IntroductionSalmon,

with a unified task,have a God given, crystal clear goal:

ensure future life

No excuses – All strive for the goal

All endure trials along the way

Some die along the way… trying

In the end: goal accomplished!

We all have a desire to be with God• We love the idea of spending an eternity with

God in heaven. Jn. 14:2• How many, however, choose the difficult path

full of trials… possible loss of life… so that the overall goal is accomplished: more souls to have life in Christ? Phil. 3:7-11

The way of the world• Many want to have eternal life while living a

comfortable (downstream) life of luxury. Matt. 7:13• Isn’t this the life of the rich man (vs. Lazarus)? Lk.

16:19– He “knew” Abraham. V. 24– He didn’t have the same life like Abraham.

Heb. 11:16

The way of the Lord• Holding on to the goal (Jesus). Phil. 3:12-21– This means “trying” – no excuses. 2 Tim. 1:7– The means going against the “norm”. Matt. 7:14– This means pressing on through trials. Prov. 24:16– This means possibly losing your life that others

might be able to have it. Matt. 16:24-27

Conclusion• In the following week we look at some of the

“hard things” we must do if we are to strive for the prize of the upward call in Christ Jesus.

• Ask yourself – in light of eternity’s calling – what/who are you living for?