Abounding Love Podcast with Former ”Tex” Watson

224 - The Spirit-Filled Life

I begin this message with the concept of man being made up of three parts: spirit, soul and body. [See: About/Charles' Charts/A-2 on my website.] God is Spirit. We are made in His image. Our spirit died when Adam's sin came into the world. Jesus defeated sin and death at the resurrection and gave us new life; that is why He came. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). The old has passed away and has been made new. Paul was speaking of our spirit. "But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him" (1 Corinthians 6:17, NKJV). First Peter 1:23 says you are ". . . born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed, through the Word of God, which lives and abides forever." Being born again of a new spirit is where the Spirit-filled life begins. We have a soul [the next circle in the chart], which is made up of the mind, the will and the emotions. The soul is to be renewed. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2, NKJV). The will of God is that we walk in the Spirit. God wants His Spirit to fill every area of our life. We renew our minds (our thoughts) through the Word of God. The Word is Spirit and life (John 6:63). When we are immersed in the Spirit, the Spirit of God begins to work throughout our spirit, soul and body. It can be found in our speech and in our actions. This is when the fruit of the Spirit really becomes apparent in us. In this message, I use the Book of Philippians to bring out twenty different aspects of our new Spirit-filled life. Join me in discovering what the Apostle Paul has to say about the new life we have received. [See: "Spirit, Soul & Body" chart @ www.aboundinglove.org - Resources - Study Chart Gallery - Gallery A].
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

279 - Love is a Sacrifice

How often we forget that love involves sacrifice. God was expressing His love for mankind in creation. We were created in divine love, with the capacity to love. God expects us to love one another with the love He shows towards us. To give up ourselves and let God's love flow forth. To know God is to know His love. We must know God to love others the way He expects. We have to look at the sacrifice of Jesus, Who is the ultimate expression of God's love (John 3:16). In Psalm 107:20, we read "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Romans 5:8, "... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for the ungodly." The entire ministry of Jesus Christ is founded on the divine love of God. He made us a "new creation" to correct what had been lost. Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the Father, even to the point of going to the cross (Philippians 2:6-9). His sacrifice is our example of sacrificial love. But, we all protest that we're not able to do 100% of what Jesus did. Then do what you can do! The Apostle Paul couldn't do 100% either, but he pressed on towards the goal (Philippians 3:12-14). It all still works the same, because God does not change (Hebrews 13:8). Our sacrificial love is possible only because of God's love being in us. Paul wrote: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1 NKJV). But how? In this message, I explore how we can show our sacrificial love to the unlovable - just as Jesus does.
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

222B - The Christian Character

In this message, I outlined 15 things or attributes seen in the character of a born-again Christian. I encourage you to listen to the podcast and gain an understanding of what the Word of God says it is to be a Christian. Things all Christians should be doing: 1) We are to be born again. Our character is the result of the New Birth. (The concept of being born again is discussed in Message 222A - Born Again to Conquer.) It's the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which makes it possible for us to be born of the Spirit. 2) We are to grow and be nourished in the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). 3) We are to put on a new set of clothes (Isaiah 61:10; Colossians 3:12-15). 4) We are to live a radiant life (Matthew 5:16). 5) We are to build our character upon the rock of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:24-27). 6) We are to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:6,7). 7) We are to realize that we are truly children of God (Romans 8:16,17). 8) We are to be educated; schooled by the Spirit (John 8:31,32; 2 Timothy 2:15). 9) We are at war and fighting the good fight of faith, having put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). 10) We are to be a servant; a witness (I Timothy 6:18; Acts 1:8). 11) We are to walk as a Christian. The entire book of Ephesians talks about walking the walk. 12) We are to run our race (Hebrews 12:1; I Corinthians 9:24). 13) We must realize that being a Christian is a sacrifice (Romans 12:1). 14) We are to walk in victory (I John 5:4). And lastly, 15) We have the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13). This message covers the points and scriptures I've outlined in this introduction and many more to illustrate these 15 points. I pray you'll study each point I present as an encouragement in your own Christian walk.
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

071 - Joy to the World

The Scriptures are a book of joy to those who walk in obedience to Christ, but to those who walk in rebellion, it's a book of sadness. It's based upon relationships, fellowship with Jesus, and fellowship with other believers. There's nothing new under the sun. This message, given decades ago (during the Carter administration), is as relevant today as when originally given. In Isaiah 9:6, we are promised that "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Isaiah goes on to describe the attributes of this Child. During the time of Isaiah, things were terrible, just as they are today. But Isaiah comes with a message of hope, a message of joy. Jesus deals with the hearts of individuals because He wants you to be filled with joy, happiness, and hope. The shepherds in the field at the birth of Jesus are told by the angel, "Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:8-20). We then read how the shepherds rejoiced in His presence. David said, "In Your presence is fullness of joy. . ." (Psalm 16:11). Jesus, and only Jesus, can bring that fullness of joy. Do you have that joy? How is your fellowship with Jesus and with His church, where fellowship is found? Are you the light of the world, bringing joy to those in darkness?
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

222A - Born Again to Conquer

In the Gospel of John, chapter three, we find the story of Nichodemas and his encounter with Jesus, Who tells him, ". . . Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God" (v. 3). Unless you are born of the Spirit, you will not enter Heaven; being born not of corruptible seed (human flesh), but of incorruptible seed - a born-again Spirit (1 Peter 1:23). Those who are born again are living in God's Kingdom now. But if you're not born again, you reside in Satan's kingdom. The book of 1st John is written so you might know that you are born again and have eternal life (1 John 5:13). It explains things we must do as a born-again believer. To most people being a Christian is just following a bunch of "do's and don't's," but once you're born again, those "do's and don't's" aren't seen as being all that unreasonable. How Jesus took on the temptations of Satan and proved Himself to be victorious is our example as ministers today. James, the half-brother of Jesus, tells us to be a doer of God's Word and not just a hearer of the Word (James 1:22-25). In this message, I use Scripture to present ten things we must do to live effectively as born-again Christians.
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

221B - I Have the Anointing

It may sound like I'm boasting by the title of this message, "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you . . . as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (1 John 2:27, NKJV). It is the anointing through which the Holy Spirit rightly teaches us the Word of Truth. Without the anointing, we wouldn't have a relationship with God; no security, no seal or guarantee of eternal life. In this message, I share how Isaiah prophesied to the people that ". . . the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil" (Isaiah 10:27, NKJV). Are you plowing through life yoked up and overcome by people, places and things? As born-again believers, it's a Biblical fact that we have the anointing in us. This anointing is what makes the Scriptures come alive for us. Yet many churches today neglect God's written Word, relying instead on worldly programs and psychological teaching. Their members are being starved. The term "Christ" means the "anointed one." And we are anointed for a purpose, to bring the truth of the Gospel to mankind. Are you fulfilling the purpose for which God has anointed you? Is there anything you can do to increase the manifestation of the anointing you have in Christ? There is, and this message addresses what we are to do.
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

221A - Anyone Who Thirsts

"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8, NKJV). Do you have a craving or desire which cannot be satisfied? Jesus said, "He who believes in Me, as the Scriptures have said, 'out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:38, NKJV). Jesus Christ can satisfy your cravings. His power is in the Holy Spirit, Who is available to those who thirst and come to Him for a drink. Jesus replied to the women at the well, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water . . . whoever drinks of the water I shall give him will never thirst" (John 4:10,14a, NKJV). "Having this water 'on tap' is the key to resisting the temptation of alcohol, food, sex, work, a codependent relationship, or any other compulsion" (The Life Recovery Bible notes, pg. 1352). Are you experiencing victory over the temptations of life? If not, it's time to come to the water and drink until your heart is content and overflowing with God's amazing love, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.

089B - Christians Doing the New Thing

In this message, I share what we must do to live up to our new name, and to do the "New Thing" as the Apostles did. In Acts 4:1-3, we are told how the Apostles were being persecuted by the religious authorities for teaching about Jesus and His death and resurrection. They had been placed in prison and were released miraculously. But instead of laying low, they went right out and continued to teach, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit and faith in the Name of Jesus. They had received a new name and were doing a "New Thing," something not seen before, but prophesied about repeatedly by Isaiah, Ezekiel and Joel. Jesus overcame the "Old Thing," where Satan dominated; He defeated him and established the "New Thing." When we repent and accept Jesus, we find we are doing new things. We change our way of thinking by putting on the Mind of Christ. Our minds must be renewed, as our spirit has been renewed. For Peter, everything Jesus said and did influenced him to do the "New Thing," even when facing violent opposition. Have you joined this "New Thing"? Remember, "...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).
Let me hear from you - Charles  
www.aboundinglove.org
Subscribe and share with someone you love.