In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men - John 1:4
The Good Life
There is nothing wrong with have good things in life, but those things are not life, they are only things. God offers us true life through Jesus Christ —the real life, the BEST life that anyone can possibly live. He offers us a life of being made right with God, and one of peace and Joy (Romans 14:17).
Jesus said that He came so that we might have abundant life, “to the full, till it overflows” (John 10:10)
Living the Best Life is not found in material things, or friends, or jobs.
thing else is lasting and satisfying outside a relationship with God.
Upgrades
We all know that the best kind of life is found in God.
We need to continue growing and learning. It is a process that continues through our lives, and I might add, it is one that I believe is very exciting. Why not make a commitment right now to spend the rest of your life learning how to enjoy the best life God has available for you through Jesus Christ? Ephesians 2:10 talks about that life when it says:
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
(Page 13) God created us; we are His workmanship. Because of sin we lived broken lives, but through the salvation offered in Jesus we are born again, or made new once again. We get to start over and learn how to do things right. God has always had a good plan for His people and He always will. It is available to anyone who will choose it and learn how to walk in it.
Through Your Struggles, You can Depend on God
(Daniel 12:12-13) Blessed is he that waiters, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
When did Joyce received her upgrade in 1976.
How did Joyce Upgrade come?
**As a result of crying out to God for change because she was sick and tired of being so miserable.
What did God do for Joyce?
** Gave her a genuine desire to study His Word and start learning what was available to her.
Normal Christian Behavior is not Living God’s Best Life.
>It’s not fulfilling
>It leaves us frustrated
>We become confused because we think we are doing what we should be doing
>We dont’ feel fulfillment
What happens when you study God’s Word and apply what you’ve learned?
** Changes will take place.
** Especially in your SOUL
** The change is NOT quick and easy
** Sometimes it’s often painful and emotional.
>You will learn to stop blaming your problems on your past and other people.
>You will learn how to stop living in denial
Upgrades - ARE AWESOME but we don’t take advantage of all the features.
WHY?
** The Old Way is easier
** You have to take out the time to learn the new features.
The New Way of Living - Page 14
Jesus said He is the Way (John 14:6). In the very early days of Christianity, it was called “The Way”. God’s Plan includes a way to live that will lead us to everything GOOD He offers.
**This plan begins with receiving Jesus as our Savior.
**One may faithfully attend church and still not be a Christian.
**Christianity is NOT merely belonging to a church and trying to be a good person, but it is about Jesus and what He has done for us.
**He offers us Himself as the sacrifice and payment for our sins and guilt.
**When we have received Him, He actually comes by His Spirit to LIVE, DWELL, and make His HOME in us.
What Happens once you are born again (repent of sin and receive Jesus as Savior)?
>You no longer need to be led by rules and regulations, expecting to get some reward from God if you keep them.
>You can be led and prompted by the Holy Spirit, who will guide you into the full plan of God for your life.
> It truly is a WHOLE new way of Living.
What does the New Testament book of Hebrews say about the new and living way?
It talks about the new and living way that Jesus had opened up through His Death and Resurrection (Hebrews 10:20)
What is one of God’s Instructions once you start living the new way?
**Forgive Our Enemies
Who are our enemies?
**Those who abuse and misuse us.
What should we do to our enemies?
**Love and Bless them.
Like our computer programs, learning the new way can be challenging, and it may be tempted to revert to old ways, but if we persist in the new way, it will lead us to greater fruitfulness and ease. Throughout this book, we will share many of the new ways God is offering you, and I sincerely pray that you take advantage of each of them.
LOVING GOD’S WORD
Proverbs 4:20-22 - My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
What does God’s Word do for us?
>God’s Words are LIFE to us and brings healing to every area of our life, including our inner life (soul). Our entire being is healed through the life-giving power of God’s Word.
>His Word will do amazing things in our life if we will believe it.
>God’s Word renews our mind and teaches us an entirely new way to think about God, life, ourselves, and other people.
>God’s Word is medicine for our wounded souls.
How can studying the Bible become medicine for the emotional wounds from my past?
>God’sWord is full of life-giving, healing power.
>It may look like just a book with words on pages, but whne it is taken into your heart diligently and you believe it, it truly does have amazing healing power.
What is another way to receive help?
>>Group Therapy
Lastly, if that is not your answer, ask God to lead you down the healing path He has planned for you. He will lead you just as He did others. As you follow His guidance, you will experience the same healing and wholeness that we have.
The GOAL of every hurting person.
>Is to Be HEALED
It is very important that you choose a path that is based on God’s Word and His promises; otherwise, you could end up becoming more and more frustrated as you put time, effort, and perhaps a lot of money into something that never produces any good results.
The Important Thing:
*** IS that you make a decision to get the help you need if you are living with wounds and bruises in your soul from past or current situations that need to be healed.