Living an Abounding, Abundant Life in the Lord

“The Good News concerning salvation is not only what we can be saved from, but what we are saved for,” affirmed Andy Cantrell as he presented the closing lesson at The Florida College Lectures last night.

This observation seemed a particularly fitting summation, not only of the week’s theme, “A Life Worthy of the Gospel,” but Thursday’s lecture focus. Joy, peace, comfort and hope were the four qualities addressed which spoke to the fruit of the gospel that should be manifest in our lives. Qualities in which we ought to be abounding and excelling

Andy was right when he wrote, “The gospel is not simply good news about being saved from our past, but all the wonders of the future. It is not just being forgiven for being unholy, but actually being made holy. It is not merely that we are pardoned for being unloving, but that we become lovers.”

Here’s a few quotes and observations about each of these lectures

Joy

Daniel Broadwell correctly pointed out that joy is not the same as happiness, although we may use the words interchangeably. Happiness is external. Joy is internal. While joy involves emotions, it is much deeper. For instance, the Bible says we can find joy even in suffering. Not because it’s makes us happy, but because we see deeper meaning and find blessedness as we grow closer to the Lord.

Indeed “a life worthy of the gospel is a life of joy.”

Contentment

“Christians are encouraged to conduct themselves in a way that reflects a spirit of contentment,” Travis Walker reminded us. His quote attributed to Socrates is well worth considering. “He who is not content with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

Contentment, Travis wrote is found in a…

• Focused life. Focused on Christ and His Word.
• Maturing life. Growing spiritually.
• Thankful life. Daily counting our blessings and expressing gratitude to God.
• Hopeful life. One that is conscious of God’s presence and promises.

Comfort

Affliction, sickness, suffering and pain is the universal plight of mankind. So, how do we find relief and experience comfort?

Jared Hagan offered a spiritual perspective through which we can find purpose even during afflictions, and at times even some value. Maintain a thankful spirit even during tough times, will provide balance. And, of course, understanding our ultimate destiny and believing in God’s justice and mercy will provide comfort.

When you read the letters to the Thessalonians, you will gain a deeper insight into the problem of affliction and be able to “comfort one another with these words.”

Hope.

Shane Scott affirmed in the very beginning “that hope is fundamental to the gospel” (Col. 1:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:1-8).In fact, he asserted that “gospel preaching that does not include this hope is incomplete at best and heretical at worst.”

In a careful exegesis of the Thessalonian and Philippian passages, Shane answered questions regarding the what, when and how of the bodily resurrection and the hope it provides for the Believer (1 Thess. 4: Phil 3:20-21 His message was made more powerful by the personal story of the untimely passing of his beloved wife Kristi.

Excel Still More

Andy’s exhortation was perfect ending to a wonderful week of admonition to live a life worthy of the Gospel. And while, he noted the context spoke specifically to excelling in our sanctification and love, every topic this week challenges to improve, grow and excel. No matter our level of maturity, the depth of knowledge or height of our love, we can do more. Be more.  He challenged us to overcome hopelessness, laziness, and complacency to excel still more.

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more” (1 Thess. 4:1).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman