Stand Alone Sermon

“Keep your eyes on the prize!” People who want to encourage people to focus, to keep on working, to persevere through trials and to do whatever it takes to reach their goal often use these words.  In fact, the Apostle Paul said something very similar in Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!” Paul believed that he would one day live in the presence of God and that his body would be raised imperishable, immortal. The Apostles taught that the end goal of all that God was doing and is doing is the union of Christ and His Church, when they will dwell together in the new heaven and the new earth … forever!! Any other goal is at best short-sighted, and at worst a distraction. All that we strive for as believers should be done with the “prize” in mind, not trying to earn the prize, but knowing that it is the gift of God’s grace that is our inheritance in Christ. Looking only at the things of this world leads to imagining that we are somehow in control, or that the things of this world can satisfy our longing to dwell in the presence of Christ. At least that SHOULD be our longing! Is it yours?? Do you think about all that God has promised His children as you make plans, as you endure trials, as you live in the midst of the uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances of this world? You need to “keep your eyes on the prize!” The day will come when the greatest wedding banquet ever given will take place. Christ and His Bride will be united in a perfect, righteous, spiritual intimacy that will continue forever, time without end.  We will live in a perfect world with perfect spiritual/physical bodies, in the presence of God, our Creator, in perfect love with God and with all who are part of His “forever family.” And nothing shall separate us from His love … EVER!! “Rejoice in the Lord, for His is good. His love endures forever!”