Sermon Tone Analysis

Have you ever been thirsty.

No I mean really thirsty

So thirsty you do almost anything for a drink of water

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

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God created us to have an insatiable thirst as we live in this world.

God created us to have an insatiable thirst as we live in this world.

When sin entered the world, so did discontentment with life.

God desires for us to seek more out of life.

The problem is we displace our desire for more because of our discontentment.

The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity.

The purpose of the tension we feel with what we want and what we have is to point us to God and to eternity.

We're meant to desire more of God.

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water" ().

God wants us to have a life of abundance.

God wants us to have a life of abundance.

But in God's economy, it never has to do with acquiring worldly possessions that will one day vanish.

Instead, it's all about what's eternal.

But in God's economy, it never has to do with acquiring worldly possessions that will one day vanish.

God wants us to have a life of abundance.

But in God's economy, it never has to do with acquiring worldly possessions that will one day vanish.

Instead, it's all about what's eternal.

Instead, it's all about what's eternal.

What We Get Wrong about Abundant Living

What We Get Wrong about Abundant Living

Instead of desiring more of God, we seek to fill our need for more with what the world can give - material possessions, fame, achievement, recognition, popularity, and accomplishments.

Then we read

, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly," and we misuse it to read that God will give us an abundance of those worldly pursuits we crave.

What Is an Abundant Life?

Jesus came so that we can have life because He is the embodiment of life.

He said,

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This life means eternal life in heaven.

Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we now have a way to be reconciled with God and have eternal life with Him in heaven.

This life means eternal life in heaven.

Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we now have a way to be reconciled with God and have eternal life with Him in heaven.

Nonetheless, Jesus not only gives us the promise of eternal life in heaven,

He also gives us an abundant life here on earth.

But His abundance has nothing to do with worldly pursuits and everything to do with those attributes that make us more like Him and that we can carry with us into heaven.

Many people have this idea that If I get this_______ then I will be happy

It becomes a constant pursuit of the next thing

Debt increases, happiness decreases,

And we have more garage sales...

“Mo Money” Feb 2018 in the journal Nature Human Behavior

New research shows the richer we get, the less happy we become.

A study, published Feb 2018 in the journal Nature Human Behavior, found that once we reach a certain household income — $105,000 in the United States, $95,000 globally — more income “tended to be associated with reduced life satisfaction and a lower level of well-being.”

And it’s not just adults who are impacted by this phenomenon.

Children who come from affluent families are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse than those who come from less affluent families, research shows.

And it’s not just adults who are impacted by this phenomenon.

Children who come from affluent families are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse than those who come from less affluent families, research shows.

Happy kids in the 3rd world

How We Can Have an Abundant Life in a Broken, Fallen World

How We Can Have an Abundant Life in a Broken, Fallen World

Jesus gives us the fruit of the Spirit, and this is the abundant life.

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Jesus wants us to have the best life possible in a world that is sometimes unbearable - a world full of cruelty, injustice, sadness, and pain.

He knows that the only way that is possible is for us to take on His character of a life where inwardly we are satisfied because we know who we are through Him, who He is through God the Father, and where we are going - to heaven.

Jesus wants us to have the best life possible in a world that is sometimes unbearable - a world full of cruelty, injustice, sadness, and pain.

He knows that the only way that is possible is for us to take on His character of a life where inwardly we are satisfied because we know who we are through Him, who He is through God the Father, and where we are going - to heaven.

Our lives can be falling apart all around us, and we can still have an abundant life.

The abundant life is a state of being from within, not a result of external circumstances.

It is the result of the pruning God does to make us more like Him, and it is what we will take to heaven with us

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An abundant life is a life that keeps on giving.

Our lives can be falling apart all around us, and we can still have an abundant life.

The abundant life is a state of being from within, not a result of external circumstances.

It is the result of the pruning God does to make us more like Him, and it is what we will take to heaven with us ().

An abundant life is a life that keeps on giving.

An abundant life is a life that keeps on giving.

Which is Better - Abundance or an Abundant Life?

Which is Better - Abundance or an Abundant Life?

At first look, we might be tempted to say,

"I rather have a life of abundance so I can have the stuff I want and be happy!"

But when you're in a state of crisis, what's worth more - a life full of fear, anxiousness, and tension, or a life full of tranquility and the fruit of the spirit?

I think we'd agree that you can't put a price tag on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Let’s say you have a Million dollars in the bank.

But no Peace.

Is it worth it?

An abundant life comes from following God's ways, pursuing holiness, and seeking to be more like Him.

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As a result, others see the abundant life in you and are led to Jesus through your example: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" ().

As a result, others see the abundant life in you and are led to Jesus through your example:

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It does not say let your new shiny care sparkle before your neighbour

God created us to want more.

But which kind of "more" will we seek?

Abundance in worldly pursuits or an abundant life?

The more we desire God, the more abundant our life will be.

Bible Verses on Abundant Life

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

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What things will be added

Matt 6:25-34

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

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How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men! -

No I’m not saying God wants us all to be poor and destitute.

In fact I believe greater economic times for God people is on the way!

But I believe our focus needs to be pure.

If things are getting in the way of your pursuit of God, Do you really think he want to give you more things?

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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That does not mean you cannot be wealthy, Your desire for wealth cannot be more important than your desire for the things of God