West Loop Church UBF

Video presentation based on the sermon.

Every person in this world has a dream and a desire to do something. A lot of times our dreams can be very noble and good – like wanting world peace, feeding the poor, bringing our family to Christ, sharing the gospel with someone at work, getting married, making a difference. Elijah was no different. He also had a very noble dream. He wanted to bring glory to God by bringing about a great revival to his nation. He yearned for good and great things to happen. But what happens if our dreams don’t come true? What happens if God just wants us to live a mediocre life? What if he wants West Loop ministry to remain small? What if he doesn’t want you to be the one to bring your family to Christ? What if he doesn’t want you to marry? Or perhaps, what if he has given you your dream, and then suddenly has taken it away from you?

Key Verse: 3:8

"I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."

Based on Paul's testimony in Phil 3:8-11, I pondered the question, "What is a Christian?" But this past week was a very tough week. A former Bible student was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault. Ever since I heard the news last Sun evening, I have been distressed and distraught all week, conflicted with many thoughts and emotions. I tried to work on my sermon, but was simply distracted and depressed. The text in Philippians is bright and glorious. Paul was declaring joyfully, "Jesus is worth more to me than anything else in the world." The reality I was experiencing is dark and gloomy. A friend I have known for five years is charged with rape and robbery. How do I resolve such conflicts within my own heart? I am not able to. But I do know as a Christian that God is good, and that all things work out for good to those who love God and who have been called by God (Rom 8:28). I pray for him that through this sad, painful and unfortunate event, he may come to find his Joy, his Treasure and his Pleasure in Jesus. I pray that he may come to confess from his heart as Paul did in the text today. Briefly, Paul shows us his core and his center in Phil 3:7-11. He teaches us what it means to be a Christian.