In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, we delve into the profound transformation of Tony Mendez, a testament to the boundless grace of God. As articulated through the key verse, 1 John 3:1, we explore the extraordinary privilege of being called children of God, highlighting the transformative love that this identity entails. Tony shares his journey from a life ensnared by addiction and despair to one illuminated by faith and purpose. His heartfelt reflections reveal the pivotal moments that led him to embrace God's love and the support of his family, which ultimately guided him towards redemption. Together, we witness the power of God's grace in action, affirming that no one is beyond the reach of His transformative love. Episode 66 of the Abundant Life Podcast, entitled "A Child of God," presents a deeply moving exploration of spiritual renewal through the testimony of Tony Mendez. Co-hosts Ben Arellano and Saso Mendez engage Tony in a heartfelt discussion, framed by the key verse from 1 John 3:1, which celebrates the remarkable love that God extends to His followers, enabling them to be recognized as His children. This foundational message sets the stage for Tony’s powerful story of redemption and transformation. Tony candidly shares the struggles of his past, including a troubled upbringing and the impact of addiction on his life. Reflecting on his childhood, he recounts feelings of loneliness and instability following his parents' separation. Despite the challenges he faced, the unwavering love and support from his family, particularly his grandmother and twin brother, served as a beacon of hope. It was through these familial connections and the eventual introduction to faith that Tony began to understand God’s profound love, which ultimately led him to a turning point in his life. Tony’s testimony resonates with the central theme of the episode—that regardless of one’s past, redemption is possible through faith in Jesus. The episode concludes with a message of hope, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity in Christ, as beloved children of God, and to experience the transformative power of His love in their lives. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Takeaways: In this episode, Tony Mendez shares his powerful testimony of transformation, emphasizing how he found love and acceptance as a child of God. The key verse from 1 John 3:1 highlights the profound truth that we are called the children of God, underscoring the significance of divine love in our lives. Tony reflects on his past struggles with addiction, portraying a journey from hopelessness to redemption through faith and community support. The hosts discuss the importance of family and community in fostering spiritual growth, illustrating how supportive relationships can lead to profound change. Through his experiences, Tony emphasizes the necessity of recognizing one's worth in God's eyes, which can lead to healing and restoration. The episode concludes with an affirmation of God's unwavering love and the transformative power it holds for everyone, regardless of their past. Links referenced in this episode: caniluair.com getvictorytoday.com…

What’s Holding You Back? Are you feeling stuck? Struggling with sin, addiction, anxiety, or complacency? Many of us long for a breakthrough—but what if the key isn’t in trying harder, but in surrendering to Jesus? In this episode, we dive into what true spiritual breakthrough looks like and how you can experience victory through Christ. Key Verse: Luke 9:23-24 – Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’ What is Spiritual Breakthrough? Breakthrough isn’t just about getting past a difficult season—it’s about overcoming through Christ. It can mean: Victory over trials, loneliness, or sickness Freedom from fear, doubt, anger, and anxiety Deliverance from addiction (drugs, alcohol, pornography) Moving from complacency to Christlikeness We all have struggles, but lasting deliverance comes only through God’s power. The Ultimate Breakthrough: Surrendering to Jesus Jesus calls us to lose our life—not in despair, but in surrender. True breakthrough starts with salvation. Without it, no other breakthrough truly matters. Romans 10:13 – "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 1 Corinthians 1:18 – "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Jesus carried the cross, died, and rose again for you. When you trust in His work on the cross, you experience the ultimate breakthrough—eternal life. Steps to Breakthrough for a Christian If you’ve already placed your trust in Jesus, here’s how you can walk in breakthrough: 1. Confess & Repent Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Before breakthrough comes, we must come clean before God. 2. Pray with Faith James 4:3 – "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God hears the prayers of those who seek Him. Pray for spiritual breakthrough with faith, just as: Hezekiah prayed for healing and was granted 15 more years of life. Hannah prayed for a child and gave birth to the prophet Samuel. The early church prayed for Peter, and God miraculously freed him from prison. We must ask in faith. Don’t pray for rain and forget your umbrella. 3. Fast for Dependence on God Fasting isn’t about manipulating God—it’s about recognizing our need for Him. Daniel 10:12-13 – Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days. His prayer was heard immediately, but spiritual warfare delayed the answer. Fasting strengthens our dependence on God and aligns our hearts with His will. 4. Worship While You Wait Even in difficulty, worship is key to breakthrough. Acts 16:25-26 – Paul and Silas were imprisoned, yet they prayed and worshipped. Suddenly, an earthquake broke their chains. Worship shifts our focus from the problem to the Provider. 5. Trust God’s Timing Waiting isn’t easy, but God is always working. Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Romans 8:28-29 – “For those who love God, all things work together for good…” When we pray, fast, and worship while waiting, we draw closer to God—whether or not we receive the breakthrough we expect. Final Thoughts: What’s Your Next Step? Taking up your cross means surrender, trust, and obedience. If you want to save your life, you must lose it by giving it fully to Jesus. The greatest breakthrough isn’t getting what we want—it’s becoming who God calls us to be. What do you need God to do in your life? What breakthrough are you seeking? Surrender to Jesus, trust Him fully, and watch what He does.…

The Testimony of Carlos Mercado Is salvation found in religion? Or is it found in a person? Carlos Mercado grew up in the Catholic Church, but faith always felt more like a ritual than a relationship. Religion was something he was familiar with, but he never truly bought into it. That all changed when he met his wife, Nicole. As they started attending church together, Carlos was introduced to the truth of the gospel. He realized that salvation isn’t about following religious traditions—it’s about knowing Jesus. His journey led him to be baptized, and today, he is passionate about serving God, raising his children in the faith, and honoring Christ through his HVAC and plumbing business. In This Episode: ✔️ Carlos' childhood experience with religion and why it never felt personal ✔️ The turning point when he encountered Jesus and gave his life to Him ✔️ How baptism marked a new chapter in his faith ✔️ His commitment to raising his children to know and love God ✔️ Using his business as a way to honor Christ Carlos’ story is a powerful reminder that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved—only Jesus (Acts 4:12). If you’ve ever felt like you were going through the motions of faith but longed for something more, this testimony will encourage you.…

In this episode we are joined by Rebekah Mendez from Lamplight MinistriesHearing God’s voice is a question many are asking, but how can you discern it in your life? In this episode, we have the privilege of welcoming Rebekah Mendez from Lamp Light Ministries to the Abundant Life Podcast. As a Biblical counselor for women, Rebekah will lead our discussion on hearing God’s voice, exploring four key steps: Confirm your relationship, Reorder your desires, Incline your ear, and Obey His voice. Anchored in John 10:27, this conversation emphasizes that the primary way to hear God is through His living Word. Discover how living in obedience and surrender to God prepares you to receive revelation by His chosen means. Don’t miss this powerful guide to deepening your relationship with the Good Shepherd!…

This Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. But why did He come? In this episode, we dive into the heart of Philippians 2:8, uncovering the profound purpose of His arrival: to rescue sinners and reconcile us to God. From the moment of His birth, Jesus embraced humility, stepping into our broken world as fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless life, yet willingly faced rejection, suffering, and death on a cross—not for His sin, but for ours. We’ll reflect on the powerful truth that Jesus’ crucifixion was not the end of the story. On the third day, He rose victorious over sin and death, ascended into heaven, and reigns as King. And one of the greatest promises of Christmas is this: He is coming back soon to make all things new. Join us as we explore the eternal hope and redemption that Christ’s birth brings, and remember the greatest gift ever given—Jesus, born to die so that we might live.…

In this heartwarming episode, we explore the incredible legacy of faith passed down from a grandmother, Lourdes, to her granddaughter, Nicole. Rooted in the truth of 2 Timothy 1:5 ( "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." ), we see how Lourdes' consistent prayers over the years have breathed new life into Nicole's journey with Jesus. Listen in as we share the beautiful story of how a grandmother’s unshakable faith and devotion to prayer ignited a fresh passion for Christ in her granddaughter. Discover how the power of a praying Nana can transform generations, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and souls of those she loves.…

In this powerful episode, we dive into the topic of hopelessness—what it truly means, how it manifests in our lives, and where we can find lasting hope. Our key verse, Romans 15:13, reminds us that God is the source of true hope, joy, and peace. Without Him, all other sources of hope will fail. For unbelievers, hopelessness can feel inescapable, but even believers can find themselves wrestling with discontentment when they lose sight of God's promises. We explore alarming statistics about the rise of hopelessness, particularly among American teenage girls, and the tragic reality of suicide. According to the CDC, 3 in 5 teenage girls report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Suicide remains a leading cause of death, especially among men. But these stats don’t have to define anyone's future. Through Scripture and personal stories, including the tragic loss of a dear friend, we discuss how discontentment leads to fear, anger, and ultimately despair. But there is hope—a hope found in Christ that is not wishful thinking but a confident assurance anchored in His promises. Join us as we reflect on verses like John 16:33, Hebrews 6:19, and Titus 2:13, which assure us of the living hope that comes through Jesus. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, there is a hope that can save your soul. Listen now to be encouraged and reminded that true hope starts with Jesus. 📖 Key Scripture : Romans 15:13 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts : Click Here 🎧 Listen on Spotify : Click Here 👉 Follow us on social media for more inspiration: Instagram: @abundan7life Twitter: @abundan7life Facebook: Abundant Life Podcast For more episodes, visit our website: https://abundantlife.fm…

Episode 59 - I am a sinful man Webster’s 1828 - UNCLEAN - Not clean; foul; dirty; filthy. In the Jewish law, ceremonially impure; not cleansed by ritual practices. Key Verse - Luke 5:8 - When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. ” Peter had been with Jesus but then he realized who Jesus actually was. He called Him, “Master” but then in verse 8 he recognized his sinful condition as he saw who God was. We often view God through our own lens and lower Him to our level instead of seeing Him as Peter saw Him when he performed this miracle Isaiah 6:1-5 - In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” When we are in the presence of God, we see ourselves as unclean. We have no choice but to see the stark contrast between man and God, and we cannot fully understand the great divide as we can only see it through our human eyes. God is Holy Lesson 1 of the Exchange, God cannot look upon sin Habakkuk 1:13 - You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong (iniquity, sin, wickedness) Exodus 33:17-23 - And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” And the LORD said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.” John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son Matthew 17:1-2 - And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. John 3:30 - He must increase, but I must decrease. We must all come to this realization in order to come to Christ. There are two religions in this world: Works based and faith based. Works based in grounded in us increasing and He decreasing whereas faith based is holding Him in His proper view of Him increased and us decreased. The fall of man was predicated on the elevation of self (Lucifer) and it is the downfall of man that sends him to hell when he is not accepting of the finished work of Jesus Christ. John 9:24-25 - Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.” We were all blind before coming to Christ, and when we put Him in His rightful place, He opens our eyes to the truth. Praise God for what He is doing in the lives of people! I’ve had the privilege to play a small part in two young me coming to Christ recently. Have you put God in His rightful place or are you like King Festus? Acts 26:24-28 - And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” What about you Christian? Are you seeing God through your lens or are you seeing Him as Peter saw Him on that day? “For I am a sinful man, O Lord. ” There are many instances in the Bible where people repented (changed their mind) and thus, changed their lives. Will you decrease Christian and let Him Increase? Will you give of your life to Him? Will you serve the Almighty God who is able to change your life like no one else? What are you living for today? Self? The pursuit of this world? Work? Money? Prestige? Maybe you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior. Maybe you are depending on your own good works (self). Will you open your blind eyes to the truth? Will you surrender yourself to His kingship in your life? Peter was spiritually naked before God and saw his sinful state! Will you surrender lordship over your life and surrender to Him today? Romans 14:11 - For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. He will always have the preeminence, so you decide if you will surrender or will you be forced to bow the knee?…

Abundant Life Episode 58 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about the topic of selfishness and how it is very destructive. Websters 1828 Selfish – Regarding one’s own interest chiefly or soley; influenced in actions by a view to private advantage. Key Verse Philippians 2:3-4 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit , but in humility count others more significant than yourselves . Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Selfish ambition – Another word for selfishness which means motivation to elevate oneself or to put one’s own interests before another’s. Conceit – This simply means pride. In other words don’t to anything out of selfishness and pride. Selfishness and pride work hand in hand. The Fall of Man Selfishness can be traced back to the fall of man. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden there was a selfishness and pride. Genesis 3:6 – So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Satan appealed to Adam and Eve’s pride and their selfish desire to be wise like God. Thelema Religion The word Thelema means “choice” or “will” Thelema is an occult religion that was taught by Aleister Crowley who was an occultist. One of the main axioms of Thelema is “ Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law .” Aleister Crowley has had a major influence in today’s culture through music and entertainment Ozzy Osbourne has a song named Mr Crowely, The Beatles album cover pictures Crowley, Michale Jackson album cover pictures Crowley and there are many more examples Bottom line is that this teaching of do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law is a teaching straight from the pit of hell. Selfism Religion The idea is self-worship. You are your own god. Quote from The Gospel Coalition – Philosophies of selfism: Your mind is the source and standard of truth , so no matter what, trust yourself. Your emotions are authoritative, so never question (or let anyone else question) your feelings. You are sovereign , so flex your omnipotence and bend the universe around your dreams and desires. You are supreme , so always act according to your chief end, to glorify and enjoy yourself forever. You are the standard of goodness —so don’t let anyone oppress you with the antiquated notion of being a sinner who needs grace. You are the Creator , so use that limitless creative power to craft your identity and purpose. #authenticity. Satanism Church of Satan was established by Anton LaVey in 1966 Anton LaVey is the author of the Satanic Bible The basic commonality in all the branches of Satanism is a promotion of self. All forms of Satanism claim that life exists to consume and that selfishness is a virtue . The Solution We MUST stop listening and believing the lies of the devil. We need to be alert and identify when these lies creep up into our minds. We need to be others-focused and not self-focused. Put others first. Mark 12:31 Galatians 6:2 Ephesians 4:32 1 Corinthians 10:24 Romans 12:10 Galatians 5:26 Matthew 6:33 Romans 7:5 John 13:34-35 1 Peter 2:11…

Abundant Life Episode 57 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about the profound love of God for us and why Jesus had to die. Key Verse Romans 5:7-8 – For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It was our sin that put Jesus on the cross Jeremiah 17:9 Romans 3:10-12 2 Corinthians 5:21 God’s Love for Us God loved us even when we were in sin and when we were what the Bible calls ungodly. 1 John 4:8 1 John 4:10 John 15:13 Ephesians 2:4-5 Romans 5:7-8 God knows you personally Jeremiah 1:5 God’s Unconditional Love Nothing and no-one can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:35,78-39 https://youtu.be/myP9Mvs1sOk?si=c58TP_waGFOxNxQo…

Abundant Life Episode 56 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about starting off 2024 on the right foot by shedding the weight of sin in order to run the race of life. Key Word Weight – The quantity of a body, ascertained by the balance; in a philosophical sense, that quality of bodies by which they tend towards the center of the earth in a line perpendicular to its surface. In short, weight is gravity, and the weight of a particular body is the amount of its gravity, or of the force with which it tends to the center. The weight of a body is in direct proportion to its quantity of matter. A ponderous mass; something heavy. – Websters 1828 Key Verse Hebrews 12:1 Kill Sin Mark 9:41-42 Mark 9:43-48 Lay Aside Hinderances Romans 12:2 Psalm 139:23-24 Romans 6:1-2, 6-8 Run with Endurance 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 Hebrews 10:36 Ephesians 4:22-24 Keep Your Eyes On the Prize (Jesus) Hebrews 12:2 1 John 2:6 1 Peter 2:21 Matthew 10:38 1 Timothy 4:7-8 1 Corinthians 9:24 Philippians 3:14 1 Corinthians 9:27…

Abundant Life Episode 55 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about one of the awesome names of Jesus, Immanuel, God with Us. Key Verse Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23 God’s presence among His people in the old testament The Shekinah Glory – In the old testament this was a term coined by the Jewish rabbis which is a Hebrew word that literally means “he caused to dwell,” meaning that it was a divine visitation of the presence or dwelling of the Lord God on this earth. Exodus 40:34-35 Jesus purpose for coming Matthew 1:21 Hebrews 4:15 The plan from eternity past was for Jesus to come save us from our sin. He not only saves us, Hebrews tells us that Jesus sympathizes with us, although He does not excuse our sin. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit Matthew 1:20 This is a miraculous conception! Jesus came at just the right time Galatians 4:4 According to BibleRef , The word translated as “redeem” is from the Greek root word exagorazo. This is the same word used to buy a slave out of bondage. Jesus’ love for us is unconditional Romans 8:38-39 There is nothing we can do to merit more or less love from God. He loves us and it is this love that caused God to send His Son down to us. Jesus gives us rest Matthew 11:28 Jesus is the only one that can give us peace and rest! Jesus is with us in trials Psalm 23:4 1 Peter 1:6-8 This life is filled with adversity, trials and testing, but in all that God is with us. We must remain faithful and steadfast through the storms knowing that God is with us. We must be obedient to stay in relationship with Jesus Matthew 16:24 We must be obedient as we walk with God. When we sin, we essentially drift away from God, but God never goes anywhere. Jesus provides for us Matthew 17:27 God is not only with us, He provides for our every need. We are the ones that drift Revelation 2:3-4 We must repent and confess our sin and come back to our first love. God is with us everywhere we are Psalm 139:4-10 As a Christian, there is nowhere we can go that God will abandon us. Jesus was God in the flesh 1 Timothy 3:16 For now we have the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, but Jesus is coming back soon!…

Abundant Life Episode 54 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about all the tings they are thankful for in 2023 Keyword Thanksgiving – The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies. – Websters 1828 Key Verse – Psalm 100:4-5 Things we are thankful for… God’s Sovereignty – Lamentations 3:37-39 My Wife – Proverbs 18:22 & Proverbs 31:10 God’s Provision – James 1:16-17 My Mom – Proverbs 31:11-12 Family & Friends – Proverbs 18:24 God’s Mercy Love and Faithfulness – Lamentations 3:22-23 Church – Acts 2:46-47 Salvation & Gospel – Acts 4:12 & Romans 1:16 Abundant Life Listeners – Ephesians 4:29…

Abundant Life Episode 53 In this episode Saso and Ben talk about the death of a good friend who struggled with addiction and is now with the Lord Do you struggle with temptation or a besetting sin? If you are a child of God, you have a way of escape. You have the power by the Holy Spirit to say NO to sin. In this episode we talk about the way of escape. Key Verse – 1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God is faithful! We will not be tempted beyond our ability We have a way of escape We are granted the ability to endure temptation As a believer there is ALWAYS an option NOT to sin. Don’t be enticed by the love of the world! 1 John 2:15-16 Avoid temptation and RUN from sin! Proverbs 4:14 Romans 13:14 Genesis 39:12 Don’t exchange your soul for the things of this world! Matthew 16:26 Don’t give the devil a foot hold. Ephesians 4:27 The Christian life is a spiritual battle. Fight the good fight! 1 Timothy 6:12 Resist the devil at all costs! James 4:7 Be alert, on guard, and pray! Mark 14:38 1 Peter 5:8-9 As a Christian we must grow to become more like Christ. We must grow in our relationship with God. By doing so we are taking steps to make our way of escape easier in the day of temptation. 2 Peter 3:17-18 God is ALWAYS with you! Deuteronomy 31:8…

Abundant Life Episode 52 In this episode Saso and Ben bring Heather Gapen back on the show to discuss sanctification. From the time we are born again, we begin to grow as a Christian with the ultimate goal of being like Jesus. This process lasts a lifetime and we as Christians should take an active role in this process. Websters 1828 Sanctification – The act of making holy. (Holy means set apart) Key Verse 2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 1 Peter 1:5-7 – For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. Hebrews 12:10 – For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Acts 26:18 – To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Philippians 3:12-14 – Not that I have already attained,or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Acts 2:42 – And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,…