Straining Forward // Philippians 3:12-14
We strain forward in our life with the Lord by fulfilling our purpose, forgetting the past, and staying focused on the prize.

We strain forward in our life with the Lord by fulfilling our purpose, forgetting the past, and staying focused on the prize.
Life is a gift, especially for Christians. The Bible tells us that every believer is in a race, so we should strive to finish strong. As we run as individuals, we support and encourage one another as at the people of God.
Far too many Christians have grown too comfortable with God, especially the birth of Jesus. This Christmas Eve, we hope that you remain in of the Lord and his majesty.
Jesus came into the world in the most humble and expected manner. God himself in human form, came to us in order that we would know his sacrificial love.
Christmas is all about anticipation. More than the countdown presents and time with family, the anticipation that filled the heart of Mary and the shepherds was one of everlasting joy. In Christ, we not only look towards the coming joy, but have access to perfect joy through the Holy Spirit.
Long before his arrival, Jesus was promised by the Prophets of the Old Testament. The prophecy delivered by Isaiah would not only describe Christ’s arrival, but even describe his birth, life, death and resurrection. The Savior spoken by the prophets was not random or without purpose, but was cause for great hope.
God people see God in you? Is your life a reflection of God’s truth and integrity, or do simply pretend to know the Lord? Abraham shows us what a life that reflects God in everything looks like.
God is faithful, God hears, and God sees.
God will either discipline and correct us as a loving Father, or punish us because of our sins as a righteous Judge.
Sin has consequences. Whether we choose to believe it or not, sin will always bring God’s righteous judgment, wrath, and destruction. God is good and he is great not only in his blessings, but also in his judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah.
God is good in all that he does. Because God is holy and just, he must judge sin. Therefore we must remember that God’s judgement is always good, and is and flows from his holiness. God’s warning to Abraham of the impending doom of Sodom should serve as a reminder that God is the perfect Judge.
God is great, and his works are wonderful. In the moments when things are grim and seem impossible that’s when God shows up.
The life and obedience of Abraham shows us that God’s promises are true and will come to pass. We do not need to help him, but show that we trust him by putting our faith to work.
God is always work. Even when circumstances seem unlikely and grim, he is working and always keeps his promises. Like God reminding Abraham that he is the Almighty, we must remember who God is and find our peace and faith in him alone.
When it comes to waiting, we often try to help God. However, instead of making things better, we often make a bigger mess of things when we make our detours around God’s plans.
Can we trust God? How do you respond to trusting God with your life, legacy, and land?
Our blessing will always be a result of a battle. The troubles that we face are not for nothing because is always working to produce holiness in us.
This is part 2 of last week’s sermon. In this sermon, we learn that like Abraham, we must make the right choices in order that we might learn the lessons that God is teaching us.
Like Abraham, we must make the right choices in order that we might learn the lessons that God is teaching us.
Jesus is eternal, the second person of the Godhead and Creator of all things. Since he is the Creator of all things, he is the Lord over everything.
In the middle of faltering faith, we have a God who is faithful and he does not fail. Therefore, we can trust him to protect us through seasons of famine and doubt.
God is good and his word is true. Even when circumstances seem grim, we can trust in him.
Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. His mission has called us, and his compassion compels us.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have a courageous soul.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have personal commitment.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have a strategic plan.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have radical faith.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have a yielded spirit.
To fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you must have a surrendered heart.
Many people want God’s blessings, but few want to serve and follow him as Lord. In our passage, we see that God not only made us to follow him, but promises to bless those that pursue and seek him over everything.