1Thes. 5:18). Giving thanks always for all things (Eph. 5:20). Thanksgiving (eucharisteo, from which we get the word Eucharist) means to be aware of our blessings and be filled with gratitude. Thanksgiving opens the vaults of the treasures of the Kingdom. Opposite of Thanksgiving: Ungratefulness, Complaining and Murmuring Examples: 1. Hebrew children, "Nor let us . . . grumble, as [Israel] did, and were destroyed by the destroyer" (1 Cor. 10:9-10). 2. Some of his disciples "Do not grumble among yourselves" (John 6:43) 3. Judas- (John 12:4-6) Then said one of His disciples (Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who was to betray Him) Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor? He said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief and held the moneybag and carried the things put in. Paul warned that, "in the last days . . . men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips" (2 Timothy 3:1-9). With Thanksgiving mentioned 6 x in Scripture: One of my favorites: (Col 4:2) Continue in prayer and watch in it with thanksgiving, Most thank God after the victory, after the provision, after the deliverance. 2 Kinds of thankfulness: After the victory or before the victory. Miriam and the people of Moses praised God and were thankful after the deliverance from the Egyptians. (Exo 15:1-6) Then the sons of Moses and Israel sang this song to Jehovah, and spoke, saying, I will sing to Jehovah, for He has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider He has thrown into the sea. Jehovah is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him, Jehovah is a Man of war; Jehovah is His name. Pharaoh's chariots and his army He has thrown into the sea; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; they sank into the bottom like a stone. Your right hand, O Jehovah, has become glorious in power. Your right hand, O Jehovah, has dashed the enemy in pieces. But, Jehoshaphat and the Hebrews praised and thanked God before the victory. (2Ch 20:17-18-19) You shall not fight in this battle. Set yourselves and stand, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for Jehovah will be with you.And Jehoshaphat bowed his face to the ground. And all Judah and the people of Jerusalem fell before Jehovah, worshiping Jehovah. And the Levites, of the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel with a loud voice on high. (2Ch 20:20-23) And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and you people of Jerusalem. Believe in Jehovah your God, and so you shall be established. Believe His prophets, and so you shall be blessed. And he consulted with the people, and he appointed singers to Jehovah and praisers to praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise Jehovah, for His mercy endures forever. And when they began to sing and to praise, Jehovah set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who had come against Judah. And they were beaten. For the sons of Ammon and Moab stood up against the people of mount Seir to completely kill and destroy. And when they had made an end of the people of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. Abraham and the Sacrifice of Isaac: (Gen 22:4-) Then on the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, You stay here with the ass. And I and the boy will go on to this way and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took the fire in his hand, and a knife. And they both went together. And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, My father. And he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood. But where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering. So they both went together. And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built an altar there and laid the wood in order. And he bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. And the Angel of Jehovah called to him from the heavens and said, Abraham! Abraham! And he said, Here am I. And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, nor do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only one, from Me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked. And, behold, a ram behind him was entangled in a thicket by its horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. We SEE that the Father hears us BEFORE we pray (John 17:1-2). This is why we can be thankful. It is all about:"Lifting up our eyes." "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable . . . is right, whatever is pure . . . lovely . . . of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things" (Phil. 4:8). Remember, Paul was writing to people in the ancient Roman world. It was full of evil, full of injustice, full of reasons to grumble and be upset; but instead, God calls His people to a higher realm, where we dwell on the things that are above. Jesus at the Tomb of Lazarus: (John 11:41-43) At the tomb of His dear friend Lazarus, Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank YOU HAVE ALREADY HEARD ME." Imagine this kind of assurance! Jesus didn't need to beg or intercede. A command to the dead was all that was needed, "Lazarus, come forth." Our Invitation Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” *Symbol- door in heaven- access to heavenly places (John 1:51) A door standing open in heaven is the door of prophetic revelation. The first voice was that of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:10). The Lord summoned John to come in order that he might receive a heavenly perspective of things which must take place on Earth. What Christ shows us is the throne room where the fullness of Christ is offered. The trumpet is inviting us into the Spirit to see the throne room and its function within the kingdom of our heart. The trumpet is the revelation or revealing voice of Christ. The throne room is a symbol of the Kingdom of God and the present reign of Jesus Christ. The Father wants us to come up higher so that we may get a new perspective and see things from His vantage point. Those who have been shaped in the darkness of the secret place need to lift their vision and allow the Spirit to show us what will happen after ‘these things’. It is necessary to ‘come up here’ and enter through the door in heaven. This door is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Only as we abide in Christ can we arise to a higher place of understanding and revelation of the plans of God. The enemy would love to have us so focused upon the problems and circumstances that we see nothing of what lies ahead of us. An earthly perspective weighs us down. It is understanding of what God has prepared for us that gives us the determination and stamina to keep pressing through to this new place. Thanksgiving is a holy declaration of what we SEE when we LIFT UP OUR EYES. WHAT DO YOU SEE?

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,

Let's look at the Amplified for it says: (This is) the revelation of Jesus Christ (His unveiling of the divine mysteries). God gave it to Him to disclose and make known to His bond servants certain thing which must shortly and speedily come to pass in their entirety. And He sent and communicated it through His angel (messenger) to His bond servant John.

This word revelation is awesome! The word is "apokalupsis" in Greek, and means "laying bare, making naked, a disclosure of truth, instruction, concerning things before unknown, manifestation and appearance." It is also "used of events by which things or states or persons hitherto withdrawn from view are made visible to all."

The Lord has revealed Himself to us through His gospel! He is no longer the hidden Lord, but open and made known to all He chooses to reveal Himself.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:7, "So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This word "coming" is also "apokalupsis"! We see as we wait in the Lord's presence, He will begin to make Himself known to us! Paul wanted above all things to know His Lord.

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" (Phil. 3:10-11).

So, revelation means to unveil, to pull the curtain back, and to see that which has always been there.

The apostle John is seeing things in his century mindset. An example would be if you were trying to explain to the apostle Paul an airplane. You would say it's like a bird, but not with flapping but stationary wings. Revelation is written in apocalyptic language or literature. This book is a revelation by and of Jesus. The phrase "must shortly take place" uses a word indicating rapid execution. The phrase in verse 3 tells us that Revelation was intended for public reading in congregations, a practice the early church adopted from the synagogue.

Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation is the Greek word "apokalypsis" which means: revelation, unveiling, uncovering, or manifestation. It is important to note that if something needs to be revealed, then it is hidden. This same word is used in Romans 8:19 concerning the sons of God; meaning that they are hidden.

Because it was signified (to be written or spoken in signs & symbols) the natural mind would not be able to comprehend what it was saying. It has to be revealed, uncovered by the Spirit of God. Only the mind that has the understanding of the keys can understand it. Just as the revelation came to Jesus and to John, so it is also coming to us today. It will be those that love Him, that love light rather than darkness, that will receive the impartation of the Spirit of God concerning the mystery, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" Col. 1:27. When He is through, He shall be our temple (Rev. 21:22).

Revelation is the only book that promises a blessing to those who will read, study, understand and apply the things that are written in it to their lives. There are seven blessings in Revelation including Rev. 1:3.

1. (Rev.1:3) Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.

2. (Rev 14:13) And I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they shall rest from their labors, and their works follow them.

3. (Rev 16:15) Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.

4. (Rev 19:9) And he said to me, Write, Blessed are those who have been called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.

5. (Rev 20:6) Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him a thousand years.

6. (Rev 22:7) Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this Book.

7. (Rev 22:14) Blessed are they who do His commandments, that their authority will be over the Tree of Life, and they may enter in by the gates into the city.

In saying that, there are many who believe the Book of Revelation is too complicated or difficult. Some are fearful and intimidated with the rhetoric and flood of misinformation that has come from some of the scholars of this book. This overflow of propaganda has kept the human family fearful of reading the Book of Revelation.

Again the fact is it is the Scripture’s only book that declares a built in blessing to those who read it and understand it. The Hebrew understanding of blessing is empowerment to prosper, succeed, obtain objectives and goals, to have more than enough, to enjoy protection, and to enjoy length of days and life.

Angels, Ministering spirits

By nature angels are created spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14). Their nature is superior to human nature (Heb. 2:7), and they have superhuman power and knowledge (2 Sam. 14:17, 20; 2 Pet. 2:11). They are not, however, all-powerful and all-knowing (Ps. 103:20; 2 Thess. 1:7).

Of special importance in the Old Testament is the ANGELOF THE LORD (Gen. 16:7; 22:11; 31:11). This Angel is depicted as a visible manifestation of God Himself. He has powers and characteristics that belong only to God, such as the power to forgive sins (Ex. 23:20–21). His similarities to Jesus lead many scholars to conclude that He is the pre-incarnate Word present with God at the creation of the world (John 1:1, 14). Jesus was and is the Angel of the Lord. The Lord used this messenger to appear to human beings who otherwise would not be able to see Him and live (Ex. 33:20). The Angel of the Lord performed actions associated with God, such as revelation, deliverance, and destruction. (2 Sam. 24:16; Zech. 1:12).

Angels guide and instruct good people (Gen. 24:7, 40; Ex. 14:19). This task is illustrated by the role the angels played in God’s giving of the Law to Moses (Acts 7:38, 53; Heb. 2:2). Sometimes their guidance comes through human dreams (Gen. 28:12; 31:11).Angels also protect the people of God (Ex. 14:19–20; Dan. 3:28; Matt. 26:53). They meet a wide variety of human needs, including relieving hunger and thirst (Gen. 21:17–19; Mark 1:13) and overcoming loneliness and dread (Luke 22:43). They sometimes deliver the people of God from danger (Acts 5:19; 12:6–11). There is never any mention in Scripture of healing angels. Jesus is the Healer!!

Fivefold Ministry of Angels: These verses show God’s purpose for angels. Angels exist to serve God in five ways: 1) to “bless the LORD” (in worship and service); 2) to “do His word” (concerning activities on Earth); 3) to heed the voice of God’s word (as it is spoken through the saints on Earth); 4) to minister on God’s behalf (as described in Heb. 1:14); and 5) to do God’s pleasure (as His hosts are at His direction). For other examples of the ministry of angels, see 2 Kin. 6:16, 17; Dan. 3:24, 25.

What do angels look like? The appearance of angels is correctly rendered “very awesome.” Angels appear in different forms depending upon their order of creation. For example, God’s messenger angel, Gabriel, has the appearance of a man (Dan. 9:21). From Ezekiel 28:13-14 we learn that cherubim (plural for “cherub”) are exotic and beautiful—covered with precious stones. Ezekiel 1:23 tells us that cherubim have four wings, while seraphim (plural for “seraph”) have six wings—two that cover the face, two that cover the feet, and two with which to fly (Is. 6:2).

Jesus was closely associated with angels. This verse reveals that He commissions His angels to do His bidding. An angel was used to announce Jesus’ coming birth to the Virgin Mary and her fiancé, Joseph (Luke 1:26; Matt. 1:20). Angels also attended Jesus’ birth and announced it to the shepherds (Luke 2:8). They protected Him from Herod’s jealous wrath (Matt. 2:13, 22); and later in life, at the end of His forty-day fast, they ministered to Him and strengthened Him, perhaps fed Him. (Matt. 4:11).During His agonizing struggle on the night in which He was betrayed, an angel strengthened Jesus in preparation for the Cross (Luke 22:43). These celestial creatures were present at Jesus’ resurrection (Matt. 28:2) and ascension (Acts 1:10).

A careful study will reveal that the New Testament activity of angels usually revolves around the ministry of Jesus and the establishment of His church on earth. They “minister” (Greek diakonia), referring to their “serviceable labor, assistance.” They are ministering spirits, or heavenly assistants.

In creation this is the order: 1. Godhead (Elohim) 2. Mankind 3. Angels (Psa 8:4-6) what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You visit him? For You have made him lack a little from God,(Elohim) and have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:

Angels hearken to the Word of God. Psalm 103:20-21 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. So, believers c command angels by the Word of God.

Angels do not have the power of a believer’s being. Ps 91 does say they will bear you up lest you dash your head against a stone.(Psa 91:11-12) For He shall give His angels charge over You, to keep You in all Your ways. They shall bear You up in their hands, lest You dash your foot against a stone.

Alpha and Omega- Beginning and End

ALPHA AND OMEGA

(Rev 1:8) I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

See also Rev. 1:11,21;6,22:13.

Jesus as Alpha ( the beginning) and Omega ( the end). He is much more than that. HE IS ETERNAL.

Then just what does this mean?

Alpha-Beginning

God's purposes always begin with a man (a seed), and then consumate in and through a people or nation (the harvest).

Jesus, the singular, "firstbegotten" Alpha (Heb. 1:6), the "first" Word, has multiplied Himself into a many-membered Man by the Spirit (Gal. 4:6). Words becoming flesh.

Omega-End

The Omega is still Jesus, but it is the Lord expressing Himself through His Church by His Spirit.

"Even when we were dead (slain) by shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ -- He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him..." (Eph. 2:5, AMP)

Remember, only Christ can live like Christ. You and I cannot, but Christ can live through us (Gal. 2:20). God expresses Himself through His Word, and that same Word has now been multiplied in and through His people.

You are living epistles.

(2Co 3:2-3) You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men,

it having been made plain that you are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us, not having been written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not on tablets of stone, but in fleshly tablets of the heart.

The letters of your life find their richest expression as they are written by the power of your very unique relationship to the Word. You are God's love letter written to those around you in a very creative and dynamic way. It is your will that gives power to the Master's pen.

The Alpha is Jesus, the Head of His Body. The Omega is still Jesus, a Body of people, infused by His very own Spirit, in whom "...Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded)..." (Gal. 4:19, AMP).

"Till we all come in the unity of the fatih, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (teleios, akin to telos above) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4:13, KJV)

The Alpha and the Omega--the beginning and the ending of God's design and desire in Christ, the first and the last--are Jesus and His ongoing expresssion, His Church.

Both comprise the Word incarnate, the Word made flesh!

ABUNDANT LIFE

ABUNDANT LIFE

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE ABUNDANT LIFE?

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Definition of abundant/(-ly)G4053-Hebrew-περισσός-Greek-perissos- per-is-sos'-From G4012 (in the sense of beyond); superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication excessive; adverb (with G1537) violently; neuter (as noun) preeminence: - exceeding abundantly above, more abundantly, advantage, exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, (being more than is sufficient or required; excessive, possessing or spending more than enough or necessary; extravagant), vehement [-ly](zealous; ardent; passionate, enthusiasm, strongly emotional; intense or passionate, desire, marked by great energy or exertion; strenuous.

Abundant life is a term used to refer to Christian teachings on fullness of life. The term "abundant life" comes from the Bible verse John 10:10b, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. "More abundantly" means to have a superabundance of a thing. "Abundant life" refers to life in its abounding fullness of joy and strength for mind, body, and soul. You already have abundant life in your spirit. Salvation is the working out of that.

(Php 2:12) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work oust (cultivate) your own salvation with fear and trembling.

"Abundant life" signifies a contrast to feelings of lack, emptiness, and dissatisfaction, and such feelings may motivate a person to seek for the meaning of life and a change in their life.

Abundant life for a person begins with a new relationship with God, new motivations, and a new relationship with mankind. The process of Christian maturity for that person continues with learning to live abundantly, being cleansed from sin, and learning to overcome spiritual battles.

Abundant life teaches prosperity and health for the total human being, including the body, mind, emotions, relationships, material needs, and eternal life.

Abundant life includes expectations of physical and material prosperity and good health and well-being, but may also include other forms of fullness of life, including eternal life, when persecuted or suffering. For a Christian, fullness of life is not measured in terms of "fun" and "living large," or in terms of wealth, prestige, position, and power, but in terms of fulfilled lives of responsibility and self-restraint, and the rewards and blessings that accrue over a lifetime of pleasing God. The Bible has promises of wealth, health, and well-being, but these promises are conditional promises. You increase in the abundant life as your soul prospers.

The source of abundant life is identified as the Spirit of God in Galatians 5:22-23, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering etc.

Scriptures for abundant/abundance/ abundantly:

Psalm 132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor with bread.

Luke 15:23 ‘And bring the fatted calf (calf with excess) here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Eph.3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Titus 3:5-6 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

2 Peter 1:11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

LIVING ABUNDANTLY TODAY IN CHRIST JESUS!!