John 10:10: Life More Abundantly

A good friend of mine on Facebook invited me to join a forum called Jehovah's Witnesses & Biblical Discussion Group. In an attempt to develop my skills as a Christian apologist, I accepted her invitation. After following for a few days and adding my two cents here and there; I came to the conclusion that Rush Limbaugh needs to hire JW’s to be his Spin Masters. I was amazed at how good they were at twisting and spinning scripture by telling me what it really means in Greek and Hebrew. If we are to listen to the JW’s, one would wonder why the Bible was printed in English at all, since it does not mean, what it clearly says.

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am learning that we can discuss, argue, and debate over the meaning of a particular scripture until cows fly. If the folks I am reasoning with do not have an open mind, I am chasing after the wind. They will not be convinced.

Begging the question; How can we know if a doctrine is true?

Application is king. The real test of doctrine is how it shapes us as a person. Does it mold us into the image of Christ and give us life more abundantly? Or does it steal, kill, and destroy? I have discovered that bad doctrine manifests itself in us by making us legalistic, judgmental and self righteous. It steals the joy of living and creates a system of do’s and don’t. Bad Doctrine Forces us to depend on our own ability to earn salvation. “You must be good enough” is its mantra and it becomes the poison that destroys our souls

I went to my quiet place, and I scrunched up my nose.

I pondered and thunk, my eyes I did close.

I prayed and I listened and the answer came clear

If you wish to test doctrine,to Jesus draw near.

John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Sound doctrine that is rooted in Christ Jesus brings life. It starts with repentance, based on the fear of God and ends with new life in abundance; based on the love of God which casts of fear (1 John 4:18). It introduces us to God, the life giver. It leads us to an intimate and personal relationship with Him. Sound doctrine brings us His Grace, that is, God’s empowering presence in our life to over come our sin.

Romans 1:16 (KJV) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Grace is the power of God unto salvation. Grace is God himself aiding us to overcome our sin. I have come to understand that He loves me the way that I am, but He loves me to much to leave me this way. He enables me to change and empowers me to serve him.

Each of us need to take a look at the doctrines we believe. Are they producing in us life, Are they changing us into the image of Christ? Are we free to serve God? Do we have a personal and intimate relationship God? Do we daily identify with Paul’s desire to “win Christ” A desire that sprangs up not by the prodding of men and laws, but out his love for God?

Philippians 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

If you are imprisoned by your faith, controlled and forced to look to man for an assurance of salvation, my friend your doctrines are not of Christ and is absent the power of God unto salvation.

When dealing with any non Christian-cult don’t get side tracked by fancy footwork and dazzling displays of Greek Spin Dancing. Rest your faith solidly on His Word. You can trust that our English translation mean what they say and have been properly translated. Let the Word of God change you, convict you, and give you new life. After all, Jesus is God’s Word.

John 1:1 (KJV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In Christ

ABR