__THE WORLD'S MESSAGE VS. JESUS' CALL:__
- The world encourages material accumulation and personal success for happiness, but this stands in contrast with Jesus' call to follow Him for abundant life.
- Material success is fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the light of eternity, and while happiness is ambiguous, abundance as promised by Jesus is desirable and everlasting.
__THE CONCEPT OF ABUNDANCE:__
- The Old Testament presents abundance in material terms, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:11 and Psalm 31:19, with the caveat that it required faithfulness to God.
- Despite this, human nature led to repeated loss of abundance due to disobedience.
__JESUS' REDEFINITION OF ABUNDANCE:__
- With Jesus, abundance is redefined from material wealth to a focus on a relationship with Him.
- Matthew 6:33 highlights that by seeking God's kingdom first, material needs are met, allowing a life of true satisfaction in Christ.
__BARRIERS TO ABUNDANT LIFE:__
- Human self-centeredness can make us lose sight of the fact that life is about Jesus, not ourselves.
- Lack of personal engagement with God and relying on second-hand religious experiences prevent a deeper understanding and maturation in faith.
- Half-hearted commitment to Jesus, seeking Him for absolution without full submission, limits the experience of abundance.
__THE ESSENCE OF TRUE ABUNDANCE:__
- True abundance is found in Jesus Himself, not in money, success, or possessions.
- Prioritizing Christ above all brings a 'Kingdom shine' to life, and it is accessible to anyone willing to say "yes" to Jesus as both savior and Lord.
- Jesus' call to abundant life is an invitation to a satisfying, joyful, safe, and eternal life, beginning in the present.
__On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions:__
- I'm financially tight with only $2,000 cash; is it a good idea to buy a car now, used or new, since sharing one car is challenging?
- I own a home and my girlfriend does too; if we get married, is it wise to use my dividend income to pay off her house and rent it out?
- I have enough savings to pay off my mortgage; should I pay it off and then use a line of credit for future needs?
- Given my husband is 68 and receiving minimal Social Security, and I have 10 years to work, should we use our savings to pay off our mortgage, considering we have no other debt?
- If I sell my ocean-near apartment, should I buy a condo or rent considering the current high-interest rates, and what should I do with the mortgage as I approach retirement?
- How should I best plan for retirement considering our assets, the potential of selling our apartment, and the idea of being debt-free at retirement?
__RESOURCES MENTIONED:__
- [Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor](https://www.faithfi.com/find)
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the [Moody Radio Network](https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/) as well as [American Family Radio](https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/). Visit our website at [FaithFi.com](https://www.faithfi.com/)where you can join the FaithFi Community, [and give](https://faithfi.netviewshop.com/donate2) as we expand our outreach.

FaithFi

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  But he wasn’t talking about money.

Living the Abundant Life

FaithFi | Nov 7, 2023

Show Notes

Where Faith Meets Finance

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