05/25/2026
Abundant Life can stand strong alongside churches that refuse to bow to anything or anyone other than the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. Or we can slowly drift in another direction and become a consumer church, competing with others and focusing more on pleasing people than honoring God.
But this is not just about leadership, programs, or creating a Sunday experience. It is up to all of us to stand together in unity, conviction, and surrender to Christ.
The church was never called to compete for attention, entertain preferences, or simply satisfy people’s expectations. We are called to be a people fully submitted to Jesus, faithful to His Word, led by His Spirit, and committed to His mission. If we are going to remain strong, we must keep Christ at the center of everything.
The New Testament calls us to ask deeper and more meaningful questions: Are we hearing messages that challenge us to live a surrendered life under the Lordship of Jesus? Are believers carrying one another’s burdens? Is the gospel being faithfully proclaimed? Is the Holy Spirit being given room to move freely, or has time become the greatest priority in our services? Is the church actively engaged in missions and outreach? These are marks of a healthy, biblical church.
Consumerism teaches people to believe the church exists for them. The Kingdom of God teaches something entirely different: we exist for Christ. Church is not primarily about what we can get, but who we are becoming as we follow Jesus together in surrender, service, unity, and obedience. If Abundant Life is going to remain strong and fulfill our original purpose of coming into existence almost 100 years ago, it will take all of us standing together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and keeping Him at the center of everything.