The A-Life is an abundant life, rooted in Jesus’ promise in 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.”
What does it mean to live an abundant life? It’s more than material prosperity or fleeting happiness. Jesus promises a life filled with supernatural power, purpose, meaning, and mission—a life that far exceeds what we could imagine. As we explore this journey together, let’s look deeper into what it means to live abundantly in Christ and take the next steps toward experiencing the A-Life.
The Abundant Life: Power, Purpose, Meaning, and Mission
Jesus invites us into a life that overflows in every way. This is not about worldly success or the prosperity gospel, but it is about aligning ourselves with His eternal purpose. The abundant life in Jesus is filled with power, purpose, meaning, and mission.
- Power: The abundant life is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t a power we muster on our own, it’s divine strength that enables us to live beyond our natural abilities. As Ephesians 3:20 reminds us, God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Through His Spirit, we can experience a supernatural abundant life that exceeds anything we could imagine.
- Purpose: We are created for more than survival. We were created to glorify God and make Him known. The A-Life is about living on mission with intentionality and eternal perspective.
- Meaning: When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He gives us a new identity and value rooted in Him. No matter our circumstances, we can live with confidence in our true identity in Christ, knowing our lives have significance in God’s Kingdom.
- Mission: Jesus calls us to live sent, to share the gospel, serve others, and make disciples. This is not a task for a select few, it is a command and a calling for every believer.
Living an abundant life means embracing each of these components daily.
Jesus is a Shepherd for His Sheep
In ancient times, shepherds would lead their flocks into a sheepfold, an enclosed area made of stone walls or thorn bushes for protection. There was only one opening, and the shepherd would lie across it at night, becoming the “gate” to keep predators and thieves out. This is what Jesus meant in John 10:9 when He said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved.” Just as a shepherd’s body was a barrier protecting the sheep, Jesus is our gateway to salvation and safety.
Jesus is the gate to the abundant life. He protects, provides, and leads us to eternal and abundant life. He is the way to salvation, safety, and nourishment for our souls.
Not All Roads Lead to the Same Place
We live in a culture that tells us all paths lead to God, but Jesus says otherwise. In Matthew 7:13-14, He warns: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Think of a sheep grazing in a comfortable lush field, surrounded by the safety of the shepherd and the fold. But just beyond the field, the sheep sees something that looks more appealing, greener grass off in the distance. Curious and distracted, the sheep wanders farther and farther away, not fully realizing the dangers of predators or cliffs ahead.
We’re often like that sheep. We feel God pulling us toward Him, but we inch our way in another direction. Distractions like career success, social approval, or temporary pleasures lead us astray. Thankfully, Jesus is a Good Shepherd and doesn’t ever lose sight of us, or give up on us. He seeks us out, calling us back to the road that leads to living an abundant and eternal life.
Many find themselves consumed by worldly desires that steal them from a relationship with God. The abundant life cannot be found in the world’s promises. The enemy—the thief—will offer counterfeit versions of joy and fulfillment, but they lead to destruction. Only Jesus, the true Gate, offers eternal life and abundance.
Jesus is Worth Following
Why should we trust Jesus with our lives? Because He gave His life so we could live. He endured the cross and overcame death so we could experience resurrection life.
In John 10:11 Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”
Living an abundant life begins with surrender, laying down our own plans and desires to follow Him. As Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
The Abundant Life is the Obedient Life
“The abundant life is the obedient life” is one of the most powerful truths a believer or nonbeliever may ever hear. When we say we obey Jesus, we step into the life He designed for us, a life of freedom, joy, and peace.
There is a peace that comes with being obedient that can sometimes be overpowering. It’s an otherworldly calmness and serenity, something that words cannot fully describe. It’s the kind of peace that carries you through difficult times when nothing in your circumstances makes sense.
For example, imagine facing a life-altering decision or enduring a season of deep grief. The world around you feels chaotic, but as you surrender your situation to Jesus and follow where He leads, there’s a supernatural sense of peace that settles in your heart. It’s not logical; it’s not something you can create on your own. It’s God’s gift to those who trust Him. As Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Obedience isn’t always easy. Obedience requires sacrifice. But Jesus promises that the cost of following Him is worth it. In Luke 9:23, He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” When we choose obedience, we also choose the abundance, freedom, and supernatural peace that come with living in step with God’s will.
What’s Your Next Step?
What next step is God prompting you to take this year so you can live a more abundant life? As we begin the A-Life Journey, take time to reflect:
- Are you living the abundant life Jesus promised?
- If not, what is holding you back?
- What step of obedience is God prompting you to take?
For some, it may be stepping into discipleship or joining a community group. For others, it could mean living on mission in your workplace or neighborhood. Either way, Jesus calls us to follow Him, even when the path is difficult or unclear.
A shepherd knows what’s ahead, the rocky terrain, the predators lurking nearby, and the green pastures just over the hill. The sheep may not understand the journey, but they trust the shepherd’s voice and follow where he leads.
Join Us on the A-Life journey
Over the next two years, our church is committing to pursue the A-Life together. We’re asking every member of the Abundant Life family, whether on-site, online, or at a church house, to take their next step in faith.
When we surrender to Jesus, we trust that He sees what we cannot. He protects and leads us to the abundance of His peace and provision. Even in moments of sacrifice or hardship, we can rest in His care, knowing the Good Shepherd will never lead us astray.
When we follow Jesus in obedience, we don’t just step into His will; we step into His protection, provision, and overwhelming peace. That’s the abundant life He promises to all who trust Him. To learn more, watch Pastor Phil’s sermon on the Abundant Life Journey.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for offering us abundant life. We surrender our plans and desires to You. Show us the steps we need to take to follow You more closely. Empower us by Your Spirit to live lives of power, purpose, meaning, and mission. Amen.