Those who believe in Jesus have eternal life (Jn 20:31). Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full (Jn 10:10). Jesus is the Life (Jn 11:25; 14:6), and He gives life (Jn 5:21). The angel who freed the apostles from prison told them: "Preach to the people all about this new life" (Acts 5:20).
This full eternal life is the life of heaven which Christians begin to experience on earth. This life is characterized by publicly witnessing for Jesus and by preaching and teaching. In the risen life, we are powerful enough to be a threat to those in control. We are worthy of being persecuted, even arrested, for Jesus' sake.
In summary, life in Christ is eternal, full, and new. It is serving God. It is a life of love, faith, and obedience (Jn 15:10; Gal 2:20;1 Pt 1:2). The Christian life is so real and full that any other existence seems wasted (see 1 Pt 4:2-3), a half-life, or even a living death (1 Jn 3:14). Man is fully alive only in Jesus. Christ is the Life, and life should be Christ (Phil 1:21). Begin to live. Live for Jesus always. Live with Jesus forever.
| PRAYER: | Father, I will proclaim what I have seen and heard so that others may share life with us (1 Jn 1:3). |
| PROMISE: | "God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." –Jn 3:17 |
| PRAISE: | Jim has been teaching Bible studies for forty years. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College