Living in Chicago today as a teenager you might feel like living an abundant Christ-filled life is just a fairy tale. Whether it’s the violence on the streets, the brokenness of many families or simply the pressure to be like everyone else at school- God’s promise of a better life can seem unrealistic. However, when…

The abundant life that Jesus gives is more than just a fantasy or wish- it is a reality. “Jesus’ promise of abundant life, which begins already in the here and now, brings to mind OT prophecies about abundant blessing [found in] Ezekiel 34). Jesus calls his followers, not to a [gloomy], lifeless, miserable existence that squashes…

There are only two types of people in the world; (1) “Sinners,” Romans 5:19 & (2) “Saints,” Philippians 1:1. Though there are two types of saints; “Worldly Christians,” 1 Corinthians 3:3 & “Disciples,” John 8:31; everyone is expected to be a disciple, Matthew 28:19-20. When you were born again you became a new person in both your soul & spirit, John 3:3 &…

Today many Christians believe living free from all sin seems to be too good to be true (John 8:11). Also, some pastors and church leaders even teach that sin in the believer’s life is normative and that freedom (if at all possible) is gradual and takes continual “self-effort.” However, Jesus taught that freedom from all sin was…

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and give everyone a new life. Salvation is the term used to describe being rescued from the devil’s destruction and being born again (1 Peter 1:9). Today we will learn that when we were saved by grace through faith in Jesus, we were saved completely and…