How many stars?Between

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 and

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

In the beginning . . .

1. The future is assured. 1 John 3:2-31 Thessalonians 4:13-18Romans 8:18-21John 14:1-4

. . . and in the end

1. The future is assured.2. Our assured future changes the way we think.

about our livesabout historyabout society and cultureabout other people

. . . and in the end

. . . and in the endThere are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations -these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.

~C. S. Lewis

1. The future is assured.2. Our assured future changes the way we think.3. Our assured future changes the way we live.

“ incredible anticipation”CertaintyComfort ConfidenceConsistency

. . . and in the end

 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”  “Where, O death, is your victory?    Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

. . . and in the end

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 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

. . . and in the end

Take a Step

ASK

1. Do I think about myself and others from the perspective

of what the future holds? 2. Would people say that I live a life of “incredible anticipation?”

3. Do I find my mind and emotions overwhelmed with issues of this world?

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in me.“

~John 14:1

Take a Step

ACT1. Today, I will ask God to take

away my fears and doubts about the future.

2. I will put into practice the reality that everything done for the Lord lasts eternally.

3. I will treat people like the incredible beings they will become.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

~1 Cor. 15:58