Abundant Life Sermons

Solomon's covenant marriage to the Shulamite is a picture of God's love for His Bride, the Church. God's love is more than a commitment. It's a covenant that is binding, unbreakable, irrevocable, and irreversible. 4 Things Covenant Love Is: Covenant love is providential. Covenant love is permanent. Covenant love is pure. Covenant love appreciates the past. Join Pastor Phil Hopper for the final sermon in the Living Your Love Story series through the Book of Song of Solomon. Be encouraged with biblical principles and learn about God's vision for covenant marriage.

It takes years for a couple's love to reach full maturity. After years together, Solomon's love for his bride has fully matured, and the fruit of their love has fully bloomed. As their love matured, they began to see each other's deepest beauty. Growing in the deepest bonds of intimacy takes time and intentionality for a couple. Solomon says that just as the best wine takes time, so does the deepest joy of marriage intimacy. The imagery in Song of Solomon 7 portrays marriage as a garden and the wife as a vineyard. If marriage is a garden, husbands are the lead gardeners. To pick the sweetest fruit in marriage is truly costly. Like any fruitful garden, it doesn't come cheap, and it won't come easy. It takes work, time, attention, and intention. How husbands can create the right climate for their wives to thrive: 1. Value her unconditionally. 2. Initiate intentional conversations. 3. Nurture trust and security. 4. Empty yourself into sacrificial service. You have to work in your garden, but you will be blessed and happy if you do it God's way. The abundant life is found in working obediently, loving faithfully, and living in transparency. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he walks through Song of Solomon 7 and teaches men how to be gardeners in their marriages to nurture a mature love.

Have you ever felt distant in your relationships or wondered how to reignite lost love? Discover how God's love story for us transforms every relationship in our lives.1. Think Good ThoughtsWe'll explore how seeing each other through God's eyes—full of beauty, value, and purpose—changes everything. Just as Solomon admired his beloved, we'll learn to speak life and encouragement over those we love.2. Admire One AnotherGod calls us to honor and celebrate each other, not just in romance but in every relationship. We'll unpack how admiration builds trust, unity, and joy, making our connections stronger and more resilient.3. Recognize GrowthEvery journey has a season. We'll talk about recognizing and celebrating the growth God brings in us and in others, even when it's not always obvious. Like the Shulamite, sometimes we need to pause and see the beauty of what God is doing!4. Promote UnityFinally, we'll discover the power of unity, and how being “one” in heart and spirit brings God's blessing and favor. Whether in marriage, friendship, or church family, unity is where God commands His blessing!Join Pastor Chad Glover as he shares practical, biblical steps that bring hope and transformation to every relationship.

Conflict is inevitable in every relationship, especially in marriage. In Song of Solomon 5, we see that even the most passionate love stories encounter moments of hurt and misunderstanding. The honeymoon phase fades, and real-life challenges arise. The bride's initial rejection of Solomon's romantic invitation creates a moment of offense and separation, a reminder that the ones we love most have the greatest power to wound us. What happens next is key, Solomon chooses forgiveness over offense. Instead of allowing hurt to build a fence between them, he tears it down with grace and love. This teaches us that the success of our marriages depends not on avoiding conflict, but on how we resolve it. Key Takeaways: 1). Conflict is inevitable: Every relationship will face moments of misunderstanding and hurt. 2). Offense builds fences: Unforgiveness creates barriers that separate people from each other. 3). Forgiveness tears down fences: Choosing to forgive restores intimacy and connection. 4). Thankfulness heals hearts: Reflecting on the good in others rekindles love and friendship. The way you tear down a fence is through forgiveness and thankfulness. Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” This message isn't just for married couples. Whether single, dating, or building friendships, these principles apply to every relationship. Forgiveness and thankfulness are keys to healing, restoring trust, and experiencing deeper connection. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares lessons from the Song of Solomon on forgiveness and thankfulness in marriage.

God views sex in marriage as something sacred. Not only is sex in marriage sacred, but it's something that should sizzle. The foundation for sacred sex that sizzles is friendship and trust. Four things every man wishes his wife knew: 1) My sex drive is powerful, persistent, and normal. 2) Sex is how I bond with my wife emotionally and feel intimacy. 3) Sizzling sex reassures me of my masculinity and gives me confidence in every area of life. 4) Real sexual fulfillment for me is impossible unless I can sexually fulfill you! Four things every woman wishes her husband knew: 1) The most powerful sexual organ in my body is my mind. Sex for a woman is 90% mental. 2) For you to satisfy me as my lover begins long before we get in bed. Being a great lover is a lifestyle! 3) I need time to warm up. 4) Affection is to me what sex is to you—and the one empowers the other. How to improve your sexual intimacy and experience sacred and sizzling sex in marriage… 1) Process - Talk openly, honestly, and compassionately as a couple. 2) Practice - Get lots of practice and have patience with each other. 3) Pray - Pray together for God to give you a satisfying sex life! Intimacy is born out of trust and transparency. When you foster these things with your spouse, you will experience sacred and sizzling sex! Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares lessons from the Song of Solomon on love and intimacy in marriage.

Looking for hope and clarity this Mother's Day? Author and speaker Heidi St. John joins us to talk about the ministry of motherhood and God's original blueprint for the family. Our world is in a battle over identity, family, and truth. But Scripture reminds us that children are a heritage and reward from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5), and that motherhood is not secondary, but it is a sacred ministry, woven into God's beautiful design for humanity. From the beginning, God created male and female in His image (Genesis 1:27), giving unique dignity and purpose to femininity and motherhood. In this message, Heidi St. John unpacks how God's heart is to restore the joy, beauty, and strength of women, because femininity reflects His heart in a beautiful way. To God, the ministry of motherhood is sacred, not secondary. Heidi identifies how the enemy's lies have distorted God's design, but also how, through Christ, we can reclaim the narrative and build a generational legacy of faith, love, and truth (Psalm 145:4; Proverbs 17:6). The ministry of motherhood: Embrace God's design Protect and defend the innocence of children Purpose to create a generational legacy You'll be encouraged to embrace your God-given role, whether as a mother, grandmother, spiritual mentor, or supporter of families. Discover how to protect the innocence of children (Psalm 82:4), honor marriage, and stand firm in a culture at war with God's design (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Vance Pitman, the president of the Send Network, joins us to share a message on the eternal Kingdom of God and how the church can prepare the way. The Kingdom of God is God's sovereign activity in the world resulting in people being in right relationship with Himself. As we read about the early church, we see that church planting is a part of spreading the gospel. In the Book of Philippians, we read Paul's letter to the Philippian church. Paul's primary purpose for writing was to thank the Philippians for their ongoing support through prayers, finances, and encouragement. They were equipping him to advance the kingdom of God and plant churches through their support. The letter stands as both a personal thank-you and a call to live out the gospel with joy, humility, and unwavering faith. 3 Truths from Philippians about church planting and the Kingdom of God: Truth #1 – When God births a church, it's always about something bigger. Truth #2 – When God births a church, He invites us to join in His kingdom activity. 1) Every church should cultivate a heart for the kingdom by praying. 2) Every church should prioritize the kingdom by sending. 3) Every church should invest in the kingdom by giving. Truth #3 – When God births a church, it's for His glory. If you are a believer, you have a role to play in advancing the Kingdom of God! Learn how you can apply these truths from the Book of Philippians to your life today.

As the Bride of Christ, the Church has been eagerly anticipating His return for over 2,000 years. Song of Solomon 3 describes the return of Solomon for his bride which foreshadows the coming of Jesus. He came first as a shepherd, but when he reappears, he is a majestic king. Like Solomon, Jesus came first as a Shepherd. But He will return as a majestic and triumphant King for His bride, the Church. The excitement that Solomon's bride felt at his return is the same excitement the Bride of Christ should feel as we long for Jesus to come again. The three stages of the Hebrew wedding mirror the relationship between Christ and His bride. 1.) Betrothal Just as the bridegroom signed the Ketubah and promised to return, Jesus has promised to come back for His Bride. We are currently in this betrothal stage, called to remain faithful and ready. 2.) Consummation. The bridegroom's unexpected return to carry his bride home is a vivid picture of the rapture, where the Bride of Christ will be reunited with the Bridegroom. Only the Father knows the day or hour. 3.) Celebration. The wedding feast symbolizes the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, where Christ and His bride will rejoice together. We are living in anticipation of the great celebration that will happen when Jesus comes again for His bride. Jesus is coming for his bride very soon! We know it's soon for three reasons: 1) The Jews are back in the Land—prophecy fulfilled in 1917. 2) Israel is reborn as a nation—prophecy fulfilled in 1948. 3) The Jews are back in Jerusalem—prophecy fulfilled in 1967. As the bride of Christ, we need to be ready by working and watching for the return of the Bridegroom! We must keep our lamps burning, living the abundant life—fully awake, alert, and filled with the Spirit. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he explores the prophetic beauty of Solomon's return for his bride and its connection to the rapture and the Bride of Christ.

Can we trust the evidence for the resurrection? How can we know that Jesus really died and rose again? Is there hope for seeing our loved ones again in heaven? This Easter, Pastor Phil Hopper shares his story of how he questioned the evidence for the resurrection after the death of his father. In his grief, he wondered how he would know for sure that he would see his dad again in heaven. The evidence for the resurrection is found throughout the Bible, from the Hebrew prophecies in the Old Testament to the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' disciples in the New Testament. Many people say that Jesus got lucky or just happened to fulfill all the prophecies made about Him. But He is the only man in history who fulfilled all 61 prophecies about the Messiah. Jesus came as the sinless Son of God and took all our sins on Himself on the cross. Easter is about how Jesus sacrificed His life so we could be forgiven and have a relationship with a holy God. We take communion in remembrance of His sacrifice and what it means for us. It's one thing to believe that Jesus lived; it's another thing to believe that He died and rose again. He is alive now, and we have evidence for the resurrection because of the eyewitness accounts of those who saw Him die and rise again. The apostles were changed by what they saw. Throughout the centuries, many have died for a lie they thought was true. But if the resurrection wasn't true, these men wouldn't have died for it, because nobody knowingly dies for a lie. They gave their lives to preach the truth that Jesus is the Messiah, and He came, died, and rose again. They believed in Jesus and were willing to die for their faith. Do you believe in Jesus? Have you trusted in Him? Trusting in Him means redemption. He has extended the invitation for salvation to us, and He is waiting for us to accept. ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #Easter #Resurrection

Fear, anxiety, and insecurity are enemies of marital intimacy. We all carry shame and insecurity as the fallen sons of Adam and the fallen daughters of Eve. To cover up those insecurities and shame, we wear “fig leaves” that become patterns of dysfunction in marriage. God can redeem you, redefine your marriage, and renew your relationship. The love story in Song of Solomon can help us take a personal inventory of our fears and anxieties. When we are honest with our spouse, we are better able to exist in marital intimacy where we are more fully known and fully loved. Three things to remember to love and be loved well: 1.) You don't need to get married to be loved—you already are! No one will love you better than Jesus! You will never love well until you rest in God's perfect love. 2.) Your mate is not meant to complete you—only complement you. God gives you a mate to complement who you are but not to complete who you are. If you look to your spouse to complete you, you will begin to compete. 3.) Marriage is more for your sanctification than your satisfaction! Sanctification is the process of God making you become more like Christ. It is in the community of marriage that you're healed from your sin. The number one thing you can do in your marriage is pray together every day. Jesus is the ultimate lover of your soul. Only as you rest in God's love will you be able to give and receive love. Until you rest in His love, nobody else's love will ever be enough. Join Pastor Phil as he shares lessons from the Song of Solomon on how to guard against the patterns of conflict caused by insecurity, fear, and anxiety.

Clayton King joins us as we are back in the Living Your Love Story series. Song of Solomon 7 and 8 detail how Solomon and his bride stayed in love for the course of their marriage. Falling in love is just the beginning. Walking in love for a lifetime is the real treasure. How do you walk in love and keep the fire alive in your marriage? 1.) Stoke the flames. 2.) Keep flirting. 3.) Find the time for fun. Join Clayton King as he shares practical tips for how to walk in love and keep the fire in your marriage! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #SongofSolomon #Marriage

The A-Life means giving our treasures to God. You can't live life abundantly if you're not learning to live generously. Jesus talked about money more than any other subject. He said that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. He knew about the idolatry of money that has gripped people across human history. The problem is not with having money, it's with your money having control over you! Worldly treasure is temporal, but heavenly treasure is eternal. The eternal souls of men and women are heaven's treasure. People are what heaven treasures. The way you break free from idolatry and captivity to money is by giving generously to kingdom priorities. How do you lay up treasure in heaven? By investing your energy, opportunities, abilities, and money for the things that last eternally. When you begin to treasure what God treasures, you are laying up treasure in heaven. You can't take your money with you, but you can send it on ahead. When you live generously and give your money for kingdom priorities, you turn your dollars into destinies. Your treasure doesn't follow your heart. Your heart follows your treasure. You naturally begin to love what you give to. You begin to value that which you serve. 4 principles for giving and living generously: 1.) God should get our first and best. 2.) God gets our first because He is the owner of all that we have. 3.) Giving our first and best demands faith. It should feel risky. 4.) When we bring God our first and best, He will take care of the rest. Jesus will one day reward us not for what we had, but for what we gave. When we choose to give our treasures to God and live generously, our hearts will eventually follow. ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John10:10 #Livegenerously

Do you believe that everyone matters to God? When you believe something, it impacts the way you live. We say what we think, but we do what we believe. The abundant life is a life of service and compassion. It's a life that says nothing else matters until people know that they matter to God. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the teacher of the law was wrestling with the question, “Who do I have to love in order to do enough to satisfy the commandment to love my neighbor?” Both the priest and the Levite in the story were fully aware of the man's needs, but they had a depraved indifference. We see two types of hearts in the parable of the Good Samaritan: 1.) A closed heart. The priest and the Levite had closed hearts toward the need of the injured Jew. They moved away from him when he was in desperate need of compassion. If your faith causes you to move away from people in need, then you have a worthless faith. What's in your heart that is keeping you from missing God's heart for people? Are you putting things in your heart that are going to help you move toward God's heart? If you want clean hands before God, then get your hands dirty by loving people and stepping into the mess of their lives. 2.) An open heart. Heroes are made because they are moved with compassion and service. Compassion is not so much a feeling as it is a choice. The Good Samaritan understood that everyone matters to God. He saw a need, met the need, and made a difference. His compassion had more power than his prejudices. Compassion is love in action. Our job is to extend it to a watching world. Jesus became the greatest neighbor to the world. He became the Great Samaritan, and it cost Him His life. He calls us now to care for all those who are neglected and in need. ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John10:10 #GoodSamaritan

The abundant life is a life lived with eternal values. Jesus taught we need to value the spiritual more than the physical, and the eternal more than the temporal. He cautioned us to take heed and beware of greed. Covetousness is the enemy of contentment. It's the lust for more no matter how much you have. Your jealousy shows your idolatry. You're jealous of another and covetous of what they have because they have more of your idol than you do of your idol. You cannot value what God values and give Him your full attention while you are consumed by the distractions of our culture. You can be full of all the world's success and stuff temporarily and forever bankrupt eternally. Contentment is being satisfied with what God has given you, and godliness with contentment is great gain. What does it mean to be “rich” toward God? To be truly rich means to treasure the eternal—the Word of God, the souls of men, and God's eternal kingdom. To live a life of eternal value you must live for things that last forever! Living abundantly means living for the things that last eternally. Take inventory of your heart to find things that you idolize. Your idols will never serve you, but you will forever serve them. The rewards of heaven are greater than the rewards and recognition of this world. Join Pastor Phil as he teaches on how godliness with contentment is great gain! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John10:10 #Godliness

The A-Life is a life of continuous discipleship. A disciple is anyone learning to follow Jesus. As you follow Jesus, you grow to become more like Him. You can't live abundantly if you're not taking your next steps as a disciple. The purpose of the Church and all believers is to be disciples who make disciples. It's called the Great Commission. Discipleship in the Great Commission involves two things: Reaching: Sharing the gospel through evangelism. Teaching: Helping people learn to follow Jesus through discipleship. We're all called to reach people before we can teach people. You cannot fulfill the Great Commission if you're not serious about reaching and teaching. The nature of discipleship is giving away what you have already received. Discipleship is not about knowledge. It's about obedience. You teach what you know, but discipleship is not the transfer of knowledge, it's the transfer of maturity. The mark of a mature disciple is a life lived for the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. When you love God, you love what He values. God will use any church and any person to reach the world that is greatly committed to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. You know the will of God for your life through God's Word which is written for you. Discipleship is learning to say “yes” to the Good Shepherd. You grow to spiritual maturity as a disciple when you learn to value what God values. Ready to grow as a disciple? Join Pastor Phil as he continues our series on the A-Life Discipleship Journey. Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:  / abundantlifels Instagram:  / abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John10:10 #Discipleship

The abundant life isn't found in our work for God. It's found through God's work in us. Before God can work through us, He must work in us. The abundant life is a life of eternal value with supernatural power, freedom, victory, and liberty. In John 10, Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. He guides us in how to live an abundant life, fully surrendered to Him. When Jesus talked about an abundant life, He was not talking about material prosperity or promising an easy life. Following Jesus can be very costly, but He is the only place where we find true freedom and satisfaction. The abundant life is the resurrected life! The power of resurrection only comes by way of a crucifixion. The abundant life is not found through commitment but through consecration. Consecration is more than commitment; it's about a crucifixion. You are consecrated to whatever you're willing to die for. Are you consecrated to the Good Shepherd? The abundant life is the obedient life. Following Jesus means trusting the Good Shepherd enough to do whatever He says to do. Through Jesus, you can have more than an average life. You can have an abundant life! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Learn more about the A-Life Discipleship Journey: https://alife.livingproof.co/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #John1010 #GoodShepherd

Pastor Bruce Frank from Biltmore Church joins us on Live Sent Sunday to answer the question, “What does the Bible say about boldness?” He challenges us to share the gospel with boldness following the example of the early church. We usually think of the church as a place, but the Book of Acts shows that the church is a movement designed for a mission. The early church was built on a conviction that Jesus died and rose again for our sins and had sent His followers to proclaim the good news of the gospel. The danger of the church at any time is to go from a missional movement into maintenance mode. If you're part of a movement, you're moving, not standing still! The message of the gospel has not changed in the over 2,000 years since Jesus died and rose again, and neither has the manner in which we communicate the gospel. The single term that best describes the manner in which God wants His gospel given is boldness, which is defined as “clear communication in the face of potential opposition. Acts 4:23-31 details the boldness with which the apostles declared the gospel. In the face of great opposition, they continued testifying about who Jesus is and what He had done for all sinners. Pastor Bruce gives 3 lessons we can draw from the example of the apostles' boldness: 1.) Rest in the sovereignty of God. 2.) Share in the story of God. 3.) Be filled with the Spirit of God. God is always working around you, drawing people to Himself. He creates interest, convicts, convinces, and invites us into the story. He invites us to be fully dependent on Him and wants to use us to boldly declare the truth of His gospel! Join Pastor Bruce Frank as he shares what the Bible says about boldness and how we can live boldly! Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #Gospel #Boldness

Men and women are equal, but we are not the same. In marriage, she needs to learn his needs, and he needs to learn her needs. Meeting each other's needs emotionally is essential to marital intimacy. Failing to recognize your spouse's emotional needs is often the source of marital pain. Solomon recognized the Shulamite's beauty and told her that she was the most special woman to him. Every woman longs to feel beautiful and special. It's the most important emotional need that she looks to her husband to fulfill. A woman will fall in love and stay in love with a man who makes her feel beautiful. She longs to feel beautiful, special, cherished, and treasured. The Shulamite told Solomon he was strong and powerful. Every man longs to feel significant and receive their wife's admiration. God created men with strength and for strength. A man will fall in love and stay in love with a woman who makes him feel strong. The way to keep love alive in a marriage is to make emotional deposits in each other's lives. How a husband can meet his wife's emotional needs: 1.) Love her unconditionally. 2.) Compliment her openly. 3.) Cover her affectionately. 4.) Create special memories. How a wife can meet her husband's emotional needs: 1.) Respect him unconditionally. 2.) Encourage his conquering energy. 3.) Affirm his strengths verbally. 4.) Respond to him sexually. Men, we are the thermostats of our marriages, our wives are the thermometers! The question is not, “Will your marriage work?” it's, “Will you work your marriage?” Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares practical handles on how to meet your spouse's emotional needs in marriage.

In Song of Solomon chapter 2, Solomon and the Shulamite are moving past the fleeting feelings of infatuation and fall in love. Their story teaches us what biblical dating looks like. The Bible doesn't say much about dating, but it says a lot about people and wisdom. Who you marry is the greatest decision outside of your relationship with Christ. Your spouse will make you or break you. Song of Solomon gives us principles for biblical dating so that you can have a love story that honors God. Three questions to ask yourself to date in a way that honors God: 1.) Am I ready to marry? This is a really important question. If you want to have a love story for God's glory, you have to make sure you are prepared for marriage before you ever start. 2.) What's my plan? Dating is for observation and edification. Are you headed in the same direction socially, vocationally, and theologically? Compatibility has much more to do with whether you like spending time with that person than if you're sexually compatible. 3.) Are you and your significant other catching foxes? A fox is a threat to the success of your relationship. They can wreak havoc on the vineyard of your relationship. Foxes can be… Confusion Isolation Denial Sexual sin God wants you to have an amazing love story that is lived to His glory! He wants whatever is best for you. Join Pastor Chad Glover as he shares lessons about biblical dating from Song of Solomon. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #SongofSolomon #Biblicaldating

Everything about marriage, including the sexual relationship, pictures some aspects of our relationship with Christ. The Bible describes Christ as the Bridegroom, and we, the Church, are the bride of Christ. Song of Solomon shows us how to be patient in a relationship to receive God's best and not awaken love before it's time. Song of Solomon 2 shows how Solomon and the Shulamite chose patience over passion in their dating relationship. They decided it was better to be patient in a relationship and reaped the benefits of this God-honoring decision. Any sexual activity outside of a marriage between a man and a woman is a sin. God commands sex only within marriage because it goes much deeper than merely the physical—it touches the soul of the individual. Dysfunction in marriage is often related to disobedience while dating. God created sex as a way of finding intimacy on the soul level with another human being. Sexual intercourse is more than the joining together of two bodies—it's the joining together of two souls. Sex outside of marriage can be full of intensity, but that is not the same as intimacy! We are created for intimacy, and learning how to be patient in a relationship allows us to build intimacy rather than being controlled by feelings. How to be patient in a relationship to receive God's best and not settle for less: 1.) Repent of any sin in your life. 2.) Surrender your sexuality to God. 3.) Put “guardrails” in your life to protect you from temptation. 4.) If you are in a romantic relationship, limit physical affection. God is not trying to keep something from you—He wants to give you something better. Join Pastor Phil as he unpacks these principles for how to be patient in a relationship. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #SongofSolomon #Dating

The phrase “gift of singleness” is heard commonly throughout churches. But is singleness really a gift? What should Christian singles do while waiting and wanting to get married? Five things Christian singles should do with the gift of singleness: 1.) Grow in character qualities that are godly. Real beauty is in character qualities like integrity, fidelity, purity, and serving others selflessly. Godly character is forged from our contentment in Christ! Contentment is Christ is the building block of any successful relationship, and the gift of singleness allows people to pursue and practice it. 2.) Take care of your appearance outwardly. It's true that God looks on the heart, but man looks on the outer appearance. You have a responsibility to take care of both! 3.) Prepare for your future financially. If you want to get married, you need to plan how you'll provide materially for your family. 4.) Pursue marriage with integrity. While dating, you establish patterns that will either lead to dysfunction in your marriage or increase joy and intimacy. 5.) Put on a heart of humility. Apart from humility, you're not ready to marry. People who lack humble hearts always have hard heads. Hardheaded people always have unhappy marriages. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how the Song of Solomon teaches Christians to use the gift of singleness. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #SongofSolomon #Singleness

Historically, the Song of Solomon is a love song composed by Solomon to tell the story of the love between him and his gentile bride. Theologically, the book is a picture of the love relationship between Christ and his gentile bride, the Church. The first chapter is an example of how Solomon defines the relationship between him and his bride. The book is known as the “song of songs” because Solomon believes it's the greatest love song ever written. The song tells the story of this couple's love and how it developed step by step from the moment they met. Within the song, we find the story of Christ's love for His bride and how He defines the relationship with us. Solomon represents Jesus. Both Solomon and Jesus are said to be “Shepherd Kings.” Solomon's Shulamite bride represents us. The Church is the bride of Christ! Solomon is a picture of our Jewish bridegroom, while the Shulamite represents the Church—the gentile bride of Christ. The book uses several word pictures to illustrate God's design for sex and sexuality: Vineyard The Shulamite woman admitted to not guarding her own “vineyard,” meaning she had not kept her sexual purity. Sun-darkened skin The Shulamite carried the stigma of her sin on her skin, which was darkened from her work in the sun. As a picture of Christ, Solomon redeemed his bride from her sin, her shame, and her pain. In Christ, we are cleansed completely of our sins. It's time to define the relationship! Jesus isn't looking for a casual “dating” relationship—He's looking for a bride! As the Bridegroom, Jesus has said “I DO” to you. It's time for you to say “I DO” too! Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/ Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #SongofSolomon #Definetherelationship

God has a plan for your life, and Satan does too! Satan wants to give you death and destruction. Jesus wants to give you life and salvation. The word “abundantly” comes from the Greek “permission,” which means “exceedingly, very highly, beyond measure, more, superfluous, a quantity so great as to be considerably more than what one would expect or anticipate.” What the abundant life is NOT: It's not the prosperity theology. It's not easy. What the abundant life IS: A life of eternal value. A life lived with supernatural power, purpose, meaning, and mission. Through Jesus, you can have more than an average life. You can have an abundant life! He is the doorway to eternal and abundant life. Your life will be the summation of your decisions and the doors you decide to walk through. The Jesus way is the only way to an abundant life. He is the only gate and the only way because He alone died for our sins and rose again. Jesus is worth following because He gave His life so we could live. The abundant life is the obedient life. Obedience comes with a cost. It demands a cross, but it leads to life. If you do whatever Jesus says to do, you will live! Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how to live the abundant life that Jesus offers as we kick off 2025! Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/ Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Jesus #Mission #Life Poll Question: How are you living an abundant life right now?

Hope in Jesus Beyond Bethlehem Description Hope is a confident expectation of what God has promised in the future. Three things to do to carry hope beyond Bethlehem: 1.) We need to trust God. You will often lose hope when you place your trust in what you see rather than what God has said. 2.) We need to obey. Just as Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt, Jesus' mission was to redeem humanity from sin. 3.) We need to be faithful and patient. We must be faithful to what God has called us to do and patient to wait for Him to fulfill His promises. As we look to a new year, we can confidently expect God to fulfill His promises to us. Our hope is found in Him! Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Christmas #Jesus #Hope

God gave the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. We celebrate receiving that gift at Christmas! Our world is cursed by sin and full of sadness and suffering. But Jesus came to bring hope, comfort, and peace. Jesus was God with us who came to save us! Mary is remembered for the virgin birth. She teaches us that no matter how religious or righteous we might be, EVERYONE needs a Savior! The Bible never tells us that Mary was sinless. She was still a sinner in need of a Savior, even though she was the mother of the sinless Son of God. Lessons we can learn from Mary: • Mary confessed she needed a Savior. • Mary confessed she was a sinner. Why must God's promised Savior be born of a virgin? By bypassing man's seed, God was bypassing man's sin so that Jesus was born sinless. Jesus was fully human, so He could bleed and die for our sins, but He was also fully God, so His sacrifice completely atoned for all our sins. The gift of Christmas is really more about the cross than it is about the cradle. Jesus was born to die. It was on the cross that Jesus became our sin offering. The world is full of suffering, sin, sadness, and destruction because the wages of sin are death. But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The nature of any gift is that it is freely given. Have you received the gift of eternal life? Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares where the gift of Christmas is truly found. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Christmas #Jesus #DavidandBathsheba

The women in Jesus' genealogy represent specific stories. Matthew's account of this genealogy is like a family history for the Hebrews. The story of David and Bathsheba is one of the darkest and saddest stories in the Bible. King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, she conceived, and David murdered her husband Uriah to cover up his sin. Satan was at work before Bethlehem to stop the promised Seed of Genesis 3:15! From the moment God promised the “seed of the woman” would one day bruise the head of the serpent, Satan had been trying to stop the “Seed” before He could even be born. In the Davidic Covenant, God had promised King David that one day, one of his “seed” would establish his kingdom and his throne forever. Twelve generations after King David, King Jeconiah was so wicked that God cursed him, promising none of his sons would ever sit on David's throne. Because God cursed Jeconiah's line, (Jesus' legal lineage) David and Bathsheba were both direct ancestors of both Mary and Joseph! Joseph through David's son Solomon and Mary through David's son Nathan. Because Jesus was virgin born, He was not David's seed through His earthly father, but rather His mother! Why doesn't Matthew mention Bathsheba by name in the genealogy of Jesus? In Christ, God no longer sees our sins and will one day give us a brand-new name! Bathsheba's name isn't written because God has given her a new name. God has a new name for you if you will repent of your sin and turn to Him. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how David and Bathsheba's story gives us the hope of a new name. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:    / abundantlifels   Instagram:    / abundantlifels   ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook:    / philhopperkc   Instagram:    / philhopper_kc   Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Christmas #Jesus #DavidandBathsheba

The story of Christmas is found in the stories of five women in the genealogy of Jesus. The story of Ruth is the story of God's redemptive love. Ruth was a Moabite, a people born out of incest. The Moabites hated God, and their sin was so great that God forbade any Moabite to ever enter the assembly of Israel for ten generations. Ruth, who is a picture of us, would be redeemed by Boaz—a picture of Jesus! To be legally married, Ruth would have to be married to a “kinsman redeemer”—a close relative of her deceased husband. The law of the “kinsman redeemer” is found in Leviticus 25. It was a provision to redeem family land and a deceased man's wife. There was a closer kinsman than Boaz who was legally first in line to redeem Ruth. He could not redeem Ruth because he is a picture of the Law. The Law can only reveal our sin. It cannot redeem us from our sin. The Law was not given to redeem us, but rather to teach us of our need to be redeemed! Boaz became Ruth's “kinsman redeemer,” like Jesus is to us! As our “kinsman redeemer,” Jesus, who was God, came as one of us—a Man! Like Boaz, Jesus paid the price to redeem the family land (earth), and He redeemed us to be His bride. Ruth's name means friend because now God not only calls us family, He calls us friend. Because of Boaz, Ruth would be in the genealogy of Jesus! Ruth would give birth to a son named Obed, whose name means worship. He would be the grandfather of King David and a direct ancestor of the Lord Jesus. When you really get to know your Boaz, it always gives birth to Obed—worship! Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how Ruth's story foreshadows Christ's role as our kinsman redeemer. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Christmas #Jesus #Redeemer

The story of Christmas is found in five women in Jesus' genealogy. Their stories are the stories of us all. The second woman mentioned in Jesus' genealogy is Rahab. She was a pagan Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. When the Israelite spies came to spy out the land, she risked her life by hiding them in her house. Because of her faith in God, she was saved when the Israelites conquered Jericho. Rahab put her faith in the true and living God and received life and salvation instead of death and destruction! She was saved by the grace of God through her faith in God, symbolized by the scarlet cord. Regardless of what time you live, God always brings salvation in the same way: by grace alone through faith alone. God reached down from heaven and saved us with a “scarlet thread”—the blood of Jesus. In Christ, God threw us a scarlet-colored “rope” to pull us to safety and redeem us from sin's penalty! Our purpose now is to carry that “scarlet cord” of victory to those who are perishing! As those who have been rescued by the “scarlet cord” from heaven, we are to take that “scarlet cord” from heaven and help rescue others. You never know what God is going to do through you when you extend the scarlet cord of hope and victory to others. You might not see it until years down the road, but you can witness with confidence that God is going to work through you if you are obedient! Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how Rahab and the scarlet cord point to Jesus' saving work in our lives. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Christmas #Jesus #Rahab

How do you discern the call of God on your life? The story of Jonah teaches us a lot about God's call on our lives. Jonah was called by God to be a messenger of the truth and a messenger of peace! That is what missionaries are called to do—to carry God's truth as messengers of peace. God's call on our lives is twofold—it's the call to “come” and the call to “go.” 1.) God calls you to come. God calls you to come to Christ through salvation. He offers you a personal invitation to join His family. But once you come God calls you to go! 2.) God calls you to go. The call to go is seen throughout Scripture and is given to all of God's people! Our churches are full of people who have answered the call to come but will not answer the call to go. When you run from the call of God, you remove yourself from the presence of God. How do you know where God wants you to go and what He wants you to do? Say yes to God's direction. Surrender yourself, and you won't be controlled by fear. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares lessons on obeying the call of God from the life of Jonah. • Join our mission by sponsoring a child in Tanzania today through Compassion International! https://livingproof.co/get-involved/o... Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Livesent #Gospel #CallofGod

In the Bible, the disciple Thomas earned the title “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted that Jesus appeared to the disciples. But after he saw Jesus, Doubting Thomas went from skeptical to fully surrendered. Are you living like Thomas? 1.) Thomas lived skeptical. What questions have you brought in regard to your relationship with God? Jesus invited Doubting Thomas to examine His wounds and confirm that it was really Jesus in the room. 2.) Thomas lived surrendered. Doubting Thomas surrendered his questions and chose to place His faith in Jesus. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? 3.) Thomas lived sent. Thomas knew that Jesus is the only way of salvation. He decided to take the gospel to the furthest point of the known earth at his time. Will you live sent and take the gospel to the nations? Thomas had a deep sense of commitment to Christ. He determined to follow Him whatever the cost and he had a heart burden for unbelievers. He went from doubting to giving his life for the gospel. Join Pastor Chad Glover as he shares what we can learn from Doubting Thomas and how we can live sent to the nations locally and globally. • Join our mission by sponsoring a child in Tanzania today through Compassion International! https://livingproof.co/get-involved/o... Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Livesent #Gospel #Evangelism

Pastor J. Mark Johns from Canvas Church joins us to talk about living sent both locally and globally. One way we can do this is by sponsoring children to release them from poverty in Jesus' name. We have no idea the ripple effect our obedience and faith can have. Pastor Mark reminds us that everything in this world has some sort of ripple effect. This means that what we do matters, and our choices today can impact the future for us and others. Join us for Live Sent weekend as we talk about the ripple effect that is set in motion by our actions! Through our partnership with Compassion International, we're setting an ambitious goal: to sponsor 1,200 children in Tanzania and build a church plant and community resource center to serve families in the area. With your support, we can be living proof of a loving God to this part of the world by providing practical help where it's needed most. • Join our mission by sponsoring a child in Tanzania today through Compassion International! https://livingproof.co/get-involved/o... Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ #AbundantLife #Sermon #Livesent #Gospel #Evangelism

Pastor Phil closes out the Hope for Us series by pointing out that our liberties and rights as Christians ultimately don't come from the government. They come from God.   What is the role of government in society? How one views the role of government in society is a biblical issue. The biblical worldview of America's Founding Fathers was that God, not government, is the giver of our fundamental rights.  Our Founding Fathers' biblical understanding caused them to set up a system limiting government authority that would maximize personal liberty. The role of government is maximized in a society where the role of God is minimized.   3 things to remember as we anticipate the upcoming election:   Remember, voting is a Kingdom issue, not a political issue.  Pray for our nation and elected leaders.   Remember, HOPE FOR US is in Jesus.  Why should Christians be involved in the institutions that shape American civilization? Because godly people have the power to bring godly outcomes.  Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he closes out our Hope for Us by discussing what is the role of government in society. 

God has charged every generation with the responsibility of passing on the faith to the next generation. We are where we are as a nation because the last four generations have failed to do so. God has given parents the primary responsibility for the practical education and spiritual preparation of their children. The heart is the most important part of the human being, and God knows a child's heart is developed in the home. What do we need to teach our children as a part of their spiritual preparation? You can teach what you know but you reproduce who you are. Teach your children who they are by teaching them whose they are. Those who know who they are can't be easily manipulated, intimidated, confused, or controlled. We have forgotten who we are because we have forgotten who God is. You can't know who you are if you don't know who God is. If we don't educate our children, the world will indoctrinate our children! Regardless of whether you choose to homeschool, you must home-educate, because spiritual preparation starts in a home. Make your house God's house, and you will pass the faith on to your children and grandchildren. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:  / abundantlifels Instagram:  / abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #Studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #Spiritualpreparation

What is the purpose of law in human society? God instituted civil authority for the peace and prosperity of society, apart from which there would be anarchy. God's primary purpose for human government is to protect its citizens from violent offenders. The purpose of law is to maintain order and peace in society. Religion shapes culture, and culture shapes laws. A nation's legislation always reflects its civilization's worldview and religion. Three things to remember during this election season: 1). Pray for our nation and elected leaders. 2). Voting is a Kingdom issue, not a political issue. 3). Hope for us is in Jesus. God alone has the power to save our nation. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he answers the question, “What is the purpose of the law?” Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook:  / abundantlifels Instagram:  / abundantlifels Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #Studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #thepurposeoflaw

Every society needs a higher moral authority, or it falls into moral anarchy. Moral destruction leads to the collapse of civilization. Apart from internal morality that comes from a higher authority, humans abuse their personal liberty, turning it into self-idolatry leading to the collapse of society (Romans 1:21-28). When a society embraces moral anarchy, God judges that culture by allowing collapse from within or calamity from without. As Christians, our posture must be both conviction and compassion. Abraham stood in the gap, petitioning God to save Sodom. Abraham never cheered for the destruction of Sodom. He prayed for the salvation of Sodom. (See Genesis 18:22-33) God extends His hand of grace instead of judgment when His redeemed people stand in prayer on behalf of their nation. Let's pray for God's grace even though our nation's sins are worthy of God's judgment. Join Pastor Phil as he shares biblical principles of morality and how they impact our society today.

Romans 1 reveals how the truth sets us free from the lies of the culture and the captivity of our feelings.   As Christians, our allegiance must be to the Kingdom of God and the multi-ethnic family of God. Faith in God is the reason for our salvation, and people with faith in God can never be controlled by another.   Religion shapes culture and culture shapes laws. What happens when a civilization abandons faith in God?  Truth suppression.  Lies take us into captivity. It's the truth that sets us free. Right thinking leads to right feelings, only if you turn to the truth.   2. God's demotion.  Many Christians have been more influenced by the culture around them than Christ in them. We have created a false “god” to become like us, forgetting God made us to become like Him!   3. Man's promotion.  God's demotion leads to man's deification. God has been dethroned so man can sit on God's throne. Humans have created a “god” in their image forgetting it's God who created us in His image.  4. Moral destruction.  Self-idolatry leads to moral anarchy. When everyone becomes their own deity, society no longer has any absolutes morally.  The truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth. But the truth sets us free from the lies of the enemy. Will you accept the truth, or will you suppress it?  Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares how the truth sets us free.  Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith!  Connect with us on Social Media ↴  Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/abundantlifels/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/abundantlifels  Connect with Pastor Phil ↴   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilHopperKC  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philhopper_kc/  Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/  Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/  More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/  Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/  Download Sermon Notes #AbundantLife  #Sermon  #Thetruthsetsusfree 

Hebrews 13:1 gives practical next steps for believers to take so that they can become more like Jesus. 1.) Next steps at home: a. Love more (v. 1) • Host people (v. 2) • Help people (v. 3) • Honor marriage (v. 4) The Gospel should impact the most intimate places in your home. b. Live content (v. 5) • You have God's presence (v. 5b) • You have God's help (v. 6) 2.) Next steps at church: a. Learn the Gospel (vs. 7-14) b. Offer a sacrifice of praise (v. 15) c. Do good and share (v. 16) d. Offer your submission (v. 17) e. Pray for your pastors (v. 18) 3.) Next steps in faith. a. Read God's Word and be encouraged (v. 22) b. Remember the New Covenant and live in freedom (v. 25) Everyone has a next step in their faith. What next step is God calling you to take? Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #Studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #Nextsteps

Jesus is the only way to God. No one can come to the Father except through Him. In Hebrews 12, the author invites his audience to choose Jesus and the freedom and grace offered under the New Covenant. There is a better way for us to come to God. Hebrews 12:18-29 contrasts the old way with the better way… 1.) The old way. We all fall short of God's glory. No one can reach His standard in their own strength. The Israelites sought peace with God through sacrifices, but they didn't need to do that anymore. Jesus is the only way to have peace with God. 2.) The better way. Jesus is the better way to come to God's presence. The author contrasts the symbolism of Mount Sinai with Mount Zion. Sinai represented condemnation and separation, but Zion represented forgiveness and grace. 3.) How do you choose the better way? You need to receive God's gift of grace and eternal life. We cannot earn our way into God's kingdom; God has to come to us. Join Pastor Chad Glover as he reminds us that Jesus is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #Studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #Jesusistheonlyway

The author of the Book of Hebrews encourages his audience to run with endurance like the cloud of witnesses before us. Jesus will chasten us to help us lighten our load so we can run with endurance. If you want to lighten your load, you need to do 3 things: 1.) Change your perspective. Christ's working in your life will bring about refinement and renewal as you look to Jesus. 2.) Pursue peace and holiness. You're called to pursue peace and holiness with everyone. This is how you live set apart from the world. 3.) Reevaluate your appetite. Don't miss who Jesus is by allowing bitterness to grow in your heart. Join Pastor Toshaun Avery as he shares how the chastening of God helps us lighten our load to run with endurance. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #Studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #Lightenyourload

Jesus will chasten you until you lay down that weight or sin you refuse to lay down. His chastening is not because He's against you but rather because He's for you. He wants you to run your “faith race” with endurance. The chastening of the Lord is not the same as punishment. It's a word that means discipline and correction. As God's children, Jesus took all our punishment for all our sins. As a born-again child of God, He doesn't punish you for sin but rather disciplines you for it. The evidence you are truly God's child is that He convicts you and corrects you for sin. But conviction is different than guilt. Guilt, condemnation, and shame are from the Devil. Conviction and chastening are from God. How should we respond to the chastening of the Lord? 1.) With humility and submission. 2.) By trusting God loves me and is for me. In times of chastening, God wants to empty us of ourselves and fill us up with Him. The pain is for our gain! The abundant life is the obedient life. The Lord's chastening is painful, but it leads to a life that is peaceful. Join Pastor Phil Hopper as he shares what Hebrews 12 tells us about the chastening of the Lord. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #ChasteningoftheLord

Faith is seeing the invisible, but not the nonexistent. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls believers to run the faith race with endurance. We can be encouraged as we run because we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. How to run the race with endurance: 1.) Run with faith. Like others before us have run their race of faith, this is our time to run our race of faith. 2.) Run with fortitude. It's the extra weight you carry that wears you down, and it's the sin you carry that holds you down. If you want to run with endurance, you must choose what you carry wisely. 3.) Run with focus. Your focus will determine your future. You must run with a focus on the finish—looking unto Jesus! To run the race with endurance, you need to be spiritually healthy, surrounded by community, and filled with God's Word. As you run your race, don't focus on the pain; focus on the prize. Don't forget to click the “bell” to SUBSCRIBE to get more videos like this to grow your faith! ● Connect with us on Social Media ↴ Facebook: / abundantlifels Instagram: / abundantlifels ● Connect with Pastor Phil ↴ Facebook: / philhopperkc Instagram: / philhopper_kc Web: https://livingproof.co/resources/books/ ● Be a part of the Great Commission: https://livingproof.co/irresistible/ More information on our sermons: https://livingproof.co/sermons/ Do you want to see your life changed by Jesus? Visit our website: https://livingproof.co/ Do you want to go deeper in your study of the book of Hebrews? Get our FREE Book of Hebrews Study Guide—a comprehensive video series with weekly questions to see and know Jesus better. #AbundantLife #Sermon #studyofhebrews #Jesusisbetterthan #runwithendurance