Category: Abundant Life

Categories
Abundant Life Jesus Life

Gift of Life

“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV) Where do you go to find life? Are you waiting for life to come sometime in the future? Are you putting life off until you have paid off your car, paid off your home, or entered into retirement? What are you waiting for? Life is not around the corner. Life is found in one person. Life is a gift given by God. The life that is eternal is in God’s Son. If you have the Son you have life. If you do not have the Son you do not have life. Until you receive God’s gift of eternal life found in His Son, you will not know life. Until you are ready to die, you are not ready to live. Finding life involves preparing for death. When you accept the reality of your mortality and choose to accept God’s gift of eternal life, then you find life. Life is in God’s Son. Jesus is the answer. Jesus affirmed that He is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Do you know Him? Now that you know Jesus, you have the privilege and responsibility to make Jesus known. Just as you have found life, you can help others find life by sharing Jesus with them. If they have the Son they have life. If they do not have the Son they do not have life. Give them the opportunity to have life! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Deciphering the Real Enemy

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) As you live the life God has for you, you will combat your flesh, the world around you, and the enemy beneath you. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14 (ESV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Eph. 6:12 (ESV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. His goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Don’t succumb to the tactics of the enemy. Don’t allow the evil one to dilute your passion for God. Draw near to God. Put on the full armor of God. Fix your gaze on the One who died to set you free. Remember, you are a child of the Living God! Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Influence Obstacles

Influencing the World Around You

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (ESV) One obstacle to abundant life is the flesh within you. Another obstacle to abundant life is the world around you. The world around you is opposed to the Jesus in you. The cultural current is anti-Christian. The world’s values will not be in alignment with the values of the follower of Christ. The way of Jesus is counter-culture. You will likely be in the minority as you live out your faith in a fallen world. “‘I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33 (ESV) “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh,which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (ESV) Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer reflects the environment and a thermostat sets the environment. God has called you to influence the culture instead of allowing the culture to influence you. The abundant life that God gives is not found on the broad road that leads to destruction. His abundant life is found on the narrow road. Consider the environments that God has placed you in to influence for His glory. Are you overcoming the obstacles and seizing the opportunities to make Jesus known? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Jesus Obstacles

Overcoming Obstacles

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV) Living the Christian life involves learning to live with opposition. Motion causes friction. When you choose to follow Jesus and move in the direction of the narrow path, you will face opposition. Living the Christian life is like swimming upstream. The cultural current will work against you. When you received God’s gift of eternal life by placing your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, you were adopted into God’s family. God placed you positionally in Christ and thus you became a recipient of the abundant life that Jesus gives. Along the way, you will have to overcome obstacles. Living in a fallen world as a Christ-follower does not exempt you from spiritual warfare. The reality is that your devotion to Christ will stir up a response from your adversaries. Resistance is part of growth. Just as there is no growth in weight training without resistance, there is no growth spiritually without resistance. Your faith must be formed. Without a test, there is no testimony. Opposition provides you with the friction necessary to sharpen the blade of your faith in God. Can you identify some obstacles to abundant life that you are facing personally? Will you allow God to use those in your life to conform you into the image of Christ? Are you willing to grow in your understanding of these obstacles in order to learn how to prepare for battle? Drawing Near, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Enemy Jesus

Experience Abundant Life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) Are you living the life God has for you? Have you come to experience life to the full? Jesus came to give you that kind of life. However, the full life Jesus gives does not come without opposition. There are three agendas competing for your devotion. Satan has an agenda for your life, the world seeks to lure you into its agenda, and your flesh has an agenda. The enemy strives to derail your devotion to the Lord. He desires to rob you of your joy and to rid you of your passion for the things of God. The enemy does not want you to experience the abundant life that is found in Christ alone. Living in a fallen world provides countless opportunities to inhibit the abundant life Jesus came to provide. The gravitational pull of sin permeates life on planet earth. Staying clean while living in a dirty world will be a perpetual battle. Jesus demonstrated that a life of purity is possible. Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet was without sin (Heb. 4:15). He overcame the cravings of His flesh and did not yield to temptation. Jesus came to bring you life complete and abundant. What is hindering your love relationship with Christ? What is keeping you from enjoying the life Jesus came to give? There’s more to explore in this life Jesus gives. You will get a taste of heaven on earth as you allow Jesus to live His life through you. He wants to help you know and experience abundant life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Lead Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Enemy Jesus

Experience Abundant Life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) Are you living the life God has for you? Have you come to experience life to the full? Jesus came to give you that kind of life. However, the full life Jesus gives does not come without opposition. There are three agendas competing for your devotion. Satan has an agenda for your life, the world seeks to lure you into its agenda, and your flesh has an agenda. The enemy strives to derail your devotion to the Lord. He desires to rob you of your joy and to rid you of your passion for the things of God. The enemy does not want you to experience the abundant life that is found in Christ alone. Living in a fallen world provides countless opportunities to inhibit the abundant life Jesus came to provide. The gravitational pull of sin permeates life on planet earth. Staying clean while living in a dirty world will be a perpetual battle. Jesus demonstrated that a life of purity is possible. Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet was without sin (Heb. 4:15). He overcame the cravings of His flesh and did not yield to temptation. Jesus came to bring you life complete and abundant. What is hindering your love relationship with Christ? What is keeping you from enjoying the life Jesus came to give? There’s more to explore in this life Jesus gives. You will get a taste of heaven on earth as you allow Jesus to live His life through you. He wants to help you know and experience abundant life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Jesus Life

Gift of Life

“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12 (NIV) Where do you go to find life? Are you waiting for life to come sometime in the future? Are you putting life off until you have paid off your car, paid off your home, or entered into retirement? What are you waiting for? Life is not around the corner. Life is found in one person. Life is a gift given by God. The life that is eternal is in God’s Son. If you have the Son you have life. If you do not have the Son you do not have life. Until you receive God’s gift of eternal life found in His Son, you will not know life. Until you are ready to die, you are not ready to live. Finding life involves preparing for death. When you accept the reality of your mortality and choose to accept God’s gift of eternal life, then you find life. Life is in God’s Son. Jesus is the answer. Jesus affirmed that He is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Do you know Him? Now that you know Jesus, you have the privilege and responsibility to make Jesus known. Just as you have found life, you can help others find life by sharing Jesus with them. If they have the Son they have life. If they do not have the Son they do not have life. Give them the opportunity to have life! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Deciphering the Real Enemy

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) As you live the life God has for you, you will combat your flesh, the world around you, and the enemy beneath you. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. His goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Don’t succumb to the tactics of the enemy. Don’t allow the evil one to dilute your passion for God. Draw near to God. Put on the full armor of God. Fix your gaze on the One who died to set you free. Remember, you are a child of the Living God! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Influence Obstacles

Influencing the World Around You

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NIV) One obstacle to abundant life is the flesh within you. Another obstacle to abundant life is the world around you. The world around you is opposed to the Jesus in you. The cultural current is anti-Christian. The world’s values will not be in alignment with the values of the follower of Christ. The way of Jesus is counter-culture. You will likely be in the minority as you live out your faith in a fallen world. “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33 (NIV) “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer reflects the environment and a thermostat sets the environment. God has called you to influence the culture instead of allowing the culture to influence you. The abundant life that God gives is not found on the broad road that leads to destruction. His abundant life is found on the narrow road. Consider the environments that God has placed you in to influence for His glory. Are you overcoming the obstacles and seizing the opportunities to make Jesus known? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Jesus Obstacles

Overcoming Obstacles

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) Living the Christian life involves learning to live with opposition. Motion causes friction. When you choose to follow Jesus and move in the direction of the narrow path, you will face opposition. Living the Christian life is like swimming upstream. The cultural current will work against you. When you received God’s gift of eternal life by placing your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, you were adopted into God’s family. God placed you positionally in Christ and thus you became a recipient of the abundant life that Jesus gives. Along the way, you will have to overcome obstacles. Living in a fallen world as a Christ-follower does not exempt you from spiritual warfare. The reality is that your devotion to Christ will stir up a response from your adversaries. Resistance is part of growth. Just as there is no growth in weight training without resistance, there is no growth spiritually without resistance. Your faith must be formed. Without a test, there is no testimony. Opposition provides you with the friction necessary to sharpen the blade of your faith in God. Can you identify some obstacles to abundant life that you are facing personally? Will you allow God to use those in your life to conform you into the image of Christ? Are you willing to grow in your understanding of these obstacles in order to learn how to prepare for battle? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Enemy Jesus

Having Abundant Life

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) Are you living the life God has for you? Have you come to experience life to the full? Jesus came to give you that kind of life. However, the full life Jesus gives does not come without opposition. There are three agendas competing for your devotion. Satan has an agenda for your life, the world seeks to lure you into its agenda, and your flesh has an agenda. The enemy strives to derail your devotion to the Lord. He desires to rob you of your joy and to rid you of your passion for the things of God. The enemy does not want you to experience the abundant life that is found in Christ alone. Living in a fallen world provides countless opportunities to inhibit the abundant life Jesus came to provide. The gravitational pull of sin permeates life on planet earth. Staying clean while living in a dirty world will be a perpetual battle. Jesus demonstrated that a life of purity is possible. Jesus was tempted just as we are, yet was without sin (Heb. 4:15). He overcame the cravings of His flesh and did not yield to temptation. Jesus came to bring you life complete and abundant. What is hindering your love relationship with Christ? What is keeping you from enjoying the life Jesus came to give? There’s more to explore in this life Jesus gives. You will get a taste of heaven on earth as you allow Jesus to live His life through you. He wants to help you know and experience abundant life. Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell

Categories
Abundant Life Awareness Life Prayer

Obstacles to Abundant Life (5)

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Cor 16:13 (NIV) Get on your toes and be aware, be alert, and be armed. The Devil is real. Spiritual warfare is a reality of the life God has for you. This is not a time to embrace spiritual apathy or lethargy. Choose to live in the opposition readiness mode. God has given you everything you need to reign victoriously in this life. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph 6:18 (NIV) Get on your knees and pray. Praying is like flying; when you stop you drop! Nothing will keep you standing like kneeling before the Lord. Prayer is your life-line. Prayer is your communication connection to the Commander-in-Chief. Stay close and clean. Strive for unbroken fellowship with God. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim 6:12 (NIV) Get on your feet and fight. Move from the posture of kneeling in prayer to that of standing to your feet to face the enemy. The armor of God will protect you. God has armed you for battle. Stand firm! Fight the good fight! You may lose some battles, but as a child of the King, you win the war! Satan has been defeated! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundant Life Devil Opposition

Obstacles to Abundant Life (4)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) The Devil beneath you is another obstacle to abundant life. Satan’s mission is to disrupt and to dismantle God’s agenda. As a result, the enemy seeks to attack that which is closest to God’s heart, namely, God’s children. Whenever you are under attack, remember that as a child of God you are a threat to Satan. When you choose to walk in the way of Jesus, you show up on Satan’s radar. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor 11:14 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12 (NIV) The life God has for you will be opposed. Satan does not want you to experience the abundant life God has for you. Some of Satan’s tools are: discouragement, disillusionment, distractions, depression, doubt, and drifting. The Enemy’s goal is to get you to drift from God’s best. Often, the Devil will sprinkle allurements along the way to try to get you to take a short cut or to bypass your allegiance to Christ. Be alert! Be aware! Stand firm! You are a soldier in the Lord’s army! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundance Abundant Life Opposition Worldliness

Obstacles to Abundant Life (3)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16 (NIV) One obstacle to abundant life is the flesh within you. Another obstacle to abundant life is the world around you. The world around you is opposed to the Jesus in you. The cultural current is anti-Christian. The world’s values will not be in alignment with the values of the follower of Christ. The way of Jesus is counter-culture. You will likely be in the minority as you live out your faith in a fallen world. “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’” John 16:33 (NIV) “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV) Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer reflects the environment and a thermostat sets the environment. God has called you to influence the culture instead of allowing the culture to influence you. The abundant life that God gives is not found on the broad road that leads to destruction. His abundant life is found on the narrow road. Consider the environments that God has placed you in to influence for His glory. Are you overcoming the obstacles and seizing the opportunities to make Jesus known? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundant Life Life Obstacles Opposition Sin Nature

Obstacles to Abundant Life (2)

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 (NIV) Sometimes your greatest obstacle is you. Paul gave us insight into the civil war within him. Though a seasoned believer and a mature follower of Jesus Christ, Paul wrestled with his old sin patterns. His flesh kept calling him back to the old ways. He experienced the gravitational pull of the flesh. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel had witnessed the mighty acts of God. Think about it. They participated in the crossing of the Red Sea on dry ground. They ate manna from Heaven and drank water from the rock. Their shoes did not wear out after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. The opportunity to enter the Land of Promise, the land flowing with milk and honey, was right before them. Yet, they were unwilling to embrace God’s abundant life for them. They wanted to go back to Egypt where they were slaves. “And they said to each other, ‘We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.’” Num 14:4 (NIV) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20 (NIV) Paul demonstrated the discipline of being crucified with Christ. When your flesh wants to go back to the bondage of Egypt and fulfill the cravings of your sin nature, choose to crucify the flesh. Remember, whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. Starve the flesh! Feed your love relationship with God! Nourish the life of Christ in you! Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor

Categories
Abundant Life Life Obstacles Opposition

Obstacles to Abundant Life (1)

“Therefore Jesus said again, ‘I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’” John 10:7-10 (NIV) Living the Christian life is living with opposition. Motion causes friction. When you choose to follow Jesus and move in the direction of the narrow path, you will face opposition. Living the Christian life is like swimming upstream. The cultural current will work against you. When you received God’s gift of eternal life by placing your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, you were adopted into God’s family. God placed you positionally in Christ and thus you became a recipient of the abundant life that Jesus gives. Along the way, you will have to overcome obstacles. Living in a fallen world as a Christ-follower does not exempt you from spiritual warfare. The reality is that your devotion to Christ will stir up a response from your adversaries. Resistance is part of growth. Just as there is no growth in weight training without resistance, there is no growth spiritually without resistance. Your faith must be formed. Without a test, there is no testimony. Opposition provides you with the friction necessary to sharpen the blade of your faith in God. Can you identify some obstacles to abundant life that you are facing personally? Will you allow God to use those in your life to conform you into the image of Christ? Are you willing to grow in your understanding of these obstacles in order to learn how to prepare for battle? Pursuing God, Stephen Trammell Executive Pastor