August 1998
Studying The Word Of God
Scott EversoleFor most of us studying is work, whether it's in high school, college, or beyond. We put it off, we dread it, and then when it can be put off no longer we do it as fast as we can in the least painful manner possible. Most of us would readily admit that this isn't the best way for us to study, but we are willing to live with it because many times the material just isn't that important to us. more...
Christian Influences
Glenn Isbell"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us" (Eph 5:1). more...
Lifelong Consequences
Jared HaganEveryday we make decisions. Some are complicated and some are simple, but even small and seemingly insignificant decisions can have large and long-lasting consequences. Some decisions may not necessarily be wrong, but they might lead to a path of destruction. more...
Jesus And Jewish Leaders
Trevor BraileyA few days before His crucifixion, Jesus had a series of confrontations with the leaders of the Jewish people. Mark 11:27-12:40 records five confrontations with those who led God's people. Jesus always showed Himself and His teachings to be superior to anything offered by these men, and He showed how the spiritual leaders of Israel were failing. This passage explains why Jesus had to use such strong teaching against them. After the leaders murdered Jesus, they would be destroyed and replaced by Him as the eternal leader of God's true people. more...
Have Patience
Scott HounchellPatience is an important topic to young people because it is a quality that is needed to deal effectively with three of the most prominent areas of a young person's life. First, patience is needed in interactions with parents. Second, patience is needed to deal with school. Thirdly, patience is needed to navigate through the world and life in general. more...
Modesty
Jon HuntWhen one thinks of modesty, the first thing that comes to mind is a properly dressed young woman with her skirt length approaching the ankle. But consider this, a young woman's dress and a young man's clothing are both important items when we talk about modesty. Women are instructed in the New Testament on the proper manner of dress as in 1 Tim 2:9 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array." God made woman to be attractive to man and likewise man attractive to woman. What sets mankind apart from all other species on the planet is our ability to control our sexual desires. more...
The Pearl Of Great Price
Jerry Drew"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it" (Matt. 13:45-46). This is just one of the many parables Jesus used in teaching His disciples about the kingdom of heaven. Contained within this parable are two elements essential for anyone interested in obtaining God' kingdom. more...
The Preacher's Pen
Mark RobertsThis issue of Abundant Life has become kind of a tradition around here. Each year we ask some of our young men to edit the August issue with a special emphasis on the concerns of young people. It is printed and ready on time for our Youth Lectures, which are always the first weekend in August. Jerry Drew and Scott Eversole worked together to put out what you now hold. It is a labor of love and frustration and fun and difficulty. As usual, our young men did a superb job. more...