We believe the wisest way to use our lives, gifting, and resources is to present in every way possible to the people on earth, that Christ died for them and that Christ died as them. The simplicity of these two statements strips away all else. People are either without Christ and need to know and believe He died for them. People with Christ need to know they are eternally secure in Christ and Christ on earth lives His life through them as they abide in Him. This involves us in missionary evangelism and missionary disciple making to the nations.

 

What do we mean by “abiding above”?

“Abiding” speaks of our life here on this earth. We are to abide (rest) in the indwelling Holy Spirit to live the Christian life through us because it is impossible for us to live the Christian life by trying hard to imitate Jesus. It’s not imitating, it’s simply abiding in Him.

John 15:4-5“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

“Above” speaks of the believer’s position in Christ, in Heaven. As God’s children we are now, seated with Christ in Heaven.

Ephesians 2:4-6 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”

Colossians 3:1-3 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your mind on things above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

When we choose to “Abide Above” we are abiding (resting) during this brief moment called time on earth (in the indwelling Holy Spirit to live Christ’s life through us,) all the while, keeping our minds above where God sees us already sitting at His right hand inside of Christ forever and ever.

Proverbs 23:7“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” 

Chris

Chris Hodges

Chris S. Hodges, Founder and President of Abiding Above Ministries, demonstrates a keen understanding of the inner life and needs of people. “My focus is missionary evangelism and training people how to train multiplying disciple makers worldwide.” Through Chris’ Bible teaching ministry, he encourages spiritual growth and emotional healing as...

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