PHILIPPIANS
One of the most beautiful testi monies of Scripture is found in the words of Paul, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). This is a text that cuts like the surgeon's scalpel into the heart of our faith. Christianity is a Person: Jesus Christ. All that is rightly associated with Christian ity finds its center of gravity in the Saviour. Take the Lord away from Christianity and you absolutely dis embowel it with practically noth ing left. You cannot judge Christianity by the buildings you see or by various movements that might be a de clared part of it. Christ Himself must be the heart of Christianity. You are going to be disappointed every time if you only look at peo ple. Some unfortunately conclude that Christianity is totally the vis ible church. So many congrega tions are filled with people who have gone no further than this point. Again I repeat, you cannot judge Jesus Christ only by what you Page 42
see in organized religion. Nothing about Christianity will ever be understood until there is faith in Christ through our personal rela tionship to Him. Galatians 2:20 should also be considered in the light of Philip pians 1:20. The latter came from the early days of Paul's ministry while the former was penned near the end of his life. Both statements summarize the living essence of the Apostle's faith. Put the two together and you find a great ex pression of what was undoubtedly his commission. This was truly his "heart-throb" in service for the Master. In the first place, Christianity is faith in Christ. It is the acknowl edgment that you can do nothing spiritually to save yourself from the hell all humanity deserves. It is the receiving of the Lord as your Sav iour that gives you redemption. This is the thrust of Philippians. Are you trusting in Jesus Christ and Him alone for your salvation?
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs