2. Introduction Salmon, with a unified task, have a God given, crystal clear goal: ensure future life

3. No excuses – All strive for the goal

4. All endure trials along the way

5. Some die along the way… trying

6. In the end: goal accomplished!

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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?