Scripture References: Colossians 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 3:10-21; Hebrews 11:13-16, 24-26; John 17:3; John 3:16

Intro: Welcome to the first sermon in our series on "Forever." A recent, challenging conversation with my brother asked: "Do you really believe what you say?" It highlighted a crucial point: there's often a gap between our professed faith (especially about eternity) and our daily behavior (fear, worry, how we handle money). We say we believe in heaven, yet live as if this life is all there is. This series aims to explore how a genuine belief in forever should radically impact our everyday lives.

Key Points:

1. Belief vs. Behavior Disconnect: Our actions are the true indicators of our beliefs. We might say we trust God with eternity, yet struggle to trust Him with daily concerns. The Holy Spirit often reveals this inconsistency, showing where our behavior doesn't align with our stated faith.
2. Aiming Past This Life: Like breaking boards or swinging a bat, to get through this life effectively, we must aim past it. Focusing solely on the here and now leads to getting stuck. Eternity provides the only ultimate goal that gives meaning to our present struggles and choices. C.S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."
3. Paul's Eternal Perspective: Paul endured immense hardship because he fixed his eyes "not on what is seen, but on what is unseen," knowing present troubles achieve an "eternal glory" (2 Cor 4:17-18). He pressed "heavenward" (Phil 3:14). This eternal focus made him incredibly effective on earth. History shows heavenly-minded Christians make the greatest earthly impact.
4. Essentials for Living with Eternity in View:
   • Vision: We need a compelling, biblical vision of eternity that fascinates us – more than just "better than hell."
   • Taste: Experiencing God's kingdom presence and promises now gives us a foretaste and makes eternity feel real.
   • Expectation/Anticipation: Fueled by the vision and taste.
   • Constraint/Self-Control: An eternal perspective helps us say 'no' to fleeting temptations for a greater reward (Heb 11:24-26).
   • Community: We need fellow believers running alongside us, aiming for the same goal.
5. Dangers of Forgetting Forever: Living as if this life is all there is (the "pack it all in" mentality) leads to disappointment (expecting too much from this world), self-centeredness, questioning God's goodness, fear, controlling behavior, and ignoring the reality of eternal consequences.
6. Eternal Life Starts Now: Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God and knowing Him (John 17:3). Our focus on forever isn't just about the future; it's about deepening our relationship with Jesus, the source of eternal life, right now.

Conclusion: Our lives often don't make sense when viewed only through the lens of the present. Believing in forever – truly aiming past this life – provides the perspective, motivation, and endurance needed to live faithfully and fruitfully now. It reorders priorities and anchors us in hope.

Call to Action: Honestly assess your life. Does your daily reality reflect a belief in forever? Or are you stuck aiming only at earthly goals? Ask God for a compelling vision of eternity centered on Jesus. Seek "tastes" of His kingdom now. Consciously choose to live with an eternal perspective today, letting it inform your decisions, calm your fears, and shape your relationships.

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