We’re starting a new series this week called The Upside Down Life. I’m actually doing it at both Bikers’ Church and at City Church. At Bikers’ Church, we’ll do a condensed message with more discussion from the group. At City Church, I’ll preach a full message on the subject.
Anyway, the focus of the series is what did Jesus really mean when he invited us to live an abundant life? For far too many people, they think that means a life that is full of adventure, full of excitement, full of pleasure. And while the life Jesus spoke about may involve all those things, I believe it goes far deeper and more amazing than any of that.
But it doesn’t just fall from the sky. It’s not like the “easy button” at Staples. It takes a choice on our part. The choice we must make is whether or not we will live life the way that Jesus calls us to live it. It’s the upside down life. It was so hard for most people to accept, that many of those who followed Jesus initially, abandoned him when the message became challenging. They wanted all the perks, but they didn’t like the path that Jesus suggested they would need to take.
What is the upside down life? It involves a change of thinking. The first shall be last. It is more blessed to give than receive. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. Take up your cross and follow me. On and on Jesus went, offending people with every statement.
The Upside Down Life. There’s a quote at the beginning of the movie, The Bucket List, that says, “Edward Cole lived more in his last days on earth than most people manage to wring out of a lifetime. I know that when he died, his eyes were closed, and his heart was open.”
Is your heart open?
If you want, you can view the video from last night’s service below:
