The Local Church

Abundant Life

I was born into a Christian family. My mother was a good example for me. When I was 12, God became real to me and the Lord Jesus became a part of my daily life. I grew up in a small Hispanic church. The people there were dear Christians. This preserved me throughout my teenage years because I was always busy with church affairs.

When I was 19, I moved far away from home to attend Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. It was at that time that the Lord began to make John 10:10 so real to me. The Lord said in the second half of that verse, “I have come that they may have life and may have it abundantly.” I began to consider the words “have life and may have it abundantly.” I wondered where was the abundant life? I had spent all my years since I received the Lord simply worshipping God and working for God. It really seemed to me in those days that Christ wanted to bring me into the daily experience of an abundant life in Him.

It was at this time that I sovereignly ran into some Christians on campus. I remember how joyful they were to be Christians. They actually called on His name during the day. They loved Him and praised Him. They also met together. Without being invited, I attended one of their meetings. I had a positive witness within me as I sat there.

Later, as I got hungrier, I read books by Watchman Nee such as The Normal Christian Life, Love Not the World, and The Release of the Spirit. I also read Christ vs. Religion by Witness Lee. That book was a confirmation of what the Lord was doing within me. In those days, I learned something very important and that was that God had purposed in eternity past to gather a group of people to express and represent Him on the earth. That group of people would be the church, the Body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23).

Over 30 years have passed since those days. I thank God He has brought me into His purpose where I am growing in Him and preparing for His soon coming.

E.W. | Back to List

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