Because of Christ...

Shabbat Shalom from Kent, London - 02May2025

Scripture Reference: Php 3:7-11

Because of Christ...

All I want is CHRIST, to know that I belong to HIM. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ; all I want is to know CHRIST and the Power that raised HIM to Life- Paul, the Apostle.

Goals are important. Some are personal, professional, financial, health, social, short term or long-term. They are unique, for a purpose. They shift or shuffle our priorities, if not they are merely distractions holding us back from our true potential. Let us look into the details from this passage. It highlights,

• All the things once we thought were so important Versus High privilege of knowing CHRIST JESUS as our Master.
• Inferior stuffs Versus Knowing CHIRST personally.
• Insignificant things Versus Embracing CHRIST or Embraced by HIM.
• Inferior brand of righteousness Versus Experience of HIS Resurrection Power.

When I asked Paul why he got rid of the insignificant stuff, he replied with the following reasons...

1. Because of Christ.
2. To gain HIM.
3. To embrace CHRIST.
4. Worth or Value of knowing CHRIST.
5. Commitment to JESUS.
6. Excelling in knowledge of JESUS.
7. Growing more deeply in HIM.
8. To enjoy the JOY unequalled. 
9. To prioritise HIM.
10. It's a treasure hidden in a field.
11. It's like searching of fine pearls.
12. To obey the MASTER & to become DISCIPLE.
13. To the Glory that will be revealed om us - Rom 8:18 
14. I belong to HIM - Php 3:10.
15. To fellowship of HIS sufferings.

For the sake of the CHRIST, 

Let go of treasures, earthly gain, The fleeting joys, the pride, the fame.
For Christ alone, our hearts aspire, He is our hope, our holy fire.

No law could make us pure and whole, But faith in Him redeems our soul.
To know His love, His power, His Grace, In every trial, we see His face.

Through suffering, we walk His way, His resurrection lights our day.
So press ahead, no turning back, For in His glory, nothing lacks.

The purpose that HE has given in our lives enables us to declare that what we once considered a gain is now regarded as a loss. The assets we once valued are now seen as liabilities because of CHRIST. The things that were once advantages to us are now counted as losses for the sake of THE MESSIAH. Everything we once thought was valuable, beautiful, or an advancement in merit is now deemed utterly worthless for the sake of CHRIST.

His life, death and resurrection offer us an assurance of salvation and the promise of the eternal life. This is the profound encouragement from Paul during this season. May the Holy Spirit guide, comfort, empower, uplift, encourage and inspire to be perseverance. Father, God, we are looking forward to the ultimate JOY of BEING with YOU forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.

This Easter season is a timeless reminder to evaluate and shift our FOCUS from Self to CHRIST, to deeper relationship and to lead a lifestyle with an Eternal mindset and to align our lives with God's purposes.

Peace be upon the State of Israel and us. Have a good long weekend. 

Shalom, In His Grip