Chosen for an Abundant Life
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that Christians are "chosen" by God, not by chance, but with a purpose. The speaker, Rebekka Særsland, shares personal experiences and Bible verses to show that this message of being chosen, loved, and having a plan applies to everyone, not just young people or special individuals. She challenges listeners to consider whether they are living a life of abundance as Jesus desires, or if they are living a life on "autopilot" as a part-time job. The message encourages deeper surrender and obedience to God to experience a life of more than enough, characterized by peace, joy, and hope, and invites them to follow Jesus.
Listen to the sermon
Key verses
The thief comes only to steal and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1-3
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead, but you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-62
Scripture quotations translated from Bibel 2011 © Bibelselskapet.
Discussion questions
- 1.As a Christian, how can you actively live out that you are "chosen" and not a coincidence in your daily life?
- 2.The speaker challenges us to consider if we are living a life of "abundance" with God. What does a life of abundance mean to you, and how can you take steps to experience more of it?
- 3.Jesus says in Luke 9 that following Him may require everything. What does it mean to give "everything" to God in today's Norwegian context, and what are the biggest obstacles to doing so?
- 4.As a Christian, how can you take more responsibility for proclaiming the Kingdom of God, as Jesus urged the disciples, and what are the first steps you can take?